My IBM Model M and why he doesn't get used anymore.

[tricheboars]

Part No: 1391401
ID No: 3930305
Date: 25Jul89
Plt No JL Model M
Made in the USA

So I have had this guy for a while. I bought him as a refurb off ebay 5 or 6 or 7 years ago. He is the keyboard that got me started. I love his weight and his look. But i do not use him anymore.

I dont think I like him anymore. Ever since i got started on Cherry Blues the Model M just feels sluggish. I use to remember loving the IBM. But now its just.... blurgh.  He hasnt been cleaned in a long time. Perhaps he could use a tune-up. Perhaps there is something wrong with it, I dont know. I dont ever see other IBM Model M around to compare it.

Has anyone else ever had this happen to them after messing around with Cherry? or Topre? Alps? or even a Unicomp?

[longface]

I'm the other way around.  I started with a Filco with Cherry MX blue switches, but after I got the IBM Model M, I couldn't type on the Filco any more. 

The Filco does sound and feel "better", but for some reason there is not as much fun as typing on the "antique" Model M. 

[sleepy916]

My model M didn't get used anymore either, after I went to a Model F...

[aggiejy]

BAM!

[CommunistWitchDr]

I love the switches on my unicomp, but hate the layout. So big.

[minority]

I love the switches on my unicomp, but hate the layout. So big.

And.... I love the big size layout, XD

[bazemk1979]

your model M probably needs bolt mod, most likely it lost the crispy sound and feel of the springs

[fohat.digs]

My model M didn't get used anymore either, after I went to a Model F...

This.

After a Model F you are spoiled.

But I also second the bolt-mod and cleanup suggestion.

[FoxWolf1]

I have a Model M but figured out that I prefer the smoothness of linear switches, so the M stays in the closet while I use the Noppoo with MX Black.

[czarek]

I somehow prefer Unicomp to Model M, but I'm not a fan of any Cherry MX switches. I was using MX Blue at work for years before I tried BS, but once I tried the proper switch there is no turning back. I only sometimes use HHKB sometimes, mostly because of the layout, but I also like the Topre, it's pretty much opposite of BS (silent, light and smooth) but it's also very high quality feel which I appreciate.
I also sometimes (but rather rarely) use IBM Model F AT I recently restored. I love the feel, but can't live with the layout.
And one more word about Blue Cherry MX. To me it feels like a cheap rip off of BS...

[tricheboars]

hmm bolt mod eh?  my key presses feel slow and sluggish on my IBM. you guys think this mod would resolve that?

[fohat.digs]

A Model M will never be as "crisp" as a Model F, but the bolt-mod really tightens things up. It also allows you to adjust the feel.

I have done several, and suggest that you install the bolts but just make the nuts "finger-tight" (I use the socket in my fingers, no wrench handle) to keep the feel light. The tighter the bolts, the "deader" the sound and feel, in my opinion. They need to all be in place (broken rivet problem) but not forced down.

I have also bought a couple of lightly-used M-122s (harder to find now) to harvest springs. The jury is out on how much fresh springs will improve the feel, but it doesn't hurt.

[tricheboars]

how would i know if i need to replace the springs?

[fohat.digs]

how would i know if i need to replace the springs?

You don't really know, that is a pretty esoteric mod.

- IF - your current keyboard has a lot of miles on it, and - IF - you can get your hands on a set of fresh spring/hammers for cheap, then while you have it apart, you should do it.

Otherwise, don't worry about it. You might consider swapping the half-dozen or so most-used ones (Enter, Spacebar, Delete, arrows) for springs from F12, Pause, etc).

[Krogenar]

I started with a Model M, then went to a Model F 122-key (it's like using an aircraft carrier for a keyboard) and then tried out Cherry Blues. I'm still loving the Model F and M over the blues. Blues are too wimpy feeling. They're clicky and all, but the Model F feels so much more substantial. At least with a Model M you're typing on history.

[daerid]

I switched to 55g Topre and sold pretty much everything else.

[1391406]

It's a tossup between a Model F and Chicony KB-5181 for me.

[fohat.digs]

It's a tossup between a Model F and Chicony KB-5181 for me.

Very close to my feelings. Too bad the Chicony is such a junk package with those exquisite switches in it.

(and also I hate the bigass Enter and small Backspace.)