deskthority

I took apart my Mini M to make a measurement for this cool project and wanted to share some photos of the components.

It’s a great little keyboard. Like the Model M it has four screws. Mine were Torx T-15: Closeup of the screw and Torx bit: Opened up! Not ready for a bolt mod: Controller closeup. Not much there. I wonder if a Model M controller would work for those with controller issues?

thefarside wrote: ↑

05 Jan 2023, 18:56

I wonder if a Model M controller would work for those with controller issues?
IMG_7037.jpg

You can make your own bespoke controller (like the Mstar) but any old factory Model M controller won't work since the Mini M's matrix is larger and completely different to previous Model Ms (including 122-key) and the second membrane flex cable is thus larger than any previous one to reflect this.

thefarside wrote: ↑

05 Jan 2023, 18:56

Controller closeup. Not much there. I wonder if a Model M controller would work for those with controller issues?

Depends on the matrix and the connectors, plus the physical space available for the PCB and routing a cable out of there. Fundamentally, they are the same technology, but the details vary a fair bit, by the looks of it.

Edit: Sharkey beat me to it. IBM's originals are non-programmable so the changed matrix geometry means they will not work.

Thanks for the controller feedback. The Mstar from level 1 tech looks nice but costs almost as much as the Mini M

Fortunately mine hasn’t had any issues.

thefarside wrote: ↑

05 Jan 2023, 22:07

The Mstar from level 1 tech looks nice but costs almost as much as the Mini M

It's cheaper if you do the soldering yourself. It would be nice if their code was based on a current version of QMK though.

I saw the $45 DIY option and would’ve gotten that but it’s sold out. Hopefully it’ll be back in stock soon.