deskthority

Hi All - I have been experimenting with a lot of different keyboard lately and while I like a lot of switches I have tried (Topre and Alps etc), I don't really like any of the keycap profiles in comparison to my Model M. The taller caps feel like there is more separation between keys and I make many fewer mistakes when typing. The curved mounting is probably also a bit component, but that is obviously not going to be something i can change on most keyboards.

I like the smooth feel of the Topre and the quick feel of the Alps, but I keep going back to the Model M, so I am wondering if I can find caps to get more of that feel.

I am getting a NovaTouch, and so I am thinking that it is a good time to look for a set of caps that might give me more of that Model M profile from an MX compatible cap (but with the Topre feel). Any suggestions? Are the SA profile caps the solution, or something else (DCS)?

What about the HiPro version of the RealForce, would that be another option?

Thx!

Aything pbt should have the same great feel. With topre, im not sure of the options, but since you have a novatouch I would suggest that you get something like og cherry dyesubs or an enjoypbt set.

To me the Model M keycaps feel much taller and like they have a smaller surface area as a result. A single cap feels more isolated (almost like a little island) when compared to its adjacent brothers. HiPro is probably more similar in height and small surface area, but the aggressive edges on the caps definitely lend them a distinct (and often polarising) feel. The closest thing I've personally found to the Model M caps in overall feel are probably the ones on the Olivetti ANK 25-101.

Jacobolus wrote a very comprehensive post comparing many flat board key cap profiles.

In another thread of his, he shared a graphic comparing DCS and Buckling Spring key cap profiles:



DCS key caps look pretty low in comparison though and also don't come in PBT, so from a cursory inspection of the first thread linked, I'd say you'd want to find something in OEM or Tai-Hao (appears to be vintage key caps in the thread, modern Tai-Hao caps may be in plain OEM profile) profiles. OEM/Tai-Hao profiles are pretty standard on Alps keyboards though, so you may have tried them already.

EDIT: Fixed second link

I was trying to find that image but I distinctly remembered that the little jigs he made excluded IBM Model M (flat board profiles only) -- that graphic ought to be helpful though. Looks as though surface area isn't really different and it's been a while since I used a Buckling Spring keyboard, but that's how I remember it *feeling* at least.

In the second thread, he took a photo of what looks like a 4704 with a telephoto lens and made a drawing out of it:





I personally find OEM and Buckling Spring profiles to feel pretty similar; it may be as close as the OP can get.

002 wrote: To me the Model M keycaps feel much taller and like they have a smaller surface area as a result. A single cap feels more isolated (almost like a little island) when compared to its adjacent brothers. HiPro is probably more similar in height and small surface area, but the aggressive edges on the caps definitely lend them a distinct (and often polarising) feel. The closest thing I've personally found to the Model M caps in overall feel are probably the ones on the Olivetti ANK 25-101.

Thanks - this jibes with what I was thinking. The taller caps with sloping sides makes the cap surface smaller, which I like because the keys end up feeling more widely spaced, despite being the same distance centre to centre. The HiPro looks like it achieves some of that spacing, but the sculpted tops could be a problem (or could be great!).

I'll look at the Olivetti option - cheers.

I see the Olivetti from Tai Hao and from AvB in ABS

http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_30558.html

and I would prefer PBT if I can find a nice option.

I see they do a PBT set that looks okay (good contrast - not too expensive), but I don't know if the profile is OEM or something else. There is a Tai Hao

https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/in ... ail&p=1171
http://www.kustompcs.co.uk/acatalog/info_30604.html

and also a Ducky option:

http://www.kikatek.com/P834704/S9C3-S10 ... ap-Set-PBT

any thoughts? thanks!

Just a quick reply to bump this up and ask the general question - any suggestions for a nice PBT set to try out that doesn't cost a fortune? Is the profile of the Tai Hao or Ducky sets of PBT caps going to give me a feel closer to the Model M I am looking for, or do I need to find something else? Thanks for any suggestions!

emdude wrote: DCS key caps look pretty low in comparison though and also don't come in PBT, so from a cursory inspection of the first thread linked, I'd say you'd want to find something in OEM or Tai-Hao....

Just as a bit of info...... DCS is available in PBT, on the PMK website, but only as blanks in individual packs, which could get pretty darn expensive.


I wonder if they're any different from the rather thin ABS caps we've seen before...