IBM Model M - lighter springs?

[misterkenny]

I've recently purchased an IBM Model M (PN 1391401) and I love it. The trouble is that, after a full day of typing, my hands and wrists become fatigued. I know that Originative sells replacement springs for Cherry switches, but does anyone make lighter springs for a Model M? Or is it a standard size that I might be able to find at a hardware store? Thank you for any and all help.

[1391406]

That's one of the main reasons I love Model F's; lighter actuation force.

[fohat.digs]

You would realistically need to do a bolt mod, if you haven't already.

[E TwentyNine]

You would realistically need to do a bolt mod, if you haven't already.

Not at all.  The springs can be swapped no problem without any disassembly beyond pulling the keys and springs.

[dorkvader]

That's one of the main reasons I love Model F's; lighter actuation force.

I have measured the actuation forces to be the same. They just "feel" lighter due to a number of factors.

[aref]

Unicomp's replacement springs felt lighter to me than IBM-manufactured Model M springs. I also found Lexmark-manufactured
Model Ms to have a lighter feel than the earlier IBM-manufactured Model M keyboards. However, I never took the time to measure
actuation force on any of the above. Rather than scientific, my observations were subjective.

[1391406]

That's one of the main reasons I love Model F's; lighter actuation force.

I have measured the actuation forces to be the same. They just "feel" lighter due to a number of factors.

I'm seeing about a 10g difference, myself. I just measured an average of 60g for my F-122 vs. 70g for my Model M. Your mileage may vary, though.

[fohat.digs]

Not at all.  The springs can be swapped no problem without any disassembly beyond pulling the keys and springs.

I have never done the chopstick of death, even once. I assumed that doing it 100+ times would be a major hassle. And how certain can you be that they are all seated properly and uniformly?

[E TwentyNine]

Not at all.  The springs can be swapped no problem without any disassembly beyond pulling the keys and springs.

I have never done the chopstick of death, even once. I assumed that doing it 100+ times would be a major hassle. And how certain can you be that they are all seated properly and uniformly?

They seat easily, it's like putting a small metal cylinder on a plastic post.   First time doing it may take longer but you can get the hang of it quickly.