Custom Buckling Springs?

[dzhoou]

I'm just curious, are there any stiffer springs I can put on Model M or F's? To make the keys weigh 100cN for example.

[jacobolus]

You can always measure the springs and then go order something custom from someone who sells springs. MOQ is probably pretty high though, and I doubt you’ll find many other folks who want something stiffer.

[fohat]

If you want a dirty non-reversible ghetto mod, most springs can be literally stretched out by hand to make them stiffer ....

[chzel]

I think it will take a lot of trial and error, as the free length and the spring weight both contribute to where in the travel the spring buckles and actuates.
Also a stiffer spring might reduce the life of the "flipper" or the membranes since the force will be higher...

[andrewjoy]

i would like a custom model m spring to make it as light as a model F

[Redmaus]

My model F has a very unique sound. It has a VERY pingy sound. Do you think this is because of the springs?

[fohat]

My model F has a very unique sound. It has a VERY pingy sound. Do you think this is because of the springs?

No.

It is because of multiple rigid plates bent into a complex system of tension and compression.

[seebart]

it may also have to do with the condition of the foam mat but fohat is right. My XT is a little "pingy" too.

[Redmaus]

Oh okay. I wonder how I could make them tighter and more crisp/

[fohat]

Oh okay. I wonder how I could make them tighter and more crisp/

Them what and tighter and more crisp than what?

[Redmaus]

I just want to know how to make the switches crisps as possible.

[fohat]

I just want to know how to make the switches crisps as possible.

You should start a "crispness" evaluation thread.

My guess is that the Model F (the XT variant in particular) is the most "crisp" of all keyboards, although I have never owned an IBM beam spring and that might win out.

I always floss-mod my Model Fs, but some people might argue that this modification reduces the crispness along with the ringing audible overtones.

The other candidates that come to mind are "Monterey" blue SMK switches and black Hi-Tek "Space Invaders"

[Redmaus]

Allright I guess i will start a thread once I get around to record the sound of my model F so the rest can hear.

So the XT is the most crisp it appears? Hmm it seems the keyboards that ibm made before the newer ones after it always seem to be better.

[Muirium]

Yeah, that's the trend! I've got an XT and it's a quality piece of kit. My AT is very close, though, and a nicer layout. And the Kishsaver is better yet, with a superb layout and all metal case. Model Fs are a cut above the rest. Well, besides for beamsprings.

Here's a bunch of my recordings for comparison across several switch families, including Model M vs. F:

http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/chr ... gs#p200826

[Redmaus]

So were the 4704 and the kishsavers made before the XT line? Or after?

I hope adding art foam to my model F will make the switches crisper when I ANSI mod it.

[Redmaus]

I just want to know how to make the switches crisps as possible.

You should start a "crispness" evaluation thread.

Done and posted here: http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/ibm ... 10012.html

[redkeys]

You can always measure the springs and then go order something custom from someone who sells springs. MOQ is probably pretty high though, and I doubt you’ll find many other folks who want something stiffer.

They are already too stiff for me! It's a workout typing on model m's after trying out other switches.