I recently bought an IBM 3278 beamspring keyboard and it's currently in the mail. Once it arrives, I plan to clean it up and get it converted to USB. I've restored a Model F XT in the past (took it apart, cleaned it, replaced the degraded foam) but I've heard that the restoration process for beamspring boards is quite a bit more involved. Is there anything I should be aware of before jumping into it? Tips and trick, common pitfalls, etc. I've read through a few threads people have made documenting the restoration process and I think I get the gist of it, but I figured I should ask so that I don't screw something up and accidentally ruin the board, since it's expensive and difficult to replace.
One thing I'm especially concerned about is pulling the keycaps and disassembling the switches without damaging the caps or stems. Can I just pull the caps off with a standard wire keycap puller like I would with Alps or Cherry mount keycaps? How about disassembling the switches? My plan there was to grab the stem with some pliers and pull it apart.
Beamspring restoration tips
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DMA
- Location: Seattle, US
- Main keyboard: T420
- Main mouse: Trackpoint
- Favorite switch: beamspring
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Some care needs to be taken pulling off keycaps - look at the photos of the switch stem to better understand which direction to pull.
Otherwise, beamspring is easier to assemble/disassemble than model F.
Also, beamspring is not protected from debris ingress - people used saran wrap for a membrane under the keys previously.
Otherwise, beamspring is easier to assemble/disassemble than model F.
Also, beamspring is not protected from debris ingress - people used saran wrap for a membrane under the keys previously.