The IBM SSK - my very initial thoughts

seebart · 09 Jan 2015, 07:57

Hypersphere wrote: If the SSK were a Model F with capacitive buckling spring switches, then it would be even closer to perfection.

yes that is and has been my answer to what would be my dream keyboard. That's why I have a second refurbished one coming in from Austria.

chzel · 09 Jan 2015, 09:20

So you are the one who bought Madhias' SSK? Maybe a Franken-SSK/F would be possible?

ShivaYash · 09 Jan 2015, 09:58

snoopy wrote: Am I the only one, or does it just feel good to sit in front of a ssk? Feels like you could conquer the world... ehm the internet. It's not only the typing experience, it's the overall look and design which makes the ssk awesome and in my opinion one of the best (maybe the best) keyboard out there.

Yes already within less than 12 hours in front of the SSK I too have the great feeling of power, although like many on this forum and others, I like to switch between keyboards, and usually have at least two plugged into one computer!

seebart · 09 Jan 2015, 10:14

chzel wrote: So you are the one who bought Madhias' SSK? Maybe a Franken-SSK/F would be possible?

Yes I did buy it. A Franken-SSK/F? You mean build a custom capacitive buckling spring board in a ssk case? Unfortunately I don't think that's happening any time soon. Kishaver is the closest real kb.

chzel · 09 Jan 2015, 10:30

Yeah, basically I am imagining something like an XTant in an SSK shell!

seebart · 09 Jan 2015, 10:35

chzel wrote: Yeah, basically I am imagining something like an XTant in an SSK shell!

oh don't get me wrong anything is possible but that would be quite a project.

ShivaYash · 09 Jan 2015, 14:26

Just to conclude the sliding barrel plate issue, the top left hand side upright was broken. The broken bit was inside the case. The rivets seems 75% intact, and I'd prefer not to do a bolt mod, I think perhaps IBM got it right first time

The LHS upright had broken previously and was rather badly glued. I cleaned it up, and re-glued. Washed the top case with water, along with the keycaps, and did a dry clean with the bottom cash and barrel plate. Its nice and clean now. Vacuumed the whole thing and reassembly. Just waiting for the keycaps to dry off before installing.

Hopefully the sticky shift key issue now goes away.

scottc · 09 Jan 2015, 14:40

ShivaYash wrote: Just to conclude the sliding barrel plate issue, the top left hand side upright was broken.

This is pretty normal. My first SSK was the same.

seebart · 09 Jan 2015, 14:56

The more I read about all these ssk issues the more I believe that my China sourced blue label ssk was refinished in some way.

Muirium · 09 Jan 2015, 15:15

My first SSK (from Tinnie in Homg Kong, a year or two ago) is a blue label Lexmark, and had definitely been salvaged from a few sources. I replaced some of the nicked caps, and should fix the snapped upright (similar to Scott and Shiva's) but it doesn't affect the feel and I'm lazy that way. Again, the broken plastic was in the case so it happened during shipping / customs inspection. Always so fun dealing with those guys…

ShivaYash · 09 Jan 2015, 15:35

Hello chaps,

What is it about cleaning, restoring/ refurbishing, or just opening something up, and correcting a few basic things, that gives me, and others I hope, a real sense/ feeling of satisfaction.

Its my first week 'back at work' that being in my home study, desperately pushing words around the page, writing up my PhD. But today, its nearly 2.30pm, there has been even no attempt at work! Getting the SSK open was the mission of today. First thing morning, after answering a few emails, I went to my local Maplins Store and picked up the correct hex nut driver to open the IBM case. I really like Maplins, £2.99 for a set of hex drivers! I got home, had some lunch and then set about opening the case. About three hours later, I have a nice and clean SSK, reassembled, and working, back on my desk. It feels great to know there is no more dust and debris inside, now its time to fill it up with my own!

Like wise anything of this age, there are battle scars, and I quite like them, adds to the patina, and cleaning of course, brings them up even more. My example seems to be in good condition given it was produced in Sept. 1987. Hopefully this cleaning session has cured the sticky shifts, although I am not sure such issues just 'go away'.

I'd be interested in hearing back from those with experience of IBM M sticky keys and cures.

Have a good weekend.

SY

Madhias · 09 Jan 2015, 15:40

seebart wrote: The more I read about all these ssk issues the more I believe that my China sourced blue label ssk was refinished in some way.

The grey label SSK i have is also from China, or at least there are were TaoBao stickers on the back above the case screws, but it was in a pristine condition, and even smelled like new (if i can say that since i do not know how a new Model M smells, but i believe it must be like that).
The other one i sold recently was directly from the 80s or 90s, with dust inside, and the obligatory rusty paper clips

seebart · 09 Jan 2015, 15:42

Well you know I'll be having a look! [emoji41]