[aklug] Re: Anyone have a spare mechanical/IBM keyboard?

On 8/20/15 14:06 PM, Lee Brumbaugh wrote:

So my trusty MS Ergo keyboard v1 is dying.  It's been a good ride but keys are starting to stick and not registering at times unless I jab the key a bunch and then it'll start working.  That being the case I've started looking into replacement keyboards, and let me tell you, like all things, you can get lost in it.  I've been trolling keyboard forums and have decided to try a mechanical or get an old 1980's IBM keyboard.  You know the ones that can wake the house.  Oh the glory days of keyboards :)

Mechanical seem to be the cousin of the old IBMers in that they can be not quite as loud but still better tactile feeling then current laptop or rubber domed innards just don't have.  Plus they supposedly don't produce as much finger fatigue and might actually help with RSI although that might be some wishful thinking on some people.

Long story short, I was wondering if anyone has any old keyboards tucked away in a closet/attic/garage/basement/shed that needs a new home.  To be upfront as possible, the old keyboards are actually fetching $75+ online.  I'm not sure I'm willing to purchase one for that much unless I really do get to try one out.  Or if a kind soul has one they'd want to donate to a "good" cause I'd gladly come and fetch it.

 

Lee Brumbaugh

Have you tried disconecting your keyboard and giving it a bath?  I've washed more than a few keyboards successfully - water is a good solvent.  Let it soak, exercise the keys (while in the tub), change the bath water a couple of times.  I usually give the keyboard a final soak in deionized or distilled water to avoid shorting via mineral deposits.  Warning: this probably will not work with many laptop keyboards or keyboards that use capacitance.

--greg