Loading…
23
PSA: Don't waste $80 on that 'restored' keyboard kit online
I got burned hard last month on a supposed restored IBM Model M from some seller on eBay... paid $80 for what they claimed was fully cleaned and ready to go. Soon as I plugged it in, half the keys didn't even register. I cracked it open and found rust all over the backplate and what looked like old coffee crust under the springs. Spent another 4 hours and $15 on isopropyl alcohol and a new cable just to get it working halfway decent. A real waste of time and money honestly... should've just hunted one down at a local flea market for cheaper. Has anyone else fell for one of these fancy restored listings?
2 comments
Log in to join the discussion
Log In2 Comments
henryf531mo ago
$80 ain't bad if it comes with the original cable and bolts.
2
rayc381mo ago
Ngl that's rough but honestly the rust and coffee crust part doesn't surprise me at all. These sellers just spray a little contact cleaner on the outside and call it "restored" without ever opening the case. I've taken apart a few Model Ms and the inside is basically a time capsule of whatever was spilled on it in the 90s. You really gotta scrub each spring cup individually with a toothbrush and let the whole thing dry for a day before it's actually clean.
-1