Save Deskthority!

As some of you may have heard, the future of the Deskthority mechanical keyboard forum is uncertain after the current owners have offered it for sale. It was suggested that I head up a group buy effort to coordinate a group buy to collect funds for me to purchase the site with the intention of leaving things as they are (additional details are in the Google forms link below). This is a terrific forum and along with geekhack and reddit MK it is a great place for learning and discussion on mechanical keyboards!

“Today I reached out to this site’s proprietor expressing my interest and received a thoughtfully written reply including the information that they are looking for $15k for the site and that an offer for $5k was turned down. My guess is that the final price may settle around $7.5k to $10k if they wish to proceed with a sale. For someone looking to buy the site, server costs for a private dedicated server with 1 gigabit/second guaranteed bandwidth, 64GB RAM, and a 2023 Intel processor would be about $55 to $65 a month including backup storage.

I would be happy to coordinate a group buy for the site (I have coordinated some group buys before!).

Below is the Google forms link I have just created, where I have included additional details.

I would have to collect the funds by Venmo, Zelle, Transferwise (wise), check, etc. so as not to affect my merchant card processor which may not like collecting funds for funds outside my normal area of selling goods.

Please only sign the form if you can realistically send funds in the next month or two.”

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FLV9n2Qyg7ZZCyW7bPAkSKvPOOxdkcD9GnGIMu2wY6w/viewform?edit_requested=true

Brand New Model F February 2024 Update: in the media, final sale, production status, article from the Model F inventor, firmware updates, customer images, and more!

Here are the new models that are now being offered. There is still time to order the original project’s F62/F77 keyboards, but they are on a “while supplies last” basis.

Currently in stock: All F62 and F77, Ultra Compact F104, Ultra Compact FSSK, F15 Split Ergonomic, F50 macro pad, and the Split Ortholinear keyboard (one left of this model – email me if interested)

Currently in production: The 3 metal case classic Model M style F104, FSSK, and F122 keyboards and the Round 2 classic style Beam Spring keyboards

You may see that updates are only once every couple months on the blog (this post was late! My apologies for the delay), which summarize the frequent updates posted on the Deskthority and geekhack forums, so please head over there for the updates as they happen.

Currently the order backlog for in stock items is down to about one month, as it has been for the past few months. Just about everything is in stock, outside of the Round 2 stuff, pad printed keys, and new keycap designs.

As a reminder I definitely recommend ordering the Low / Custom Serial/Production Date “Skip the Line” option to wait the shortest possible amount of time. To upgrade an existing order, please order this store item and choose free/other shipping at checkout, immediately before clicking Place Order. This will also be a great way of supporting the project a little extra to help cover the tens of thousands of dollars in project cost overruns.

Linus Tech Tips

It is a great honor for the New Model F to have been shown in the Linus Tech Tips tech upgrade video posted today!

Alex from LTT had the Brand New Ultra Compact F104 keyboard custom finished at an automotive paint shop and the result looks nice! It is great to see folks customizing their Model F keyboards!

Direct link to the keyboard portion of the video: https://youtu.be/b5hZVDoifHo?si=BCAgG5l1mYC9Out2&t=1200

The Model F has made it to the PC World Best Mechanical Keyboards of 2023 list! A nice honor for the project.

https://www.pcworld.com/article/1966306/best-mechanical-keyboards.html

Recently a great review of the new Model F keyboard (Ultra Compact F77 variation) was posted on EuroGamer

https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2023-model-f-labs-f77-ultra-compact-review-a-keyboard-from-a-by-gone-age

Featured in Hypebeast and JJJJound

A design studio and retailer company, JJJJound, purchased some F62 keyboards with a custom keycap design with the intention of reselling. They posted the product today on their blog and everything sold out within one day. (n.b., I still have stock of F62 and F77!).

https://hypebeast.com/2023/12/jjjjound-vintage-mechanical-keyboard

https://www.jjjjound.com/en-jp/blogs/projects/jjjjound-mechanical-keyboard

I have been in talks with other companies to resell / distribute the new Model F keyboards (for example, to have some inventory stock in Europe for faster shipping) but so far no one else has taken this on. Let me know if you are interested in this or can help in any way.

