IBM XT Model F tactility issues

[thedoctor712]

Regarding my XT model F, most of the keys are very tactile, as they should be, but some keys barely feel tactile at all. They still make a clicking noise, but they almost feel linear when actuated, with a very small and almost unnoticeable bump at the very end. I have tried pulling the springs up a little bit and letting them fall back down, but it did not help. Does anyone know how to fix this?

[Weezer]

Some common issues are that the flippers need to be reseated, or need to be cleaned. The foam between the metal plates deteriorates over time and can gunk up the switches.

[JBert]

The springs in a model F only work properly if they meet the keycap at the right spot: a little dimple which can be seen if you look inside the keycap.

The best way to get the springs in the right spot is to unplug the keyboard and then to let it rest on your lap. Take the front edge and pull it upwards towards your body so you can let it rest upright.

Now carefully pull off the keycap you want to reseat and watch how the spring sits inside the barrel: if you remove a keycap when the keyboard is on your desk then you will see the spring tip towards you. Now that the keyboard is sitting on your lap, the spring should be away from you so that it actually lies parallel to the barrel.

Press the keycap on again and press it until you bottom out. If you now press it a few more times you should hear and feel it click.