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Author Topic: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp  (Read 1701 times)

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Offline zig_ziglar

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Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 21:57:12 »
Has anyone experimented with this? Are there aftermarket springs of varying resistances available like there are for MX switches?


My searching and googling has not helped so far :(

Cheers
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Offline rowdy

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:09:01 »
AFAIK the Unicomp spring assembly is compatible with the Model M spring assembly.

Thus I would anticipate the reverse is also true.

Based on having seen somewhere here a recommendation that someone purchase springs from Unicomp to refurbish a Model M.
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Offline zig_ziglar

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:11:46 »
Thanks for the reply. Has anyone other than Unicomp produced springs for model Ms that are of different tensions? I'm just wondering about converting one to a softer actuation force (purely an experiment).
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Offline Hyde

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:12:25 »
I think it would be cool if people sell aftermarket spring with different stiffness for buckling spring.

Since some people find buckling spring too heavy and model F's weight is just right.  So it would be cool if there are lighter spring to mimic model F's weight. (even though they're mechanically different)
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Offline JPG

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #4 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:15:55 »
Quote from: Hyde on Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:12:25
I think it would be cool if people sell aftermarket spring with different stiffness for buckling spring.

Since some people find buckling spring too heavy and model F's weight is just right.  So it would be cool if there are lighter spring to mimic model F's weight. (even though they're mechanically different)

I am absolutely no expert, but as far as I know, the lighter spring on the model F is possible because there is no contact thx to the capacitive aspect of it. The model M needs more energy from the spring in order to press on the pcb with enough for to actuate the switch. At least, that's how I understand it :)
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Offline zig_ziglar

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #5 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:41:51 »
Sounds like a lighter spring alone would not be sufficient then. Probably requires a complete overhaul/redesign of the mechanism.
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Offline dorkvader

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #6 on: Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:55:19 »
so the buckling spring design, I think isn't conducive to spring weight changes like it is for cherry MX.
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #7 on: Wed, 30 April 2014, 07:06:12 »
Quote from: dorkvader on Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:55:19
so the buckling spring design, I think isn't conducive to spring weight changes like it is for cherry MX.

You are probably right, but I would love to have lighter springs, even if they were only a little lighter.

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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Interchanging springs in Model M or Unicomp
« Reply #8 on: Wed, 30 April 2014, 07:11:46 »
Quote from: rowdy on Tue, 29 April 2014, 23:09:01

Based on having seen somewhere here a recommendation that someone purchase springs from Unicomp to refurbish a Model M.


I have used spring hammers from various models. I think that they are all the same, outside of manufacturing tolerances which are hard to predict.

There is an unproven consensus that old springs get "tired" over time, but I am not sure that I buy it. I have bought several M-122s and have a couple of jars full of springs that are 2+ decades old but have probably seen little use and are probably as good as new.

My "pride and joy" M is a 1390131 with a set of Unicomp springs from just a few years ago and a white latex Unicomp mat (aka blanket).
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"However, even though I was born in the Mesozoic, I do know what anyone who wants to reach out to young people should say: Billionaires took your money. They took your chance to buy a home. They took your chance at a good education. They stole your opportunities. Billionaires took the things you want in life. If you really want those things, you have to take them back.
That's the message. That's the whole message. Say that every day, not just to reach America's frustrated young white men, but people of every age, race, and gender.
Late-stage capitalism is a wealth-concentration engine, focused on vacuuming up every dollar and putting it in as few hands as possible. Republicans are helping that vacuum suck.
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