IBM 4978 "Beamship" keyboard review (Beamsprings)

[@AtomicShrimp]

It looks like what the Commodore 64 wants to be when it grows up

[@louisgarbour2737]

Didn't expect to see you here lol. Love the videos!

[@nathanlamaire]

Recently, it can be (sort of, if you count MX Blue)

[@nacnacnacnacnacnacnacnac]

atomicshrimp sighting

[@theodiscusgaming3909]

Tbh I don't want a windows update when I want to launch a nuke, so I don't blame them

[@nasanierulastname2997]

“This might take a while”

[@censoredterminalautism4073]

I wonder what they replaced it with. The hardware specifically, not the software, since that's probably just a really minimal OS customized specifically for that, that can't possibly fail.

[@delphicdescant]

@@censoredterminalautism4073 No doubt they chose the most god-fearing and genius-crafted OS out there. TempleOS is the industry standard in nuclear excellence.

[@censoredterminalautism4073]

@@delphicdescant I don't think the CIA bioluminescent beings of darker than average complexion would allow the military to use divine technology. Only a possibility in a world not ruled by Satanic, globalist psychic vampires.

[@siotsoni9854]

@@censoredterminalautism4073 They probably haven't replaced it yet, but my money's on some sort of simple x86-based 19" rackmount servers running Red Hat or something close to that. I doubt they're using a terribly custom OS, seeing as it's quite a lot of effort that's ultimately somewhat pointless, seeing as all they ultimately want is 100% uptime on a system that's as far away as possible from the internet, but with cheap to replace hardware this time.

[@Spearra]

Hearing the Beamsprings in the end just makes it all the harder to wait for that Keystone modern Beamspring keyboard to be eventually finished!

[@Chyrosran22]

I agree, I can't wait tbh :D .

[@OlorinMayar]

Oh yes. Also (un)patiently waiting for that one.

[@Temunic]

@Disciplexeon The Operator Not exactly. Kono store is working on a hall effect keyboard that will have hotswapable switches. Those switches are roughly MX switch size, and the clicky variant will use a beamspring inside of it. So not a faithful reproduction so much as a beamspring inspired switch.

[@Spearra]

@Disciplexeon The Operator There's a up and coming keyboard called the "Keystone Analog Hall Effect Keyboard" that uses what they call a "Silo Switches". The clicky variant of said switch is a Beamspring hall effect switch!

[@12me91]

modern beamspring?! where? I must have one

[@musicboi5271]

for a second I was gonna go " OH BOY! NOSTALGIA" until I remembered that I was raised in the woods and got my first phone at 16

[@SenpaiRov]

just finished setting up my subwoofers, watching this with those is an experience

[@delphicdescant]

Someday, when I'm rich and well-connected, I dream of trying a beamspring keyboard.

[@EcoAcid]

You will never be rich and well-connected.

[@delphicdescant]

@@EcoAcid I made that comment 6 months ago. I'm already rich and well-connected now. All it took was a little lying, cheating, and stealing - the same way all rich people get rich.

[@EcoAcid]

@@delphicdescant Oh ok. Good for you. Mind if you share some of that wealth?

[@jamesmillerjo]

@@delphicdescant I thought Eco was rude but now I started to think Eco has won...

[@ClintonMatos]

Dropping the keyboard actually gave me a fright. Good lord.

[@jacobhotaling8959]

droping one of these on a granite countertop someoens worried about the granite way more than the keyboard

[@LegoTux]

Beam me up Scotty.

[@nightelf5007]

6.8 Kilos? That's like the weight of 15 quarter-pounders and 20 whoppers combined, plus a big gulp.

[@toastedphantom3007]

The only relevant system of measurements

[@theairismoist6441]

ah, i see you too use imperial

[@ej_tech]

3:51 RIP my eardrums and that table

[@nerdyneedsalife8315]

I know the sound is polarizing but I love the sound of these. Then again I also love the Alps plate spring sound.

[@themaximus144]

Wait. There are people who don't like the sound of beam springs? Are they sane?

[@is9273]

@@themaximus144 Yes, they are sane.

[@censoredterminalautism4073]

I want to use one of these in front of a 40 inch CRT.

[@censoredterminalautism4073]

Or 4000 centinches in metric.

