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A buckling spring is a type of keyswitch mechanism, popularized by IBM's
File:Bucklingspring-animation-300ms.gif, Buckling spring on key press and release
File:Bucklingspring1-o.svg, Illustration from the original buckling spring , issued to IBM in 1978
File:IBM buckling spring.svg, A drawing included in the patent for the buckling spring mechanism
File:Fig 2 harris keyforce-o.svg, Graph of key force over key travel for a buckling spring key. Visible in graph position 1C the fast force drop when the spring buckles. , issued to IBM in 1978.
Wiki article on the various buckling spring mechanisms
– From deskthority.net {{Compu-hardware-stub Computer keyboards
A buckling spring is a type of keyswitch mechanism, popularized by IBM's keyboards
Keyboard may refer to:
Text input
* Keyboard, part of a typewriter
* Computer keyboard
** Keyboard layout, the software control of computer keyboards and their mapping
** Keyboard technology, computer keyboard hardware and firmware
Music
* Musi ...
for the PC, PC/AT, 5250/3270 terminals, PS/2, and other systems. It was used by IBM's Model F keyboards (for instance the AT keyboard), and the more common Model M. It is described in (Model F) and (Model M), both now expired.
Operation
The coil spring tensed between the keycap and a pivoting hammerbuckles
The buckle or clasp is a device used for fastening two loose ends, with one end attached to it and the other held by a catch in a secure but adjustable manner. Often taken for granted, the invention of the buckle was indispensable in securing tw ...
(i.e. kinks or collapses) at a certain point in its downward traverse, providing auditory and tactile feedback to the keyboard operator. Upon buckling, the hammer is pivoted forward by the spring and strikes an electrical contact which registers the key press. In a Model M, the electrical contact is a membrane sheet similar to that of a modern dome switch keyboard.
Gallery
See also
*Collapse action
Collapse action is a device behaviour that snaps a switch into place, usually using a bistable element. When flipping a light switch, strain on one spring increases until it flips position, pulling down the switch. Collapse action allows one to re ...
* Euler's critical load
* List of mechanical keyboards
Mechanical keyboards
The technology of computer keyboards includes many elements. Among the more important of these is the switch technology that they use. Computer alphanumeric keyboards typically have 80 to 110 durable switches, generally ...
References
External links
Wiki article on the various buckling spring mechanisms
– From deskthority.net {{Compu-hardware-stub Computer keyboards