Model M Article translation
Today I came across this reddit post by the user BOTY123.
This user posted the image below, which is a picture of a Dutch article about the Model M keyboard. Someone in the comments asked for a translation, and I figured I should be able to do that.
The article was published in the June 2017 copy of Computer! Totaal and written by Jeroen Boer. I am not affiliated with Computer! Totaal and all rights are reserved to them.
IBM MODEL M - Jeroen Boer
Timeless keyboard
Pretty much everything regarding computers today had been improved in regards to how it was 30 years ago.
Because who today would still want to look at a monochrome screen that only displays text?
There is one thing however that is an exception to this according to some users: the keyboard.
This is because the IBM Model M-keyboard that used to be very popular thirty years ago, is a lot better than the modern clacking planks according to many typists.
For example an IBM-pc from 1987 is barely usable anymore these days.
The keyboard that came along with it on the other hand is. The IBM Model-M keyboard was first replaced in 1985.
At first glance the Model M doesn't look very exciting: is looks old fashioned, is large and has the same layout as most modern keyboards (although keyboards obviously didn't have windows keys back then).
When you start typing however, you might experience why the Model M has so many fans.
The so called buckling spring keys (see the section to the right for more information) have very good tactile and audible feedback which really makes you feel like you are typing.
The feeling is completely different from the spongy keyboards most people use today.
The Model M is durable as well: the keyboard is sturdy and even a large amount of dirt won't stop it from working.
The one mentioned earlier from 1987 would probably still work flawlessly after thirty years.
Even though the Model M is now known as a very durable keyboard, in 1985 it was marketed as a money saving alternative to the Model F keyboard.
The Model F was a buckling spring keyboard as well, but it came with a capacitive PCB instead of a membrane.
The springs were also a little bit different, which is why the Model F types even better according to fans.
That sounds to us like a good topic of discussion for purists, because the typing experience on the Model M is already fantastic.
Did this article make you curious?
The Model M is still produced by a company called Unicomp and there are different versions for sale with and without Windows keys.
IBM no longer makes these keyboards,but you can always try to buy an old second hand one and connect it to your USB port through a ps/2 adapter.
(Text next to the side section):
When you remove a key, you can clearly see the spring.
(Side section picture credit):
Picture 'Buckling Spring' by Amir Yalon
(Side section:)
The buckle of the spring
Instead of what modern keyboards use, the Model M uses so called buckling spring keys (buckling spring).
Every single contains a spring that buckles when you press it.
This causes a small hammer to press down on the membrane below.
The buckling also causes very noticeable tactile and audible feedback.
Pressing one of these buttons is even louder than the click of a Cherry MX Blue key for example.
Because the keys rest on small tubes it is really hard for dirt to get in, making these keyboards not only very comfortable, but durable as well.