[@sond5271]

This a real audio for a youtube video. Crisp clear and nice voice as well. No music in background. Well done Chyrosran22.

[@BartAssink]

Crazy how those big and chunky keyboards grow on me like an old Volvo brick. Love that you love these designs. A true mechanical keyboard maniac🤙🏼

[@channalname5771]

i love how calm you are at the start when in the presence of something so magnificent.

[@bbf0ab08cb44becfec]

"By far the most expensive keyboard I've ever bought" Considering you're a keyboard enthusiast I'm thinking in the 10,000 dollar range, lol

[@sEaNoYeAh]

Are you new? You might be surprised how much Thomas has spent on most of his keyboards.

[@wyattmathis4854]

GhostSamurai he’s picked up free boards from the recycling center that I would pay 100+ for

[@delphicdescant]

@@sEaNoYeAh How little, you mean?

[@bindingofisaacchannel3054]

He’s actually pretty frugal with his keyboard purchases, I don’t think he has a ton to spend on them

[@sEaNoYeAh]

@@wyattmathis4854 I swear The Recycling Centre is some magical fairy land he found a door to where all these elves use 80s computing equipment.

[@raulsaavedra709]

Wow what a jewel of your collection, great keyboard! And @13:22 what an imposing thocky clicky sound!!! Does have an aura of nuclear grade reliable quality.

[@pandaonabus]

The typing sound reminds me of those kids musical toys, the ones with the tin box and the handle you crank to play a little tune.

[@bsadewitz]

The toy needs a solenoid to knock against its case.

[@unknown96565]

This keyboard is a mega c h o n k e r. Edit: Also holy shit at 3:50

[@aCivilServant]

A beast of a keyboard. Much more of a 'poppy' sound as the beam springs buckle as opposed to the ping of a Model F or M. Looks like you'll need a socket set from the garage to get that thing apart :) Nice review Thomas.

[@adamgardiner5869]

I have zero interest in keyboards, mechanical keys, or anything related to this channel. But here I am at 1am eagerly watching your latest video. I find the fascinating and oddly comforting because of your voice (and liberal sweating). So thanks.

[@FirstWizardZorander]

That typing sound is possibly the most delicious sound I've ever heard. So definite, so crisp, yet delicate.

[@LampreyKisses]

I love how you try to convince me to get beamsprings, even though I can't possibly afford to build a beamspring keyboard for the modern world. Such a TEASE!

[@explodingseapig5300]

I still don’t understand why I watch keyboard videos. Maybe it’s his beautiful voice.

[@dosgos]

Matte covers were to prevent glare on clear options paper tags.

[@Chyrosran22]

Yeah, makes sense that it'd be for glare prevention :) .

[@pacificrules]

I absolutely LOVE the clicky sound of the keyboard. I WANT ONE!!

[@sahizzurp]

the body positive keyboard we deserve

[@aarishbaig]

The keyboard of choice for your local keyboard warrior.

[@stampycatfan01lol]

“IBM Model B” has a nice ring to it...

[@malfaro3l]

I’ve never seen a more beautiful thing in my life.

[@NightlifeSux]

Minor point of note: the Russian AKM has a 1mm thick receiver. Chinese-made AKMs have 1.5mm thick receivers.

[@Chyrosran22]

The Type 56? Didn't know that had a thicker receiver Oo . Interesting!

[@wkg19591]

Oh Tom, you've gone and done it now. Though I've really enjoyed the m0110a the last couple of weeks now I simply have to break out the beamspring I got from Orihalcon a year or so back. Noice!!!!

[@Chyrosran22]

Noice ^^

[@zerrano]

I really hope you can one day do a grand showcase of your greatest keyboards in your vast collection of keyboard history

[@molymastiff]

Have you ever considered doing a top ten video of your favorite key caps? I've seen some beautiful key caps demonstrated in your videos, and I'd love to know which ones you like the best.

[@asystole_]

Thanks for the jumpscare at 3:50

[@TurboZarya]

Which keyboard is the heaviest in your collection?

[@Chyrosran22]

The Chyron 4044 aircraft carrier.

[@bacon.cheesecake]

Separate return and enter keys sounds really nice, wish we still had that.