Having shipped more than 4,900 boards, there are quite a few reviews and postings. I have compiled dozens and dozens of reviews and postings on the Model F and beam spring keyboards here: https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/press/

Final sale on the out of production keyboards (F62 / F77 / Round 1 F104 FSSK B104 and BSSK)

Currently the keyboards are discounted about 50% or more and some now sell for less than $200. If you have been holding off joining the project due to lack of funds or because these boards were not affordable now is the time to get a new Model F or beam spring! A lot of folks who have a new Model F are picking up a spare to use at another computer or to keep for future usage.

After 8 years (doesn’t time fly! Does 2015 seem a long time ago to everyone here?) these earlier projects are finally winding down. Now is the last chance to get these keyboards. Currently all variations are in stock and expected to ship within 1-4 weeks as I move through the backlog.

Once most of the stock sells out over the coming months, pricing is expected to go back up for those who want any of the final remaining boards. So far more than 4,900 Brand New Model F and Beam Spring keyboards have shipped, with many more in the queue as we wait for the factory to wrap up production.

I also have a number of factory soldered controllers+ribbon cables+capacitive PCBs for the F62 and F77 models. If you are looking to upgrade your keyboard to have the latest USB-C controller or if you want to pick up a drop-in spare replacement please feel free to order the controller plus 30 units of the store item $1 increments which includes the PCB and factory labor costs.

Production Status – when are my orders arriving!

The Round 2 Model F and Beam Spring boards should be wrapping up production and assembly over the next few months and arriving to me around mid-year, a delay from the original expectation of being completed around this current time. All these Round 2 boards should be going out at the same time once they arrive on the container ship, so if someone decides to order an additional board and they have two boards on order then they usually get to skip the additional line and have both boards go out in the same shipment and at the same point in line as their first board.

After assembly and packing is completed, we then have 6-8 weeks for the container shipment and arranging local delivery to me. As I always say, we are at the mercy of the factories for their production timeframes. This low volume project is far from the highest priority but I am thankful that the project can exist without economies of scale.

The factories all understand that the quality control is very important for all these parts so we prefer that they get things right even if it delays things.

A few folks have asked me to switch them to in-stock round 1 boards, such as the ultra compact F104, ultra compact FSSK, ultra compact B104, and ultra compact BSSK, if they prefer not to wait. If interested, please email me as I still have some of these boards left but stock is low and they will not be made again.

Model F specific production status details

Round 2 Model F classic style cases: They made the batch of black cases but we still need to finish the other cases and finish assembly. The factory needs to confirm the finalized case colors and texture before powdercoating can start.

Inner assembly (all F104 and FSSK inner assemblies have been produced and assembled, including the barrels, flippers, PCB, inner foam, and clear mylar sheet).

F122: the F122 sample inner assembly still needs to be approved before F122 TIA and BIA production can start. I am currently evaluating the latest F122 keyboard. So far I see no errors with the inner assemblies.

Keycaps: in preparation for the new boards, I ordered several thousand extra key sets and miscellaneous extra keys which were all completed and are currently on hand, so we do not need to wait for keycap production for the new Model F keyboard designs.

Boxes: the new folding style boxes have been approved for production for all Model F and beam spring boards; the artwork remains the same as before. More details on these boxes are below.

Outside protective foam: has been approved for production. These will be end cap pieces similar to those of the latest classic style F77.

While this does not hold up any Model F production, unfortunately there were production issues with the small batch of new keys for ISO Enter, Code, and PC AT Big Enter. The factory is working on remaking this batch (photos shown below). They will be available in pebble, ISSK Blue, black, and dark gray. As always everyone interested in reserving one of these keys (alone or as part of a set) please sign the Google Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl_jOqp6wAEfZGeivQZ8ZaibpoT0WQkDG39r08Q/

If anyone prefers not to wait and wants to switch to a Round 1 Model F board please let me know by email as I still have some units remaining.

