3278-type beamspring spacebar pads
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- Location: United States
During the restoration of a 8775/3278 beamspring I noticed that it has only one contact pad for the spacebar. For those of you who have done a restoration or removed the contact PCB, is this the standard? I would like to add one if it is actually missing, but do not want to do so if it will cause problems when the unit is closed back up (e.g. double space when pressed because of two key contact pads). It does have two entire keys with the exception of the missing contact on one. That is what makes it somewhat confusing. Why does IBM install and entire key if it isn't used - unless it is for a balanced feel without introducing a problem of a double space when the spacebar is pressed. Thanks for any info!
- Invisius
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: IBM 3278
- Main mouse: Microsoft Trackball Explorer
- Favorite switch: Beamspring/Fujitsu Magnetic Reed
- DT Pro Member: 0249
Yeah, it's normal to have 1 real and 1 dummy switch under the spacebar. They used it as a stabilizer, so there shouldn't be any contact issues.