IBM Model M Actuation before click

[cihan]

Hello all,
I am new to the forum and I apologize in advance if I have started the topic at the wrong place.
I have just bought a used IBM Model M clicky keyboard. I really liked it however I have a problem with some keys.

The problem is with the zero key in the numpad. It actuates without click and it can be actuated really easily without pressing the key far down. And sometimes zero key starts to actuates itself without touching any other keys. Time to time it starts to actuate when I press 3 key on numpad too.

I removed the stem and saw inside the barrel. I also removed some other keys to compare the position of the pivot plate and the spring with the other keys. As I can observe, the pivot plate of the zero key in the numpad section seems to be shifted a little right comparing the other keys. I tried to move it a little left with tweezer but it was staying solid inside the barrel and it didn't move. Then I tried to take off and replace the stem 20-30 times and it was fixed and it is working well now. But I am not sure if this is going to happen again in the future too.

The other problem is with the "S" key. It is working well and not causing any problems when I am typing but when I try to actuate it pressing the key so so slowly holding the key with a few fingers, it actuates maybe 0,5 mm or less before the point where I hear the click sound.

I have never tried to dismantle the keyboard and tried to refit the pivot plates to their places and I am not sure if I should do this. I am asking you for advice if I should dismantle the keyboard and refit the plates to the positions where they have to be or if I should leave it as it is now. The keyboard doesn't look dirty and seems like it was cleaned at least once in its life in the past. Maybe it wasn't used so much since the keys are not so shiny yet.

I have already seen this topic before I started this topic and there is not a proper reply for the solution of the thread starter on that topic too.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38736.0

Maybe it is not necessary to try to fix it for the keys which actuate just a little before the click sound but I wonder the reason why zero on numpad was actuated when I touched the 3 key. I think someone who knows inside the keyboard can reply this. It seems like it is related with the plate which stands at the wrong positions nad touches the other pivot plate or something else. And please let me know if this is a sign for the pivot plates and springs to be changed soon.

Thanks in advance to all

[fohat.digs]

My guess is that you are have "seating" problems. When you remove and replace the key stems, stand the keyboard up (that is, resting on the bottom edge near where the spacebar is located) so that the springs flop forward (down towards the spacebar). This can help ensure that the "U" shaped part of the stem goes around them properly.

In order to get inside an M, you have to cut off the rivets and do a bolt-mod. That is a bit harrowing the first time, but allows you to thoroughly clean and adjust the board.

[rowdy]

My guess is that you are have "seating" problems. When you remove and replace the key stems, stand the keyboard up (that is, resting on the bottom edge near where the spacebar is located) so that the springs flop forward (down towards the spacebar). This can help ensure that the "U" shaped part of the stem goes around them properly.

In order to get inside an M, you have to cut off the rivets and do a bolt-mod. That is a bit harrowing the first time, but allows you to thoroughly clean and adjust the board.

Interesting ... you mention lifting the back of the keyboard up to replace the stems, but this post suggests the opposite.

[fohat.digs]

Interesting ... you mention lifting the back of the keyboard up to replace the stems, but this post http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=38736.msg752363#msg752363 suggests the opposite.

I posted in that thread. My post, #2, suggests the same thing I am suggesting here.

If the foot of the spring hammer has jumped a bit out of its socket, you can sometimes push it gently back in place with a toothpick or paper clip. That only works occasionally, and is not easy to do.

[Thimplum]

I once had the no click issue on my M's Y key. I just took the cap off and jostled the spring around a bit and then it worked again.

[rknize]

Yes, I always tilt the keyboard on its back for model Ms.  The spring needs to sit over that little nub at the top of the keycap stem.  Sometimes it doesn't pop into place when you seat the cap.  Leaning it back increases the chance that it will seat.

[Thimplum]

Yes, I always tilt the keyboard on its back for model Ms.  The spring needs to sit over that little nub at the top of the keycap stem.  Sometimes it doesn't pop into place when you seat the cap.  Leaning it back increases the chance that it will seat.

Thanks. I'll try that next time.

[DuckNorris]

Yes, I always tilt the keyboard on its back for model Ms.  The spring needs to sit over that little nub at the top of the keycap stem.  Sometimes it doesn't pop into place when you seat the cap.  Leaning it back increases the chance that it will seat.

Yeah I noticed that too when I disassembled mine. In these keyboards it only actuates once you go like all the way down correct?

[cihan]

Yes, I always tilt the keyboard on its back for model Ms.  The spring needs to sit over that little nub at the top of the keycap stem.  Sometimes it doesn't pop into place when you seat the cap.  Leaning it back increases the chance that it will seat.

Yeah I noticed that too when I disassembled mine. In these keyboards it only actuates once you go like all the way down correct?

No, you don't need to press the key all the way down to actuate it however you are pressing the keys all the way down most of the time with this keyboard since the keys are stiffer comapring rubber dome and the force necessary to push the key decreases a lot once the spring buckles while you are pressing down.

[cihan]

Thank you all for the replies and help.
I will try to refit the keys standing the keyboard next time. I am using the keyboard for some days now and I am so happy with the clik sound .