Beam spring production status details

The Round 2 boards still need to finish production and assembly, so I hope that they can arrive to me later this year, around mid-year. As mentioned before things have been delayed from the original hope that they be completed earlier. Like with the Brand New Model F Keyboards project, no one aspect has bottlenecked the project and caused the delay but a number of aspects have taken longer than expected. The factory has their new year break for the next few weeks so things will continue after then.

Same as with the Model F noted above: If anyone prefers not to wait and wants to switch to a Round 1 beam spring board please let me know by email as I still have some units remaining.

Beam modules parts A and B:
Recently completed, but there was an error with part B discovered just before the new year break for the factories, so these parts need to be remade. These took over one year to produce, much longer than expected. Over a hundred thousand parts of each type were produced.

Beam module part B’s (the white part’s) assembly with its metal part has been improved for a nicer looking rounded assembly finish on the nub that is below the metal part. The factory has made thousands of these as part of the updated beam modules (all the ones with the press fit washers on top) and they are nice.

Metal parts for the modules:
The new modules from this February batch now sound great and were just approved for production yesterday, so we are just waiting on part B to be remade. A month earlier I noted this: The new modules using the older metal part for beam flipper sound great and are very close to the IBM originals. The tooling for the metal part for the beam flipper was updated last year but the updated tooling designed to get things even closer needs some work to get the modules as good sounding as possible.

The updated press fit washer mold for the beam modules:
Has been completed and approved, and I believe the factory has finished production of these parts if I remember correctly. This is an update over the original glued metal washer design; it allows for quick and toolless disassembly and repair of the beam modules.

Cases:
All but the beige and industrial gray case colors were approved (I want the colors to be even more accurate to the IBM originals so I rejected those two samples). The paint texture finish is not yet finalized.

Capacitive and controller PCBs:
wcass and Rico have finished the PCBs for the various beam spring models and I ordered the updated samples a few days ago. Rico’s Leyden Jar Rev 3 controller is so far working flawlessly in my testing and these will be the default controllers for the B104 and B122 (plus the F122), though the controllers will hopefully have firmware for all the various Model F and Beam Spring models in the future. As mentioned before, after the ATMEGA32’s run out I expect everything to have the Leyden Jar as the factory-installed controller.

Keys:
The PBT double shot keys and wcass xwhatsit controllers were completed last year.

Boxes:
The box designs have been finalized. The art will be just about the same as the Round 1 boxes shown on the project web site, but the boxes themselves will switch to a tab locking foldable design similar to the boxes IBM used for the original IBM Model F XT and AT keyboards (more details below). I have approved the box designs for production.

The outside protective foam:
Will be similar to the end cap style used on the final production round classic F77 Model F keyboards; after the keyboard samples are approved then they can make the cutting tool for this foam.

Inner foam:
The inner foam that goes between the tops of the modules and the top inner assembly will be evaluated with the forthcoming samples.

Working sample status:
The factory still needs to produce fully working samples of each beam spring keyboard model for my approval, and then mass production and assembly of the remaining case parts can start. The tooling for these cases took months longer than expected to complete. The sample cases and their TIA/BIA’s are completed and are now waiting to be powdercoated and assembled.

Major project milestone

The project has passed $3 million in orders! It is great to know there has been so much interest in the old beam spring and Model F keyboards.

Beam spring cases detailed production update

The factory has needed extra time to perfect the tooling for the cases and expects to finish up with the samples of each keyboard model in March (they already finished making the samples of each keyboard’s case, bottom inner assembly, and top inner assembly so we are just waiting up on the plating and powdercoating finishes to be completed). Here is an interesting video showing how the factory makes the curve on each beam spring case. The video shows them testing the curve on some test metal instead of what would be the final case.

