deskthority

So I'm just wondering if a beam spring keyboard... let's say the 5251 for example... will work with a Soarer's converter type of device? Original cable to converter to modern PC? Or would I need to put in a new controller? Thanks for your info.

I don't know of a converter for beamspring keyboards, that uses the original cable.
What I know (and have used) is a "xwhatsit" controller, that replaces a PCB in the keyboard. That PCB is connected to the PC via a normal USB-mini to USB cable.

There are a couple plug in converters out there but none that are universal. The 5251 protocol and pinout is completely different than 3278 which is different from 4979, etc.

Most people just go for a full controller replacement since the original protocols are a bit limited. Most beamsprings use a card-edge connector between the controller and pad card so it's easy to install something modern and QMK based.