IBM PC AT original keyboard (84-key) rivets

cactux · 03 Sep 2011, 14:20

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Soarer · 03 Sep 2011, 14:33

It doesn't have rivets, instead a PCB is sandwiched between two metal plates, that are held together at the edges by slotted tabs. Quite easy to take apart and reassemble

cactux · 03 Sep 2011, 14:41

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Soarer · 03 Sep 2011, 14:52

Oh for sure, it's well constructed... the Model M feels distinctly cheap by comparison! I'm a big fan of the Model Fs, and the AT in particular.

cactux · 03 Sep 2011, 15:17

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Soarer · 03 Sep 2011, 15:39

Perhaps a little lighter, but not much in it. I prefer the feel of it as well, but it's difficult to describe just how the feel is different - it's certainly not just a lighter/firmer type of thing. Examining the switch's insides, the F's springs have a slightly smaller diameter, and its pivot plates (hammer/foot/...) are quite a bit longer.

webwit · 03 Sep 2011, 17:16

About 6 to 7 grams lighter on average than an old Model M, equal to a Unicomp style buckling board.

JBert · 04 Sep 2011, 00:41

It's probably one of the best buckling spring keyboards, if you can live with the ancient layout.

Daniel Beaver · 04 Sep 2011, 02:42

You don't HAVE to live with the ancient layout, if you are proactive enough to mod it

daedalus · 04 Sep 2011, 12:11

Some people have bolt modded the 122-key Model Fs in order to cut down on ping. On the smaller boards, however, the keyboard is durable enough as it is.