Here are some photos of the uncoated aluminum beam case prototypes from the new tooling. They are made from a flat piece of aluminum cut and folded/bent into shape.  The samples show the cases without the finishing operations which is why things don’t line up 100% as with a finished product.

New BSSK layout with split backspace and right shift

Thanks to Fond Lion, there is a new layout option available for Round 2. Previously only the B62 offered a split right shift with the option of a split backspace. This option is only for the BSSK – please contact me to arrange paying for the additional tooling costs for the F104 for example.

You can upgrade an existing order or order a new keyboard with this layout.

Just like with the other custom tooling project (cut out full 5×3 right side block), the tooling was paid for in advance and folks will pay the person directly to take part in it. This modification is ANSI only, ISO is not available with this mod.

To upgrade, please order the BSSK with ANSI layout on the project web site (or reference a previous BSSK order if applicable) and then PM Fond Lion directly to arrange payment to Fond Lion. After payment is completed and I am notified by Fond Lion, I will upgrade your order. The price for the upgrade is $200 (or $100 for people who can’t afford it otherwise). If you are not a Deskthority member feel free to email me and I will pass along your information to Fond Lion over email.

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/beam-spring-keyboard/

December Meetup

Nice seeing everyone at the NYC mechanical keyboard meetup! There was a great turnout and a good amount of enthusiasm for the old style keyboards. Always nice to put the faces to the user names of some GH, reddit, and DT forum members. I brought the Round 2 B104, Round 2 F104, Round 1 Beam 104, and Classic Case F77 to the meetup where folks got to try them out and compare them with other keyboards the people brought.

Two Model F history resources: the original development of the Model F and IBM 4700 development

First article:

The inventor of the Model F keyboard, Dick Harris, has written an article and shared some videos about the development of the “Keyboard F” as it was initially known:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=28325

A big thanks to Deskthority forum member SneakyRobb for sharing this.

Second article:

Here is a great original IBM 4700 system guide book linked to by sharktastica on another thread:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=517054#p517054

https://bitsavers.org/pdf/ibm/4700/GC31-2018-3_Finance_Communication_System_Installation_Planning_upd198311.pdf

It includes some photos and expected specifications of the keyboards.

Deskthority forum member thefarside created a helpful post (linked above) showing the highlights from the above-linked PDF. It is interesting to see how different the F77 final weight ended up being (7.5 pounds for IBM’s F77 compared to the 4.4 pound estimate!). The XT style layout in that photo appears to be a non-functioning mockup? There appears to be no room below the keys for them to be pressed down, most noticeably for the Enter key.

Pad print update

The corrected pad printing jig was completed in mid-November and the factory then was able to move to the next step to further adjust the custom-made pad printing machine for this pad printing. The process has taken far longer than expected. The first jig had some errors and had to be redesigned.

This month I will be submitting the artwork to the factory for the first testing with production artwork, which is expected to be the same as the art used for the sublimated keys.

As always please do sign the interest form to reserve your pad printed set. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1873Q9wJFyNvJ4-TEBN6P9JbzaVxErbNd-h4XtN1DfNk

We are still not decided on UV coating vs uncoated for the pad printing. I think the uncoated looks nicer and closer to the IBM originals but the UV coating may add some extra longevity to the keys which of course wear down with usage.

New additional keys production photos (the status update is above in the production status section)

Can you really tell how good these keyboards are from pressing a key a few times or using a switch tester?

For a Model F switch tester, some folks think they will just order the keycap (Extra Keys product page), barrel, and flipper with spring. Or they will just buy a beam module to test out the new beam spring keyboards.

To be honest, trying one switch is not a good way of deciding whether you like the Model F or Beam Spring keyboard. What I recommend is to buy the lowest cost Model F or beam spring keyboard in the shop and see if you like it. If not, you can always sell it on reddit mechmarket or eBay. It would probably cost you, net, the same either way.

