Typing Demo XL - bolt-modded vs stock IBM Model M
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Chyros
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: whatever I'm reviewing next :p
- Main mouse: a cheap Logitech
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
As requested by a viewer, a comparison between a bolt-modded and un-modded Model M. The bolt-modded one has pretty tightly clamped plates. Hope you enjoy!
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darkcruix
- Location: Germany
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F F77 Keyboard
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master
- Favorite switch: Ellipse version of Buckling Spring / BeamSpring
- DT Pro Member: 0209
Insane - I have a bolt-modded from the blue-badge era, which sounds very similar to your first one (bolt-mod, grey label). The very early model you showed afterwards sounds sooo different (and so much better in my ears).
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digital_matthew
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Ellipse Model F62
- Main mouse: It's a Secret.
- Favorite switch: Capacative Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: -
The bolt-modded one sounds so much crunchier. I've only typed on stock and partial screw-mods, so I'd be curious to try a bolt-modded one.
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fohat
- Elder Messenger
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
- Main keyboard: Model F 122-key terminal
- Main mouse: Microsoft Optical Mouse
- Favorite switch: Model F Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: 0158
I have 2 comments/questions:
Are the keyboards comparable in terms of case construction and plate weight? Those things make a big difference.
Your comment about the tight clamping of the plates - that is certain to make a huge difference!
Consider: you are replacing flexible and weak stems of plastic, merely melted over into "mushroom heads" holding the layers together in a warm and soft and forgiving way, with dozens of cold steel shafts capable of exerting an order of magnitude more strength and compression. When I started thinking about it in this way, I immediately changed my thinking and loosened all the screws/bolts (technically, they are machine screws, of course, regardless of whether you go the nut route or not) to just enough to keep the plates in their proper place and no more.
My advice to all "bolt-modders" - loosen them all by at least half a turn and see whether you like them better.
Are the keyboards comparable in terms of case construction and plate weight? Those things make a big difference.
Your comment about the tight clamping of the plates - that is certain to make a huge difference!
Consider: you are replacing flexible and weak stems of plastic, merely melted over into "mushroom heads" holding the layers together in a warm and soft and forgiving way, with dozens of cold steel shafts capable of exerting an order of magnitude more strength and compression. When I started thinking about it in this way, I immediately changed my thinking and loosened all the screws/bolts (technically, they are machine screws, of course, regardless of whether you go the nut route or not) to just enough to keep the plates in their proper place and no more.
My advice to all "bolt-modders" - loosen them all by at least half a turn and see whether you like them better.
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Sangdrax
- Location: Hill Country
- Main keyboard: Harris 1978 Terminal
- Main mouse: Mammoth
- DT Pro Member: -
The sound difference is almost exactly what I remember from my two bolt-modded 80's IBM's vs my old 2007 Unicomp that was in pristine condition. Just goes to show the actual switch feel hasn't changed that much. And Thomas's pristine one was 20 years older.
Also Thomas, post your Data Dasher review so I can tease you for calling them scratchy when it's just because you didn't wash the switches.
Also Thomas, post your Data Dasher review so I can tease you for calling them scratchy when it's just because you didn't wash the switches.
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Chyros
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: whatever I'm reviewing next :p
- Main mouse: a cheap Logitech
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
The non-modded one is zeroth-gen, so it is a little bit heavier. The bolt-modded one, although a grey-badge model, is actually a late first-gen board with the thick rainbow plates, though, so the difference isn't THAT huge.
Ah yes, that video was scheduled to release on that day - I wasn't back yet, so I forgot to post it. I'll post it nowSangdrax wrote: The sound difference is almost exactly what I remember from my two bolt-modded 80's IBM's vs my old 2007 Unicomp that was in pristine condition. Just goes to show the actual switch feel hasn't changed that much. And Thomas's pristine one was 20 years older.
Also Thomas, post your Data Dasher review so I can tease you for calling them scratchy when it's just because you didn't wash the switches.
.