Submitted by ramenandsuch t3_115mkxz in MechanicalKeyboards
Comments
sun_cardinal t1_j936cnf wrote
My vintage typewriter conversion takes offense!
My Kailh Box Navy switches just didn't cut it anymore.
I need more...
Edit: The kit for those interested.
Edit 2: I used this specific model, a 1930s Vintage Royal Model O Standard Portable Typewriter
sun_cardinal t1_j936ov3 wrote
They make magnetic levitation linear switches. You gotta know a person with a 3d printer but you can choose what strength magnets you want to increase or decrease the resistance.
ramphas5 t1_j93cpio wrote
I actually found a working typewriter the other day at goodwill for $7
hansoo417 t1_j93eint wrote
Me too! And now I've got about a dozen typewriters lol
kevlar_keeb t1_j93eoqr wrote
This is my exact journey. This is amazing. I.. May be one step beyond. I have just finished modding an Olivetti Lettera 22 into Dvorak layout
ItsPlainOleSteve t1_j93gh9e wrote
I wanted a typewriter before I wanted a mech keeb. xDD
Blur_410 t1_j93m1fk wrote
If I could find one for a reasonable price I would consider an old wheel writer or something in that classic refrigerator mint green.
SurealGod t1_j93n91l wrote
The crown jewel of my typewriter collection is a really nice old timey LC Smith & Corona typewriter. It's one of those big bastards that weigh 40lbs and was most likely once used in an office. Got it for $20 at a thrift store.
_plays_in_traffic_ t1_j93nt4r wrote
but did you buy it?
Matasa89 t1_j93nwje wrote
I love my parent's old typewriter! I think that's where my interest in mechanical keyboards came from.
ramphas5 t1_j93oayb wrote
I did. I’m going to use it for my label. Layouts, letters, posters, etc.
AustinSA907 t1_j93qixy wrote
Model M owners be like porque no las dos?
frameEsc t1_j93qorq wrote
I feel personally attacked (I even grew the beard)
mendesdaponte t1_j93rpt8 wrote
I just got my k4 this week. I guess I'm still on step 1...
Sneaky-iwni- t1_j93s7vh wrote
Oh no, I'm on frame 3
ramenandsuch OP t1_j93sca6 wrote
I ordered some Ergodone boards off Aliexpress this week
Ketarel t1_j93u2u6 wrote
Blasphemy! Typewriter layout is a curse and a disease! Split columnar stagger is the way forward out from this crippling wretchedness! Be ye not deceived by these aesthetically pleasing devils!! Hearken unto me, lest yon carpals become tunneled, yon shoulders become knotted, and yon backs crumble to dust!
ProtoE04 t1_j93u2x6 wrote
Then stenograph
water-gospel t1_j93vefs wrote
I truly believe that my IBM Selectric II has the best feeling keyboard I’ve ever used. Everything about it just feels amazing.
It’s loud as hell and weights 50 lbs, but the keyboard feel is great!
pabloescobyte t1_j93vsnk wrote
And thus the keyboard circlejerk is complete!
FancyMustardJar t1_j93z0ou wrote
What the original comics?
BrunoEye t1_j93zdbu wrote
What if I bought a resin 3D printer to make my own switches?
JuvenileDelinquent t1_j940hmq wrote
Just wait until you start hand writing
justkeptfading t1_j940iat wrote
I want to know as well.
orAaronRedd t1_j940yc3 wrote
The number of people who settle for less than BS blows my mind. I’d prefer a full layout, but my inability to settle for less than a Model F leaves me with Joes F77. Now he’s got the beamsprings and the comic comes full circle…
[deleted] t1_j941hre wrote
[deleted]
justkeptfading t1_j942258 wrote
Ah thank you.
DevCakes t1_j9451m1 wrote
You have my attention, do you have a link or discuss product name?
Rebbithole t1_j9483h8 wrote
I think they are talking about the void switch by riskable
sun_cardinal t1_j94973u wrote
Hey there, I first saw them mentioned on hackaday, but this is the link to the github with all the info.
leicanthrope t1_j9499se wrote
I did this in reverse. First the 30s-40s typewriters, then mechanical keyboards.
sun_cardinal t1_j949b4n wrote
They got their inspiration for them from the github and the hackaday article, I bet.
sun_cardinal t1_j94ar03 wrote
> Olivetti Lettera 22
I like it, I found my Vintage Royal Model O Standard Portable at goodwill for 23$ and it was love at first sight.
sun_cardinal t1_j94ayjx wrote
There are some really nice vintage typewriters that are easily convertible on ebay. There is no THOCK like typewriter thock.
sun_cardinal t1_j94bnpw wrote
Have you considered converting it into a keyboard, it is not a hard process, and the sound is sublime.
TheFrenchSavage t1_j94c64e wrote
This is perfect. The bread crumbs go through the keys. 10/10 ancient wisdom there.
ImHereForLifeAdvice t1_j94ci4t wrote
I started with a 40%, stuck with that, built a split (Cantor), and now have an Olympia sm4...
sun_cardinal t1_j94e9ng wrote
I laughed so hard I scared my cat, GG.