Clicking one switch doesn’t convey the overall accuracy, comfort, and typing experience of using a Model F or beam spring keyboard for extended typing sessions. These keyboards prove themselves through long typing sessions, where the components interact with the big metal plates to make the best typing experience with solidly built components making up a keyboard that folks have used for decades, instead of most keyboards which weigh 80% less, are mostly plastic, and use pad printed legends (instead of dye sublimated or double shot legends on the F and beam spring boards, respectively); these cost-based compromises make them not destined to last more than several years of intense usage. You can’t really tell how good these IBM-designed keyboard technologies are from pressing one switch a few times outside of the keyboard. Reminds me of the Pepsi Challenge from many years ago. If I remember correctly, when an academic study was done to evaluate the veracity of this challenge, most folks preferred a sip of Pepsi but overwhelmingly preferred Coke once they drank the full contents of each can.

To quote one user comparing Model F and Model M keyboards:

“My opinion echoes others: the M is a fantastic keyboard, but the F is noticeably better. The technical differences between the switches are minor on paper, but they become amplified when you adapt a light typing style, and compound further if you have to type a lot.

The light typing style is the key here: if you’re a heavy typist, there’s almost no difference between an F and M. When you type lightly, the small details in the design start to creep up. Both keyboards allow for light typing due to how buckling springs work in general, but the lighter keystroke that the F’s capacitive switch uses, combined with the ever-so-slightly more accurate “snappier” feeling actuation, add up to a more accurate feeling, less fatiguing board overall.

These are differences you feel a little bit moment-to moment, but a lot more after extended typing sessions. If you’re typing a one page essay, this may not be noticeable at all. If you’re typing 20 pages of documentation or coding all day, 5 days a week, the M becomes noticeably more fatiguing and less accurate than the F. Not a bad board, I must emphasize, just noticeably not as good as the original!

The F is closer to perfection. It’s not a great value like the M, and the differences between the two boards are ultimately not mind blowing, but sometimes it’s worth reaching for that next level up in design perfection.

Especially if you type as much as I do.”

And here is a quote from someone comparing the beam spring to the Model F and prefers the beam spring (though I would say most folks should start with the Model F before moving to the beam spring):

“Key feel:
I’m not great at reviewing switches but my first thought [about the beam spring] was “Wow!”, this is the type of feeling I was hoping for when I purchased the Model F77. The Model F is still great, but I can see why others consider this a “step up”. Each key feels distinct and “heavy”(?). It does feel like you’re typing on a typewriter. I think it will take a few days to get up to speed with it, I’m not as fast as I was with the Model F, but this definitely feels more “fun” to type on if that makes sense at all.

I also enjoy the sound a lot more than the sound from the F77. It’s louder I think but it doesn’t have a “ping” sound that the F77 had.”

Firmware updates

The latest firmware, NathanA’s Vial:

I have just updated the zip file in the manual on the project web site with all of the NathanA firmware files. This one zip file includes all of the NathanA vial files, the old QMK files, the source code and build files, and the pandrew utility for Windows and Mac.

The batch files have been renamed and reorganized to replace abbreviations with language that more closely matches that of the project web site keyboard configuration. Once again a major thanks to NathanA for this enormous undertaking.

As always please do review the manual for instructions before doing any firmware flashing or you’ll likely run into errors.

Please do share feedback here after testing this firmware!

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QMK-layout-files.zip

Leyden Jar:

Back in mid-October, Rico released the latest Leyden Jar beta firmware (links below to the firmware and to the PCB). I have tested the firmware with the F122 prototype and the controller is working perfectly. As a reminder this controller has the extra 2 columns needed for the F122 and B122.

There was an issue with two keys giving some trouble (the Home key has a higher resting number of 392 compared to ~380 for most others) but it seems to have been resolved after adding in a second bin, replacing the spring, and reseating the key. The firmware has an adjustable bin count (factory default is tentatively set to 2 bins given the unpressed voltage variations). The bins separate the keys into groups based on their unpressed numbers. The downside to more bins is a reduced scanning rate (though I don’t think it can be noticed in practice!).

https://github.com/mymakercorner/vial-qmk/tree/leyden_jar
https://github.com/mymakercorner/Leyden_Jar

There is also a terrific new utility that Rico has created (screenshot below) that allows signal level monitoring, entering the bootloader, and monitoring keypresses, among other functions and informational displays. Not shown in the screenshot is the device list and its menu with the signal level monitor, keypress monitor, and enter bootloader buttons, which appear when you click the Device List button. The utility is not yet ready to be shared.

