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Author Topic: One Soft Key on M13  (Read 2118 times)

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Offline gerry

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One Soft Key on M13
« on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:22:30 »
Hi everyone.  Been lurking here for a while, after I re-discovered the joy of buckling spring Model M keyboards.

I recently acquired an IBM M13 keyboard, which is my first mechanical keyboard and I absolutely love it.  However, the M key on my keyboard is noticeably softer than every other key.  I can't say that every key feels *exactly* the same, but the M key in particular is dramatically softer than all the rest.  It requires about half the force to actuate, and the buckle is half as "snappy" and loud.

I searched, but couldn't find any postings about similar problems.  Has anyone experienced this on Model M keyboards?  The key still works, and I don't really notice it while typing away, but it's definitely not right and I worry that it may break in the future.

I'm hoping that some of the keyboard geniuses here have a clue what would cause this and what the best course of action is.  I have never removed a key from one of these things (or any other keyboard).  Would it be possible to just pop off the key and swap the spring with another key like Pause/Break?  Or maybe it's simply a little out of place and re-seating it will do the trick?

Thanks,
Gerry
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Offline Manyak

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:25:28 »
Most of the time this is from the spring not settling into the keycap properly. Remove the keycap and put it back on and it should be ok.
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Offline kishy

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:28:27 »
That particular feeling, as OP described, sounds like a poorly positioned spring.

How to correct this in further detail:
Remove the key (this sometimes takes some force), lean the board forward (towards your desk) so the spring is leaning that way, then carefully reinsert the key. If this was the issue, it will now be solved.
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Offline gerry

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #3 on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:35:29 »
Two minute response time?  You guys are amazing!

I just popped the Pause/Break key off and back on for practice.  Piece of cake.  Going to try to get the M off and report back in a few minutes.
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Offline gerry

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:43:22 »
I popped the key off and back on three times, but it remains exactly the same.  Took a close look and didn't see anything weird; everything clean as can be.  It seems really strange that one spring would become worn out while all others are still crisp.  Hmm.
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Offline kishy

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  • Location: Windsor, ON Canada
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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 17 February 2010, 23:46:27 »
Hmm...

Another possibility is that the hammer (small plastic bit on the other end of the spring) has come slightly out of position. Wiggling the spring a bit might re-seat it (it would noticeably move; you'd feel it in the spring), but usually a board that this happens on has some broken 'rivets' on the back.
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Enthusiast of springs which buckle noisily: my keyboards
Want to learn about the Kishsaver?
kishy.ca

Offline gerry

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #6 on: Thu, 18 February 2010, 00:03:44 »
I tried wiggling it quite a bit and didn't see any change.

I just successfully re-seated the Pause/Break spring, so I'm about to try a swap.
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Offline ricercar

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One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 18 February 2010, 00:13:09 »
if you end up needing a free spring/hammer or three, send me PM.
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Offline gerry

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  • Posts: 11
One Soft Key on M13
« Reply #8 on: Thu, 18 February 2010, 00:40:53 »
Problem solved!  Successfully swapped the Pause/Break spring into the M key.  Feels the same as the rest now.  Surprisingly, the Pause/Break key with the "worn" spring doesn't seem to feel as soft as the M did before.  Maybe it was partially an issue with the spring seating.  Possibly, certain springs just like certain keys better, haha.  Oh well, who knows, I'm totally happy now!

Thanks everyone, and thanks for the offer ricercar, but I think I'm all set for now.  I'll definitely keep hanging out here.  You guys are a great bunch.
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