G-O-D-Z-I-L-L-A t1_j94fjqn wrote
Same lol
roidie t1_j94g786 wrote
Have you tape modded it?
Tolkeinn1 t1_j94i2gy wrote
Braggart!
jb32647 t1_j94jc2i wrote
Yeah I used to collect KBs until I got my model M. I haven't bought another keyboard since.
cromagnongod t1_j94l38u wrote
3 months ago I had a razer gaming keyboard and wouldn't give up the numpad for anything.
Then came the Keychron Q3 which I heavily modded (gave up on numpad), then Bakeneko60 and finally a Vertex Arc60, bunch of GMK keycaps and what not. It really is a money pit.
scoff-law t1_j94lpx4 wrote
What worked for me is that I got a RAMA U80. I haven't replaced it because it's too heavy to move.
SpinyTzar t1_j94pmhm wrote
It's ambitious of you to think I can grow a beard.
spirit_noodle t1_j94qtn5 wrote
I have a 3D printer. I might just give this a go.
I love Reddit, all the things I need to do that I didn't know I needed.
sun_cardinal t1_j94s4s5 wrote
I know the feeling, I'm gonna be pumping some out myself here soon, the 3d printing sub twisted my arm into grabbing a Bamboo Labs P1P.
spirit_noodle t1_j94uscc wrote
Ohhhh what is that immediately Google's
Yoosulis t1_j94v2ma wrote
Typewriters yessss Try an IBM with buckling springs if you’re there!
ramenandsuch OP t1_j94vk34 wrote
We've got one at work!
Yoosulis t1_j94vmie wrote
blindgorgon t1_j94y1cg wrote
As a letterpress printer I can say I’m pretty glad I skipped all the steps to get here.
lifeisagameweplay t1_j950q0v wrote
That beard is way too well managed.
asdfopu t1_j95106v wrote
The moment you break the stagger and go full ortho is the moment you lose the typewriter baggage all keyboards carry
smarmymcsmugass t1_j9527bc wrote
I started by building my own. And then went backwards. Worth it.
ZulkarnaenRafif t1_j9532yl wrote
One of the more based ways to save money with typewriters.
Sneaky-iwni- t1_j958qa6 wrote
I did enjoy typewriters for a while but grew out of it once I had to go around and made the thing impractical
PineAndApplePizza t1_j95algw wrote
The void switches are cooler tho
Chyrosran22 did a teardown of them
kevlar_keeb t1_j95brib wrote
“And an off balance load makes it feel like the keys are typing on my fingers, pure magic” /s
kevlar_keeb t1_j95ccsd wrote
It’s not backward. Nor forward. It’s expanding. Into all that is ‘writing’, all that is ‘thocky’, all that is wholesome and good
kevlar_keeb t1_j95cziq wrote
Makes me think of an idea for elextro magnetic switches. The idea is that they give you a tactile bump by running brief current through a coil, fed from the led pins. The strength duration and character of the bump would be selectable. The f and j keys could subtly vibrate when you push gently on them. Instead of homing bumps.
Saltifaction t1_j95eca1 wrote
Have you lubed it?
with-nolock t1_j95l08c wrote
It started with an IBM Model M found in a dusty bin at a PC hardware recycler.
Every board, switch, film, lube, stab, pcb, plate, and case has just been a failed attempt to chase that high, and my winkeyless Model M just condescendingly leers back, knowing it will never be replaced unless I spring for a Model F someday.
daibido1123 t1_j95ny11 wrote
I'm kind of the reverse of this, I started with an IBM Selectric II, then refurbished a Model M 122 Tetminal Keyboard, and now I am trying to build a 100% Keyboard with macros to mimic the matter aspects of the Model M 122, and switches that feel as close to the Buckrling Springs, with SA keycaps to mimic the Selectric. Matias Quiet Clicks FYI feel the closest, but finding a board that fits the Alps-like switches is unobtanium.
LazaroFilm t1_j95o6xs wrote
Oh wow. You go straight to endgame don’t you! I started with a $100 MP select Mini.
LazaroFilm t1_j95os77 wrote
Why? I actually like that design better, the Hall effect sensor inside means it’s actually a pressure sensitive analogue switch (like the triggers on game controllers) where you can give get a while range of values instead of a Boolean open/close.
tjkun t1_j95urpf wrote
I used to make my homework with a typewriter in elementary school. The nostalgia made me buy a keyboard with clicky switches.
PineAndApplePizza t1_j95w95y wrote
Voids are hall effect too, but offer a tactile variant. The MX style one does not
Writurr t1_j95yh0w wrote
So, when are you gonna get a printing press?
dsac t1_j95yzrp wrote
>The number of people who settle for less than BS blows my mind.
those sound like the words of someone who hasn't made a topre their daily driver
buckling spring is very, very good, but topre is GOAT
LightChargerGreen t1_j963xab wrote
As someone who had to use typewriters for work, I don't understand why people would want to use them again. It's like they're masochists or something.
elutfall t1_j96453n wrote
The only true endgame is the keyboard on your desk when you die.