A discussion on the QMK approval process:

Thanks wolfman for the QMK update. It is interesting to see a behind the scenes look at the approval process.  https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=517900#p517900

Modding the split Model F keyboard firmware for additional function layers

Here we have five posts from Deskthority forum member sensy, the last of which links to a sound test of the Model F Split Ortho limited run board (I have one left from this run – email me if interested):

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=518139#p518139
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=518144#p518144
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=518149#p518149
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=518230#p518230
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=518255#p518255

New custom mods and customer images:

With permission I am sharing the first photos of a new Model F setup with the F50! The new project keyboards started going out this month but there are still many more to ship of each of the three types of keyboards.

Thanks to Deskthority forum member depletedvespene for sharing a custom layout. I like how much thought was have put into devising the optimal layout. https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=517134#p517134

Posting (with permission) a nice red F50 and off-white/beige F77 setup. “I use it with REWASD and plane black keys to give me more key options and macros per application.”

Sharing with permission another F50 customization. This one is interesting because some flippers were removed to allow for 2U vertical keys to be placed (one can’t just remove the spring as the stabilizer insert would not have enough room to be seated inside the barrel fully).

Also the number pad has some reversed parts compared to the IBM right-sided number pad block design. I don’t recall seeing such a mod before – is this common with left-handed number pad keyboards?

Deskthority forum member taraskremen had a good reply to the above question:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=517284#p517284

Posting (with permission) another nice setup: the compact F77 dark blue case with a customized key setup.

Deskthority forum members Arkku and AlexB555 posted some nice photos (linked below). The custom sets for Quebec CSA and French BÉPO turned out especially nicely with the multi-color legends.

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=518035#p518035
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=518054#p518054

Screw specifications and spare screws available

If anyone needs spare screws / bolts please let me know as I have plenty of them. The zinc case boards use 6-32 x 1/2″ thread screws with philips heads. Some of the total screws in each set may have the wrong quantity number so please double check.

As noted earlier the project’s T8 M2.5 metric screws were custom molded for this project with various lengths, so they cannot be found elsewhere. Below are the metric screw lengths for everyone’s reference. Please email me if you need additional sets of screws.

Controller ground screws for all keyboards (2 per keyboard) are 6-32 x 3/16″ (keyboards with P clips use these same screws).

The Round 2 keyboards use different screws, primarily those with hex heads or torx heads, specifications to follow later.

Update on the boxes

For the next batch of keyboards (M Style Model F and Beam Spring Round 2) I am considering the tab lock style boxes, which are more authentic to the original IBM Model F retail boxes. Same artwork as the other style, standard brown boxes – not the white and gray boxes of the originals.

Example: https://www.packagingprice.com/tab-locking-mailers.html

From my collection: https://flickr.com/photos/modelfkeyboards/51941436172/in/dateposted-public/

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/51941436172_4ac726793b_h.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/modelfkeyboards/

On the subject of relegendables

I have not seen too many photos of custom-printed relegendable keys in use on the Model F keyboards – everyone please do share some photos and descriptions of these keys! Are they primarily for application-specific options or more for flexibility to change up the keys every now and then without ordering preprinted keys?

On the subject of dust

I am curious, for those who have been using the round 1 beam spring boards for at least a number of months, is there any feedback on the effect of dust intrusion on the sensing? Has anyone benefitted from opening up the board and cleaning it up, or is dust not much of an issue?

