eBay US Auctions: IBM M2, Cherry MX11800, HHKB Lite 2, Dell Quietkey

[eyesnine]

I've been lurking here for a while now and have accumulated a number of keyboards.

After surveying the keyswitch market I have decided I like MX Browns best, and am raising money for a KBC Poker. My G80-8113 (black double shots) is just too big for my desk, I do like it though, and it's a keeper.

Here's my eBay store front for the keyboards in the thread title:
http://shop.ebay.com/jamesnicholl88/m.html?_nkw=&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg=&_trksid=p3686

The bids are still lower than I had hoped, and the auctions are ending tomorrow so I thought I should mention it here.

Here's my quick reviews:

IBM M2
Non buckling spring IBM Model M. It's an infamous board. It's not just a rubber dome, it's a bad rubber dome. AND it followed after the buckling spring keyboards. Using one is like watching Rocky II after the first Rocky. It's a travesty. Own a piece of (sh*t) history!

Dell Quietkey
This is one of the nicest typing rubber domes out there. The domes are individually molded (not on a sheet). Also, the keyboard has a metal backplate inside and the keycaps are attached to the front case and are smooth but with hardly any wobble. This is the design that the IBM M2 should have had. (If it really had to be rubber dome)

Compaq MX11800
Cherry MX Browns on this board. It's really nice, it types beautifully. I'm not a huge fan of the layout and I already have a G80-8113, so this needs a new home. It has some fairly deep scratches on the case, but it still types very well and functions perfectly.

HHKB Lite 2
This is a really nice rubber dome keyboard. My previous HHKB developed an issue after a few months of use, and this keyboard is the replacement I received. I tested it and took some photos, other than that it's brand new. It's the keyboard that made me decide that I absolutely must have a mini keyboard as my everyday board (except with MX Browns this time).

Cherry G84 4100
I was really disappointed by these ML keyswitches. The off center keypresses are definitely harder and makes the feel of it inconsistent. I lubricated the keyswitches, which helps a lot, but it's still not on the same level as the MX keyswitches.

[Ascaii]

hmm, I dont see the M2 in your store...id be interested in a picture, since im not sure you really have an M2...the model M2 is a buckling spring board, not a rubber dome. It was an attempt to cheapen production of the buckling spring Model M with some issues, but not a rubber dome.

[eyesnine]

It's there. And it's definitely rubber dome.

http://cgi.ebay.com/IBM-Model-M2-PS-2-Keyboard-with-optional-USB-adapter-/220795287751?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item33686cb8c7

[Ascaii]

turns out we are both right:

The Model M1/M2 (IBM Selectric Touch Keyboard)
The Model M2, part number 1395300, was an attempt at making a cheap and lightweight Buckling Spring keyboard for IBM's PS/1 - a home computer released in 1990. The keyboard was also used with the later PS Value Point. Compared with the contemporary Model M 1391401 it -

    Doesn't have the inbuilt slope of the Model M - it's flat.
    Has shorter, flatter single-piece keycaps.
    Doesn't have a backplate.
    Has a straight, non-removable cable.


Click image for larger version Name: IBM-modelM2-Mb-1.jpg Views: 1325 Size: 35.4 KB ID: 15221

On paper, the compact and lightweight M2 looks like an excellent design. Unfortunately it is plagued with electronics problems. Specifically, the capacitors in the logic board are prone to failure. It is believed that the capacitors used immature surface mount technology and where therefore inherently prone to failure. The usual method of diagnosing capacitor failure is that the Caps and Scroll Lock stay on whilst the keyboard doesn't respond to keypresses. However, there is plenty of detailed advice on Geekhack on how to replace the capacitors, and this seems to take care of the problem. It really should be stressed that this is a prevalent problem - the owner of clickykeyboards.com claims that 4/5 of all M2s he deals with are duds. Potential buyers should not expect long term reliability from an M2 unless they are prepared to replace the capacitors.

Another unusual thing about the M2 is that instead of metal stabilizer bars, the large keys have plastic stabilizers permanently attached on to them. When disassembling, care should be taken to ensure that they don't snap. There are other signs of lower grade construction quality - instead of the membrane connecting into the controller PCB with a ribbon cable, the underside of the PCB has electrical contacts, and the contacts on the PCB 'sit' on top of contacts on the membrane, and are held in place with flimsy plastic tabs.

The Model M1, part number 60G3570, appears to be identical to the 1395300, except that it is sold under the "Easy Options by IBM" branding as a retail unit, as opposed to the M2 which was bundled with IBM computers.

One should also be on the watch for Rubber Dome versions of this keyboard. Fortunately, the most common rubber dome variant, part number 60G0817, can be spotted by it's large plastic border. However, there are some further rubber dome variants that may not have this border, such as part number 73G4614.

Click image for larger version Name: m2rd.jpeg Views: 1323 Size: 72.1 KB ID: 15222

There are also 3151 terminal variants that connect via a RJ connector, part number 42H0468 (and some others). Aside from the connector, the easiest way to spot these is by their keycaps which have non-standard markings and shapes.

In general, one should make sure to stick to ones with the 1395300 part number if they want to buy one for their PC.

[eyesnine]

There's good and bad information on the internet.

I know my keyboard is rubber dome because I know what rubber domes look and feel like.

When I opened up the keyboard there was a sheet of rubber domes in it.

I don't need to cite a source - because I took the keyboard apart and cleaned every single piece in it.

Including the rubber domes.

[noodles256]

wlcm 2 gh, nice boards

[eyesnine]

Thanks!

[BigBrother]

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[eyesnine]

Dammit!

My spam got spammed!

[sickchief]

There are two versions of M2, and this one is the unpopular version of it, i.e. rubber dome. I also dislike the thick frame. might go for the QuietKey.

[eyesnine]

The auctions end today!

The M2 and QuietKey are still sitting at $0.88

[MissileMike]

I bought 14 of those M2 dome keyboards by mistake one time.  I thought I was getting a steal, only to research after I ordered.  I threw them out when i moved offices.

[eyesnine]

Ended!

Someone got a QuietKey for $0.88 + shipping.

The HHKB was a good deal too. $44 + shipping - and it's new.