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Author Topic: Teardown - IBM beamsprings  (Read 1963 times)

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Offline chyros

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Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« 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! :)

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Check my keyboard video reviews:

Offline E TwentyNine

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 25 January 2018, 16:49:18 »
Great video.   By far my favorite switch, only second to typing on a Selectric.
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Daily driver: SSK or Tenkeyless IBM AT
1984 Model M Industrial Prototype ⌨ 1992 Black Oval Industrial SSK ⌨ 1982 5251 Beam Spring ⌨ 89 Key "SSK" ⌨ M13 triplets

Offline Kevadu

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #2 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!
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Offline ThoughtArtist

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #3 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.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #4 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?

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That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
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Offline SneakyRobb

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #5 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
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Offline Kevadu

  • Posts: 382
Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #6 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 I'd be better off trying to score a deal on a whole keyboard somewhere...
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Offline Techno Trousers

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #7 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.
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Offline UsualSuspectXXX

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Re: Teardown - IBM beamsprings
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 25 January 2018, 23:11:12 »
Nice video. I'll have to watch some of your others as well.
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