this post was submitted on 08 Jul 2023
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Mechanical Keyboards

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Are you addicted to the clicking sounds of your beautiful and impressive mechanical keyboard?
If so, this community is for you!

Here you can discuss everything about mechanical keyboards (and only mechanical keyboards).

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This was a new-in-box Lexmark-branded Model M13, a buckling spring keyboard with a nub/nipple/whatever-you-call-it stick! Unlike most IBM-branded versions, Lexmark-branded M13s use a different kind of sensor array for the stick (force-sensing resistors instead of strain gauges) hence why Lexmark doesn't brand this as "TrackPoint". Like Unicomp EnduraPro sticks, it moves like a little joy-stick instead of remaining stationary. Instead of dual PS/2 plugs, this model has an AT full-DIN plug for the keyboard and DE-9 RS232 serial plug for the nub. For more info, see my IBM Model M13 wiki page!

In the box was also a driver disk (an image of which will soon be archived on my website and archive.org) and various Lexmark literature including a snazzy Lexmark Model M family pamphlet, a keyboard operator's guide (user guide) and something that dictates how you're supposed to a sit at a computer desk.

Upon opening, the cable quickly degraded and started shedding everywhere. In lieu of a replacement, I've tapped and wrapped already damaged parts, used cable ties to limit possible flex and left most of the cable alone in the original packing. For now though, the keyboard and cable remains operational.

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[–] BecomingTheFalcon 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I miss those little nub-mouse-things! I still to this day haven’t gotten completely used to using the touchpads that laptops come with these days.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Why not continue using thinkpads?

[–] BecomingTheFalcon 2 points 1 year ago

Eh I just don’t use laptops very often really. Most everything I do is on my desktop with a normal mouse.

[–] WrenofDelpan 4 points 1 year ago

Love me a good keyboard clit

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

All I want is a buckling spring keyboard! Can't even get a Unicomp shipped to Australia for a reasonable price, and anything that comes up locally is $400+.

So annoying. I used to dispose of them in their hundreds when I worked in IT. If only I knew.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

I've got this bad boy. Besides the HHKB, it's the only mechanical unix keyboard I've found.

[–] avyrla 2 points 1 year ago

I’ll never get tired of these old school keyboards. The greys give me such joy

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Where do you always find these gems?

[–] sharktastica 1 points 1 year ago

For this keyboard, a "friend in a high place"

[–] AngryJadeRabbit 1 points 1 year ago

I have one like this without the mouse, always wanted to slap a rasp pi in it. Note I need to find one with the mouse

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

It's called a clit-mouse.