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

2 Comments

henryf534d ago

$80 ain't bad if it comes with the original cable and bolts.

rayc385d 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.

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