[@justinc8157]

The IBM "Model x" doesn't show chronological lineage. I have a "Model A" (Part Num: 06H5305) which is dated 1995.

[@ClickandThock]

This my dream keyboard... have to put my hands on one to make Sound Tests!

[@xirism6702]

Perfect gaming keyboard

[@RSIronBase]

daily dose of beamspring

[@anasevi9456]

truly a glory to behold, like an true lambo V12, congrats on the catch and great video mate!

[@apalboi1985]

How many keyboards do you own in your collection mate? great vid btw as always

[@Chyrosran22]

Over 300 models

[@alistairblaire6001]

The sliders on those programmable keys are so nice.

[@JakeFPV.]

I say you should try doing some livestream stuff. I would really enjoy being able to interact with you while you review boards

[@willsweeting1676]

Never been anywhere near early on these videos. Just wanna say that I really enjoy the content, and I hope you're having a good time making keyboard reviews, even after all this time.

[@Chyrosran22]

Thanks mate :) . I'm not going to keep doing this forever, but I've still got a few things I want to show ;) .

[@GalileoAV]

Damn, that typing demonstration could be cross uploaded to phub. It almost sounds like one with a solenoid with how deep and chunky it hits O_O

[@SamCyanide]

Chryosan: clowns on imperial units Also chryosan: fanboying over ibm keyboards designed with God's chosen unit

[@exvious6066]

ITS HERE OH DEAR ITS HERE !

[@KangoV]

I used one of these for quite a few years and it's just awesome.

[@p3kittyopa07]

could you next time review am amiga keyboard pls

[@XalphYT]

The Amiga 500 ending with Kickstart 1.2 had really beautiful switches. The Amiga 500 starting with Kickstart 1.3 had really crap switches. My friend has the good version; I had the bad one. The difference was night and day.

[@donald2005]

I love that he is so excited about this thing

[@AerFixus]

I don't remember where I read it, but I thought Beamspring/Selectric caps were POM, not ABS.

[@sterlingphoenix]

When you dropped the keyboard to show how heavy it is, it actually woke up and startled my cat.

[@NoEntertainment]

User of the Weird Calendar, watching Chyrosran talk about keyboards in the late morning. The simple things in life.

[@Bobbals.]

I’ve always wanted one! Thanks for reviewing this!

[@Crokto]

this is the type of keyboard that youd design a desk around to give it a comfortable typing angle, cuz its worth it

[@Richardpasquinucci]

That is the Directory assistance keyboard that the Bell System used in the 1980s

[@harryvendryes]

Got it... the sound reminds me of the 1978 movie The Medusa Touch staring Richard Burton. Beamspring reminds me of the noisy oscilloscope type machine at the very end.

[@runrin_]

the typing demonstration is almost musical

[@x105w5]

I've never been this early! Love the videos

[@XalphYT]

I've never been this late. I love the videos too.

[@darkurthe]

Damn that typing is excellent sounding.

[@Jedi817]

And I thought my '86 Model M was heavy...

[@dimitrilensflareabrams2893]

It sounds like delicate metallic raindrops.

[@Jallen7362]

I lost it at @5:12 with “geez what a fucking unit”

[@bishopworks3203]

"By far the most expensive keyboard I've bought" That's a pretty big understatement for a over 1,000 dollar keyboard lmao

[@coggearalex]

Hey Chyrosran! Would you consider reviewing the Cherry G86? It's a rather large industrial board meant for small businesses. It comes with 120+ something buttons (21 of which are macro reprogrammable keys), a mouse pad with left and right buttons AND a card reader of all things! Would love to hear your input on it! Edit: brand new, it's prices range, but you could easily get one for around 25 dollars. I don't know what that would convert to in tea drinking dollars

[@yugen0o]

Once you get this working I suggest making a video while using it in a WeWork common area.

[@sonicase]

damn, nice,.... i used to really want a beamspring but i've tried them and i don't really like how it feels almost linear until you bottom out, I like to have the click earlier on. the key travel is really different compared to most keyboards. It's kind of jarring to feel it finally click and then immediately bottom out. Don't get me wrong though i still do want one. there is some small one with blue and red accent keys which looks awesome. 3278-A2 i think ...they're all always real expensive though :/

[@-who_took_the_name-5199]

There are two people in the keyboard world the people who want the tiny keyboard and the people who want the battleship keyboard and battleships are just awesome

[@cameronchilders3701]

The holy grail of HOLY SHIT IT'S MASSIVE

[@naota3k]

For those Americans who haven't upgraded to barley corns, reams, and chains; this keyboard weighs *FIFTEEN* pounds.

