My weird psychosis behavior about using keyboards

[Tangtawan]

Hi, I have been into vintage keyboards lately; since I have been introduced to my first vintage keyboard which is the IBM Model M and have been using it for around 6 months. I have always been looking for another Model M; while only can use one at a time- I'm now having 3 Model Ms and will buy more if I found a good deal. The reason is that I'm afraid my first model M will break down and I cant find parts for it. I have a weird feeling of insecurity when using the keyboard if i dont have another spare one ready to use. I dont even use the original keycaps, but instead ordered blank sets from Unicomp as i dont want the original keys to get dirty. And the worst part is I used to play lots of games and is currently running a high performance PC, but after started using these keyboard I stopped playing games; believing that WSAD keys and switch will wear down more than others (of course I still feel bad for spacebar while typing this)

Now I have got myself a Model F AT, and indeed i love it; but the problem is I cant apply mentioned behavior with the Model F as its much more rare and harder to find. I cant even order keycaps from Unicomp since not all the keys will fit. After spending a whole lot of money and effort for this Model F, I surely love how it feels to type on; it does work perfectly but I'm still afraid that its going to break down one day.

In simpler terms, I spent a whole lot on keyboards and did not dare to even use it. I live in Thailand, and all these stuff I have are extremely hard to find.

Any of you guys have the same behavior? And is hoarding the same keyboard a common thing?

[HAL]

No worries, you can repair almost anything on a Model F.

[ohaimark]

I understand your sentiment, but worrying about Model Ms breaking is like being concerned about the sun burning out.

Will it happen? Yes. Will you go through more than three in your lifetime? Absolutely not. You should also note that PBT, the plastic used in the keycaps of Ms, is quite resistant to shine.

I do have a decent collection of keyboards. I decided that I wouldn't travel with them. Instead I have one daily driver which utilizes Gateron switches -- they're smooth and easy to replace.

In any case, welcome to DT.

[citrojohn]

Mm, I do get rather conflicted about using and possibly wearing out these rare / unusual keyboards. Maybe we should organise a Deskthority Museum of Keyboards with one of every model preserved for posterity - then we can feel free to use the others and know we can still show our grandchldren why we kept all these old boards (and why we discarded most of the MYs!)

I don't think you need to worry too much about parts for a Model M, though - given their durability, the length of time they've been made for and the lack of funds to develop a replacement, I reckon Model Ms will be around longer than almost any other model of keyboard. Model Fs might be a different matter...

[webwit]

[Tangtawan]

Thanks for all the comment and warm welcome, now since I have been using Model F for awhile and found that its very pleasant to type on. I want to use it as a daily driver. Are there anything or any of its weakness i need to be aware of ? This keyboard has never been disassembled before and there are various information online stating that under the plate there will be one sheet of foam which is already corroded after 30+ years of age, I bet mine is already corroded too- but i dont want to take the board apart anytime soon, can it be left like that? Since now its still working perfectly.

[Hypersphere]

There is an old saying, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it". In proper English, "If it is not broken, do not repair it".

Of course, keyboard enthusiasts break this rule all the time! We do tend to be weird, but I would not go so far as to call us psychotic. Neurotic, perhaps.

I started my mechanical keyboard activity by acquiring spare Model M keyboards "just in case my Model M broke down". Then I branched out into contemporary mechanical keyboards as well as many other types of vintage keyboards. Now I rotate among the keyboards in my collection, and I am starting to sell keyboards that I will not have the time to refurbish.

[Techno Trousers]

Model F (capacitive buckling spring) is more durable than Model M (membrane buckling spring). Barring damage to the keyboard, it should last for many more decades. The key caps are PBT with dye sublimated legends. They won't fade or get shiny with use. As a gaming bonus, Model F keyboards are n-key rollover by their analog nature.

As the old saying goes, they don't make 'em like they used to. Use and enjoy your keyboard to its fullest.

[khirin]

Most of previous replies suggest that M and F are both very durable and can be repaired if needed. This also means that you should stop worrying and start learning how to take care of them. There are good resources on the net and especially here where you can find good DIY tips and friendly advices.

For me, my curiosity has always taken over the need to repair things. I take my Ms and Fs apart once I first got my hands on them. I want to clean them inside out, revive them from their sorry states to their most pristine conditions. Oh, I have dozens of each of them so far. Is that a weird behavior as well?