Mushy keys on Model M's

[h2gofast]

During the course of communication with a seller, I have been asked whether the keys are mushy.   Of the boards I have two  were clearly used on a factory floor.  In spite of metal shavings, grease and a cracked case on one, they both powered up and functioned, but the grit had worked itself into the key cylinders and keypresses had a gritty friction when depressed.   As for the rest, key action is crisp and responsive.  The 1401's have a slightly different feel than a 52G, but nothing I would describe as mushy.    Can anyone quantify what would constitute a *mushy* key action?

[rknize]

Grease/dirt can slow the action of the keys, especially the keys with stabilizer pins.  If the keyboard has extreme wear or was stored in a garage with a bunch of crap jamming the keys down, the springs will get deformed and the crisp click action won't be the same.  The latter case can sometimes be seen when you pull the key caps off.  The spring will be sagging to the side instead of standing nearly straight up.

I've had both types over the years and ended up selling them all except the one I bought brand new from the store and my Unicomps.  I haven't had much luck with eBay Model Ms.