[@johnjoyce]

Weird, sounded like popcorn popping recorded on a cassette tape and played back at low volume through a crystal earpiece inside of a Pringle’s can.

[@fpgamemearray]

i would probably make an indent in my desk to accomodate for the THICCness, it has to be uncomfortable for the wrists.

[@anthonybrunotheodd]

Those key caps look like the ones on my 1969 IBM Selectric.

[@thegamingbayskeletor1637]

- Are ya winning son ?! - No dad, i just typed the nuclear codes

[@artman40]

I bet you all wanted him to press the big programmable keys more.

[@pog_champ]

slick new outro

[@AndrewAHayes]

I have a Z80 Research and the keyboard to that is the dogs, it is only a basic qwerty but the case is thick steel and is extremely heavy. It is very similar to the Fairlight CMI sampler/synth keyboard

[@gillespujol410]

i swear this guy has all the keyboards in the world

[@deadcelll]

God I love those keycaps nothing like top printed legends

[@dhoffnun]

If anyone wants caps something like these for their modern keebs, take a look at the MT3 Susuwatari keyset on Drop - even the color is pretty similar. The typeface is different, but the legends are top-center, and the keys are THICC.

[@apb.]

Btw mallard has a beamship if you didn't know

[@stopthephilosophicalzombie9017]

The world is on fire but damn these beamspring keyboards bring back the mems.

[@ganzonomy]

3:50 Drops keyboard Whole desk shakes

[@andljoy]

Oh my god , this thing is awesome ! I have always wanted one!

[@giuseppeafellay4855]

Maybe the "Keyboard E" is the pingmaster, since it was an IBM keyboard also from the taller switch era.

[@Chyrosran22]

I'd be surprised if IBM adopted SKCC before they did buckling springs tbh - their patent on it is quite old tbh Oo .

[@giuseppeafellay4855]

@@Chyrosran22 Since the Pingmasters were released around the transition between Beam to Buckling springs (1981), I wouldn't be surprised if they had plans to release the Model E and the Model F around the same period. Given that the SKCCs are from the taller era, it could have possible that the Pingmasters were introduced as model Es, but again, just blind speculation from me.

[@Chyrosran22]

@@giuseppeafellay4855 The CBS patent dates from 1977; it was very likely that whatever E was, it was older than that.

[@Daijyobanai]

This Commodore 64 review was really confusing.

[@TheMilford]

I wish somebody would make some selectric/beamspring-style keycaps for the MX switches. They are absolutely delicious.

[@Atrere]

Just imagine if all those taped off switchholes were fitted with functioning keys, good gravy.

[@SonicBoone56]

Did you hear that somebody is making modern beamspring switches?

[@SonicBoone56]

@Peter Mortensen kono.store/blogs/keyboards/silo-beam

[@rosejackson517]

trying to get hold of poxy beamsping but the coast oh boy ! love the videos btw

[@foggofed9163]

Absolutely CHONKY

[@angelfoto4795]

damn damn boi DAMN BOI HE THICC BOI THAT'S A THICC ASS BOI DAMN BA PAAA

[@LaskyLabs]

I wish I could get one of these for my Mom... I'm sure she'd love it.

[@xchalibur77]

The best keyboard yet

[@nakulverma7148]

That sounds even more DELICIOUS than my Kailh Box Navies. Comparisons? Please and thank you.

[@RBLevin]

Imagine converting that to USB and then bringing it into the office.

[@jacobhotaling8959]

im doing this to my class at school iv got mine converted to work and its great

[@williamlee0]

Well, this is it, then. The ultimate keyboard.

[@o_Domo]

I was just listening to the video on the background and holy mother of my beloved Jesus, I could honestly go to the Olympics by how much I jumped of my chair when that thing dropped down

[@nevinkramer2729]

So when is the chryos keyboard museum opening?