Can rubber dome Ms be used as parts for BS Ms?

[Mr. Perfect]

So, can rubber dome Model Ms be used as parts for Buckling Spring Model Ms? It looks like the keys are a little different, but what about the rest of the case? I've been considering buying a new Unicomp and then swapping it into a classic IBM shell in order to get a new keyboard with a classic look, and those worthless rubber dome Ms would be perfect donors! It would be a shame to use an actual Model M for parts like that.

[Pylon]

Ask member jpc. He has experience with this sort of stuff.

[False_Dmitry_II]

Well, since I've read people saying they've used controllers from them on real model m's I'd say yes. Anything but the actual keys would be my guess.

Although, if that's what you want to do, I'd buy the rubber domes first. Then taking out and setting aside the useful bits (like the controller). After that, talking to customer support, and mailing in the case and whatever else they want/need to build you a new board in the old case directly. No sense getting one of their cases if you ain't gonna use it.

[Ascaii]

From what ive heard you can use the controller from a domer with a model M. Im planning to do the same with two terminal model m boards i have here.

[Mr. Perfect]

I wouldn't need the controller or keys, just looking to use the shell. Not that there's anything wrong with Unicomp branding, but there's just something geeky about having an IBM board.

After that, talking to customer support, and mailing in the case and whatever else they want/need to build you a new board in the old case directly. No sense getting one of their cases if you ain't gonna use it.

Unicomp will rebuild IBM boards? That's really quite impressive. It does make more sense for me to do it that way, but it sounds like a hassle for them.

[ch_123]

"Rebuilding" in this context means that they open up the keyboard, put a new assembly in it, and tah-dah.

As for rubber dome Model Ms, the only thing that is different are the keycap stems, and the rubber domes in place of the buckling spring assemblies. That is all.

[False_Dmitry_II]

Exactly. But if that's the end result that you want, like I said, no sense in getting their plastic shell that you ain't gonna use. If the OP doesn't want the controller himself, I'm sure it can be listed in the classifieds. Along with any other pieces like the backplate or anything else that's usable. Would even the membrane be part of that stuff?

[ch_123]

Yes.

Again, the only difference is the keycaps and the presence of rubber domes. The electronics and contact mechanism are identical.

[Mr. Perfect]

Yeah, I checked it out before you ninja deleted your first post. :spy: Good stuff.