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Note that the IBM Model M is actually a "membranical" design. Beneath the famous buckling spring is a bit of metal that strikes a contact membrane to close the circuit and register a keypress.

That said, it's nothing like the rubber dome pieces of crap we associate with membrane keyboards; its durability and keyfeel are still legendary. The membranical design may have contributed to its durability by making it less susceptible to dust and dirt.



I still love the patent name for it: "Catastrophically buckling compression column switch and actuator". Still wondering what is catastrophic about it.

https://patents.google.com/patent/US3699296A/en


> Still wondering what is catastrophic about it.

The behaviour is described by catastrophe theory [1].

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catastrophe_theory


Topre caps are also a rubber dome design.


Rose-tinted glasses: the reason the Model M is a membrane keyboard is because it was heavily cost-reduced / cheapened down from prior designs.


As far as I know, the Model F is the real built-like-a-tank keyboard that almost makes a Model M seem flimsy by comparison.


Note you can buy new Model F reproductions: https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/store/

They're not cheap.




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