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Author Topic: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?  (Read 4374 times)

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Offline supamesican

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Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« on: Sat, 20 October 2018, 20:58:09 »
I'm curious now, because I'm currently typing on am ibm Selectric touch(model m2) keyboard. Now I know some of the name is just a marketing hype thing, but I have to wonder if like the last selectric model ever made used this m2 given its name? Looking into it it looks like IBM Electronic Typewriter Model 95 may have used capacitive buckling springs/model f, and the wheel writer may have used buckling springs too. But I'm not certain 100%, and i can't tell if they used model f buckling springs or membrane buckling springs if they did. Does anyone know for sure?
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Offline fohat.digs

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #1 on: Sun, 21 October 2018, 08:24:30 »
I have bought a few Wheelwriter typewriters with Model M-style internals. At yard sale or thrift store prices of <$10 they can be a good source for cheap keys and springs.

Also, they may have some stabilizer inserts ($1.50 each from Unicomp), the prized oversized "Code" key, and (sometimes) a spring around the space bar barrel that adds a few grams and is a welcome improvement, in my opinion.
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Offline JP

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #2 on: Fri, 26 October 2018, 12:43:14 »
The IBM Electric 65, 85, and 95 have a capacative pcb and buckling spring switches like a Model F. They are pretty rare and obscure to find though. The Wheelwriters have Model M internals.
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Offline Olumin

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #3 on: Fri, 26 October 2018, 18:22:31 »
Wheelwriters use membrane buckling-spring keyboards like the Model M. Keycaps are pretty cool, one piece and with nice, coloured sub-legends. I use a set on one of my Model M's.

There are some later models which feature detachable keyboards, I would imagine they would also be hard to get working... not worth it..



Selectric's are the Wheelwriter's predecessor and are mechanical machines. They don't use anything even close to a computer keyboard...



I find the Keyboards built into Wheelwriters to be better feeling then any Model M, but not as good as a Model F. Somewhere in between. No idea why, its the same keyboard...
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Offline Olumin

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #4 on: Fri, 26 October 2018, 18:26:23 »
Quote from: JP on Fri, 26 October 2018, 12:43:14
The IBM Electric 65, 85, and 95 have a capacative pcb and buckling spring switches like a Model F. They are pretty rare and obscure to find though. The Wheelwriters have Model M internals.

You have a picture of one? Never heard of such a thing... If you mean the SElectric, then no, they had no buckling spring keyboards.. Nothing even close.
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Offline JP

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #5 on: Fri, 26 October 2018, 19:04:54 »
Quote from: Olumin on Fri, 26 October 2018, 18:26:23
Quote from: JP on Fri, 26 October 2018, 12:43:14
The IBM Electric 65, 85, and 95 have a capacative pcb and buckling spring switches like a Model F. They are pretty rare and obscure to find though. The Wheelwriters have Model M internals.

You have a picture of one? Never heard of such a thing... If you mean the SElectric, then no, they had no buckling spring keyboards.. Nothing even close.

I own an 85 and know other forum members with the 65 and the 95. These were the very last of the Selectrics...basically an electro-mechanical-electronic Selectric model with a electronic keyboard.







Post of the 95 on DT:
https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-electronic-typewriter-model-95-capacitive-buckling-springs-t16727.html

Post of a 65 on GH:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72831.msg2486478#msg2486478

Some history:
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/23/business/typewriters-of-electronic-era.html

In action:



« Last Edit: Fri, 26 October 2018, 19:13:58 by JP »
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Offline Olumin

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Re: Type writers that used buckling spring switches?
« Reply #6 on: Mon, 29 October 2018, 13:43:47 »
Quote from: JP on Fri, 26 October 2018, 19:04:54
Quote from: Olumin on Fri, 26 October 2018, 18:26:23
Quote from: JP on Fri, 26 October 2018, 12:43:14
The IBM Electric 65, 85, and 95 have a capacative pcb and buckling spring switches like a Model F. They are pretty rare and obscure to find though. The Wheelwriters have Model M internals.

You have a picture of one? Never heard of such a thing... If you mean the SElectric, then no, they had no buckling spring keyboards.. Nothing even close.

I own an 85 and know other forum members with the 65 and the 95. These were the very last of the Selectrics...basically an electro-mechanical-electronic Selectric model with a electronic keyboard.

Show Image


Show Image


Show Image


Post of the 95 on DT:
https://deskthority.net/photos-f62/ibm-electronic-typewriter-model-95-capacitive-buckling-springs-t16727.html

Post of a 65 on GH:
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=72831.msg2486478#msg2486478

Some history:
https://www.nytimes.com/1984/11/23/business/typewriters-of-electronic-era.html

In action:

That's something I didn't even know existed. But I guess it makes sense. Thanks.
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