Clicky Buckling Spring Fidget Switch (IBM Model M/Model F Inspired)

An upscaled fidget toy version of IBM's famous buckling spring switch found in the Model M and Model F keyboards, so now anybody can annoy their co-workers or classmates with the most well regarded mechanical keyboard switch in the world.

These parts were modeled from a Unicomp built Model M. They're not exact, so I wouldn't expect any of these parts to work in an actual keyboard if they were scaled down to fit. For the purposes of this project though, they replicate the action of a proper buckling spring switch relatively well.

UPDATE 8/25/24: I made some changes to the internal geometry of the key and the cover that should hopefully make the spring buckle more reliably and more consistently regardless of where you press down on the key. These V2 versions are now available to download and have replaced the old models.

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REQUIRED MATERIALS:

This is designed to use the spring out of a Zebra F-301 ballpoint pen, which is approximately 26mm long with a 4.1mm OD, a 3.4mm ID, and 15 coils. Other springs around this size may work, but I haven't tested any to know for sure.

Please note that all springs are NOT created equal! If you're having trouble getting your switch to click reliably or the click feels weak, try rotating your spring a little as that may improve it's ability to buckle. Your spring should also be in good condition with no bends or other damage, otherwise it probably won't work.