Modify Model M for thumb keys?

[cheater]

Hi guys,
is it possible to modify a standard Model M keyboard to use a shorter space bar, and put the Alt keys closer to the middle? The new Alt keys would be now under X/C and M/, in the attached image.

I would appreciate any ideas! Thanks!

IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard

IBM_Model_M_Space_Saving_Keyboard.png (797.42 KiB) Viewed 2199 times

[y11971alex]

That's not feasible short of making new circuitry to accommodate the new keys under those positions.

[cheater]

That's the point of it - I know I would need to add circuitry - the question is what is involved and whether I would be able to do it at home.

[codemonkeymike]

You could make a small PCB for some cherry switches that goes were your spacebar is. Then you can PCB mount your Cherry greens or whatever to the PCB and route a teensie to it. It's a hefty task unless you have designed PCBs before.

[Phenix]

Arent there Japan Ms?
those featured more thumb keys?

[002]

Arent there Japan Ms?
those featured more thumb keys?

Yeah this would be the easiest way for sure!
Something like a 5576-A01 or if you are flush with cash / lucky enough to find one cheap, a 5576-003

[Phenix]

Thanks for the pic, they look so great..
Also, the M/F-SSK featured split spacebars

[micrex22]

Hi guys,
is it possible to modify a standard Model M keyboard to use a shorter space bar, and put the Alt keys closer to the middle? The new Alt keys would be now under X/C and M/, in the attached image.

I would appreciate any ideas! Thanks!

IBM_Model_M_Space_Saving_Keyboard.png

There are Japanese Model Ms (the standard 101s in the slimmer chassis and trackpoint that Unicomp later used for their "space savers"). You'd have to buy one of those and franken the guts into a US one. Or just use it as-is. But they're kind of pesky to find since I imagine many Japanese are fond of them

Yeah this would be the easiest way for sure!
Something like a 5576-A01 or if you are flush with cash / lucky enough to find one cheap, a 5576-003

Those JP buckling spring keyboards are more related to the M2 and M15, so they won't be appropriate if you're looking to modify a normal 101 or SSK.

Thanks for the pic, they look so great..
Also, the M/F-SSK featured split spacebars

The industrial SSK in the pic happens to be brand new which is why it's so clean and shiny.

Spoiler:

Well a little bit of dust built up on it since it's not in a box anymore, but meh