I just saw a picture from geekhack member who makes the qwerkywriter. And thought I really need to share this:
Wow, this is a very nice project! Certainly got my support! Was thinking about this project just the other day. I'm a writer and have collected the most rare and the best manual typewriters for typists and writers. See my Etsy webshop:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/iLoveTypewriter?ref=si_shopSaw the video, and it said that the qwerkywriter will get an unique switchtype? I was even more curious. However, I saw that the qwerkywriter is selling with MX blue's. It's a fine switch, but it may not imitate the manual typewriter feel that well in my humble opinion.
Cause having both a big collection of manual typewriters, electronic typewriters and mechanical keyboards. I know, from experience, not a single mechanical keyboard actually truly 100% feels like a manual typewriter. But we can come close the manual typewriter feel. No, the Model M doesn't feel like a manual typewriter I think, but it is used on their IBM selectrics and Daysie wheels. Still very nice!
There are some points I would like to address, please see it as advise:
1. A typewriter seen from the side, the rows of keys are in a 'stair' sort of form. Unlike on non-manual typewriter keyboards (computer keyboards or keyboards on electronic typewriters), which are mostly 'flat' or have a gradual increase in height. Never 90 degree angles, seperates the rows. Meaning, typing technic on a manual typewriter is different from a modern keyboard. Some people type faster on a manual typewriter than on a modern keyboard. I'm one of them. Maybe the qwerkywriter can also add more or less the 'stair' sort of form into its design. I find this point really important. And something I truly miss on modern keyboards. The whole typing experience is different because of this fact.
2. Having felt and tried almost 100 different manual typewriters. Manual typewriters always have a long key-travel. Because the typeslug needs to hit the platen, in order to type a letter on paper. But that's alright with mechanical switches. Most switches have a long key travel. Moreover, all the typewriter keys feel more or less similar;
-Actuation point is always at the bottom (because only when the key is fully pressed, it will hit the platen). Whereas Cherry MX switches actuation point is in de middle.
-The keyfeel is always a linear switch key feel.
-There is never a tactile bump on manual typewriters.
-But there is always a high feel of resistance from the top of the key, compared to the bottom of the key. Because the most energy lies in moving the typebar up, and then hitting the platen.
-The keys on typewriters always automatically bounces back, so a switchtype with somewhat strong spring may be required. Topre switches would not be suitable for this project, because it doesn't bounce back strong enough.
-The energy put on the key is linear, but unlike on MX Blacks, the further the key is pushed downward, the less resistant the key becomes. So, in this regard, it is sort of Topre feel, that after the 'tactile bump' at the top of the key, the whole feel just collapses.
-Also, manual typewriter keys always have a lot of space between the keys (distance between each key). Similar to island style keyboards. This makes typing, more accurate.
So, I think, that we need a switchtype that is sort of Topre 55g, linear in feel, no tactile bump in the middle, not clicky, long travel, actuation force at bottom of key.
More realistically for the project, I think MX Blacks or MX Reds will be more suitable than MX Blue's, greens, Brown or Clears. Ideally, try to mod the linear MX switches with different springs. Preferably, something in between MX Reds and Blacks.
The most comfortable typewriter and considered the holy grail of typewriters is the Seidel & Naumann Erika 9 typewriter. Or a Erika 8 typewriter. If you can get one of these as example for the project, that would be amazing.
