which buckling spring keycap mount is more desirable?

yozu

15 Feb 2014, 07:01

My apologies if this is answered already; I couldn't quite find an answer using the Wiki or Google.

IBM buckling spring keycaps exist as either integrated or snap-on mounts (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Keycap_mount ). My question is:

1) Is either considered more desirable than the other (on an IBM Model M)? If so, which one?
2) Is it correct that the snap-on is more common in Model Ms? I browsed the archives at clickykeyboards.com and most of Model Ms appear to have the two-piece snap-on mounts.

User avatar
Muirium
µ

15 Feb 2014, 09:35

Good question. Most of my IBM keyboards (Model F and Model M) are two-piece. My SSK is the odd one out: it has a mixture with a dozen or so single piece caps. It wasn't made that way; they were likely replacements when someone reconditioned it.

Both kinds work perfectly well, and I can't tell the difference. Even a mixture of them is level and not a problem. So I consider them equals. But perhaps there is a preference out there. For one thing, I can't understand the interest in Industrial coloured Model Ms for any other reason than they're rarer…

yozu

16 Feb 2014, 08:51

With the exception of the modifier keys, I read there can be a noticeable difference of weight with mixed keycaps.

Yeah I can't think of any meaningful advantage to either as well. I've read that two-piece are easier to clean. One piece supposedly easier not to lose/misplace. And I found no strong opinions on any of the forums. I suppose it's a non-issue for most?

Post Reply

Return to “Keyboards”