SelfJuicing t1_j9657lw wrote
I started from cheapo no name keyboard with blue switches. Now I'm at the stage of getting keyboard from raffles. I've joined 4 raffles, and still no luck.
[deleted] t1_j965n0c wrote
SelfJuicing t1_j965r38 wrote
Do it like Gutenberg.
sun_cardinal t1_j967ywu wrote
My momma always said, "Anything worth doing is worth doing right."
In all honesty I've been looking for a while because I'm cripplingly indecisive, there were too many reasons for the P1P in the end and I bit the bullet.
Pocketfullofbugs t1_j968714 wrote
The first Model F I bought had been silent modded. I can not believe that there is anyone who likes this. The idea of neutering the GOAT hurts my bones.
sun_cardinal t1_j968m2k wrote
So, kinda like tiny solenoids? I like it.
Tucamidins t1_j968p16 wrote
Just don't go ergo, there is no way back
lattestcarrot159 t1_j968tlq wrote
Wait? I dove straight between 3 and 4 and designed my own... Where my next step? Do I have to back track or... I'm lost :(
sun_cardinal t1_j968vei wrote
I think perhaps, you wooshed me?
sun_cardinal t1_j969aa4 wrote
I bet, but I would also wager that there was substantial refinement done to take it from the original concept on the GitHub to a viable market product.
sun_cardinal t1_j96a6hc wrote
I suffer through my laptops mushy keys when I "have" to.
sun_cardinal t1_j96c1h8 wrote
That's a beautiful machine.
orAaronRedd t1_j96cgzt wrote
You are unfortunately correct. Until then, I'm so pleased with this, going back to any of my Ms is surprisingly uncomfortable.
Within topre, do you have a weight you prefer?
Edit: disregard. just saw your user flair. :)
EveryShot t1_j96fmuc wrote
I think I’ve done pretty well at resisting my Keychron k2 is pretty stock with the exception of custom caps
Obi_Maximus_Windu t1_j96s6w6 wrote
Lol I'm building up a $35 Amazon board to the quality of my keychron. I am the rabbit hole.
Obi_Maximus_Windu t1_j96se2r wrote
Lol I'm building up a $35 Amazon board to the quality of my keychron. I am the rabbit hole.
maxmalkav t1_j971van wrote
I see myself in that image and I don’t like it.
eliopoulos97 t1_j9746i8 wrote
This is true, for me it went Mechanical > Model M > Typewriter
EDEADLINK t1_j974vpr wrote
I love the sound don't get me wrong.
It's other people that wish my keys were quieter.
jmwy86 t1_j9799zz wrote
Learned to type on those in the mid-1990s. Our high school had not upgraded the equipment for the typing class. Loved the feel of those keys.
pressedbread t1_j988nja wrote
Get magnet implants in your fingertips and you are now part of the keyboard.
Art10001 t1_j98av9s wrote
>The f and j keys could subtly vibrate when you push gently on them. Instead of homing bumps.
Sounds more annoying.
Art10001 t1_j98azni wrote
Are typewriters still made? If not, then it would be an effective destruction of an increasingly rare artifact.
sun_cardinal t1_j98heoj wrote
Won't register input from anyone but you, that's a neat idea.
sun_cardinal t1_j98hy3a wrote
The kit to convert it is non destructive. I wouldn't have hurt mine, it's mint and they go for 300+ pretty easy.
The kit is a little card looking pcb that you put on the inside near the letter plate or whatever it's called, the base is also totally open so no taking anything apart.
The biggest thing they tell you to do is unhook a spring so the carriage does not move when you type.
Art10001 t1_j98jd2s wrote
How does the spring hook look like? I am curious.
sun_cardinal t1_j98lex2 wrote
That varies between models and the site makes a good effort to outline the least possibly damaging way to do the mod for each model. For me, the spring is just sitting on a hook without a fastener, there is a mechanism that when the key is pressed the spring pulls the drum over by a tiny amount, the spring is under tension when the carriage is slid all the way to the new line mark and it reduces every time a key is pressed. In my original comment I posted the site with the instructions. I will say that there are some models that require bending a strip inside but mine did not require that step.
Edit: I had not looked at them in a while and some of the modded typewriters go for three to four times as much as their unmodded siblings. My Royal is 1200$ on some pages I'm seeing.
Drauka92 t1_j98nsl1 wrote
You mean calligraphy with the super expensive draw up ink pens. Fine tip, medium tip, etc. The list goes on
panicmiami t1_j98vkhg wrote
i'm definitely on step 2
did a holee mod but had to do some shoddy soldering (60% non-hotswap) and killed the backspace, pipe/backslash and enter keys
i'm super satisfied with the stabs now except they don't work ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
sun_cardinal t1_j9bl5o9 wrote
This is the way.
panicmiami t1_j9f9vjo wrote
Update:
I fixed it the following night. Soldered a few wire bridges because I discarded/melted some of the copper contacts. I reassembled it and saw a stabilizer as I was clearing stuff away. LMAO I had to desolder a shift key.
EDEADLINK t1_j933fsm wrote
Started with my endgame. Unless they invent silent buckling spring torsional actuators I'm set.