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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: chyros on Thu, 25 January 2018, 16:18:15

Title: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: chyros on Thu, 25 January 2018, 16:18:15

Another instalment in the Teardown series, today we look at what's arguably the best keyboard switch in all of history. Hope you enjoy the video! :)

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: E TwentyNine on Thu, 25 January 2018, 16:49:18

Great video.   By far my favorite switch, only second to typing on a Selectric.

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: Kevadu on Thu, 25 January 2018, 18:37:46

Here's a completely goofy idea:

What if you got a bunch of loose beamspring switches and attached them to the top of a cheap android tablet (which you can find for less than $100).  Then write some software to detect the change in capacitance (since they use capacitive touch screens) and output the results over USB.

Instant 60% beamspring keyboard!

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: ThoughtArtist on Thu, 25 January 2018, 19:56:37

Quote from: Kevadu on Thu, 25 January 2018, 18:37:46

Here's a completely goofy idea:

What if you got a bunch of loose beamspring switches and attached them to the top of a cheap android tablet (which you can find for less than $100).  Then write some software to detect the change in capacitance (since they use capacitive touch screens) and output the results over USB.

Instant 60% beamspring keyboard!

I think it would be disappointing in modern usage unless you're a writer. I mean, as good as the Model F felt to actually type on, it hindered everything else. Therefor, Cherry Browns are actually the "best" switch if you are talking about practicality and general usage.

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 25 January 2018, 20:57:48

Quote from: ThoughtArtist on Thu, 25 January 2018, 19:56:37

as good as the Model F felt to actually type on, it hindered everything else.

Huh?

What does that mean?

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: SneakyRobb on Thu, 25 January 2018, 21:48:00

Quote from: fohat.digs on Thu, 25 January 2018, 20:57:48

Quote from: ThoughtArtist on Thu, 25 January 2018, 19:56:37

as good as the Model F felt to actually type on, it hindered everything else.

Huh?

What does that mean?

I am confused. I have no idea what is being discussed or why

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: Kevadu on Thu, 25 January 2018, 22:16:38

Quote from: SneakyRobb on Thu, 25 January 2018, 21:48:00

Quote from: fohat.digs on Thu, 25 January 2018, 20:57:48

Quote from: ThoughtArtist on Thu, 25 January 2018, 19:56:37

as good as the Model F felt to actually type on, it hindered everything else.

Huh?

What does that mean?

I am confused. I have no idea what is being discussed or why

Me neither...

But I still sort of like my custom beamspring keyboard driven by a tablet touchscreen idea.  Now if only I could actually buy beamspring switches at a reasonable price...

I mean at $15 a switch (https://www.ebay.com/itm/IBM-BEAMSPRING-Key-Switch-COMPLETE-5251-3101-3278-3279-5120-Displaywriter/302464820514?hash=item466c4ee522:g:ZRoAAOSwsU5ZxwpL) I'd be better off trying to score a deal on a whole keyboard somewhere...

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: Techno Trousers on Thu, 25 January 2018, 23:08:35

Quote from: fohat.digs on Thu, 25 January 2018, 20:57:48

Quote from: ThoughtArtist on Thu, 25 January 2018, 19:56:37

as good as the Model F felt to actually type on, it hindered everything else.

Huh?

What does that mean?

Don't feed the trolls... I think.

Title: Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
Post by: UsualSuspectXXX on Thu, 25 January 2018, 23:11:12

Nice video. I'll have to watch some of your others as well.