A discussion on the project’s philosophy, “buy it for life” and a repair mindset, along with pricing of repair parts

You can definitely recommend a Model F to friends and family members even though it requires maintenance to keep it running, hopefully for many more years. Paying for the parts alone as part of the first aid repair kit or separately is far less costly than paying a repair shop for parts and labor or discarding the product entirely when one part breaks. These keyboards are fully repairable and can be fully disassembled with just screwdrivers and pliers, unlike many other keyboards. The main philosophy of the project is to encourage users to learn how to take control of the repairs and maintenance of their keyboards, one benefit of which is to allow the keyboards to be priced as low as possible and to avoid the need for repair and phone staff.

The pricing is quite reasonable for all extras and has even gone down for some extras like the keys and key sets. Everyone gets the fully discounted price for all items regardless of quantity ordered, except for the transparent relegendable keys which have quantity discounts. Some folks may not fully realize that the price of any custom-made item is not based on the material cost or the variable production cost – one needs to allocate the overhead costs. Comparing it to a mass produced item like an MX style switch which is probably made in the tens (or hundreds?) of millions each year misses the important detail that this project does not have the economies of scale of such an item. With a small-scale project like this one you are also paying more to allocate all of the additional project costs on a (lower quantity) per-unit basis: quality control and assembly costs, tooling and mold costs, express/air mail shipping costs, sample/prototype costs, project cost overruns, other fixed costs, and so forth.

And now for something completely different, to close off this update post

A production photo I recently came across of the various bottom inner assemblies for all but the Round 2 Model F boards.

Brand New Model F October 2023 Update: major discounts to end the old projects, production updates, Model M vs. F differences, Vial firmware, new RP2040 controller

As a reminder here are the new models that are now being offered. There is still time to order the original project’s F62/F77 keyboards but they are on a “while supplies last” basis.

Currently in stock: All F62 and F77, Ultra Compact F104, Ultra Compact FSSK, F15 Split Ergonomic, F50 macro pad, and the Split Ortholinear keyboard

Currently in production: The 3 metal case classic Model M style F104, FSSK, and F122 keyboards and the Round 2 Beam Spring keyboards

With the launch of these new models the combined F and Beam projects now total $2.9 million in orders!

Major price discounts to close out the older projects which are now end of production

All F62 and F77 models, plus the compact F104 and compact FSSK keyboards, are now end of production and the remaining units are being sold off at a significant discount, while supplies last. Currently all variations are still in stock. Click the Shop button at the top of the page for details and pricing.

Pricing on some of the newer models has also changed so please do check out the latest updated product pages to see which models you would like. Some keyboards that you were looking at before may be more affordable now.

I strongly recommend ordering things now while the current pricing stands and current stock remains, whether to pick up an additional / backup keyboard while you can still buy one new, joining the project for the first time if financial limitations due to the higher pricing were holding you back before, or to pick up an additional keyboard, first aid kit for future repairs/maintenance, a spare key set to use when your current one’s top textured surface wears down over time with usage, spare custom made USB cable, transparent relegendable keys, etc.

Model F Split Ortho, F15 Split Ergonomic, and F50 keyboards closeout

A reverse/Dutch auction was conducted this year to fairly allocate the limited number of these keyboards that were produced. In summary, you would bid the amount that you were able to pay for one or more keyboards and the Nth lowest bid was the price that everyone paid. Currently nearly every keyboard has been reserved and paid for, but there are a very small number of boards remaining. I expect to mail these out later this month.

The project is now open to the public, so you can head over to the shop page to customize your custom Model F but please note that once these sell out, you will not be able to order one. No need for bidding or reserving anything.

Project featured on Linus Tech Tips ShortCircuit

It was a great honor for the new Model F project to be featured on the Linus Tech Tips ShortCircuit YouTube channel!

If anyone can reach out to the various YouTube channels and reviewers on their social media it would be much appreciated. This would help get the word out about the new project. It’s likely that many of the reviewers became aware of the project through these contacts.

By the way, if any marketers reading this post have any advice on advertising/marketing please do email me how you think the word can get out more and the project can expand even more – I think a lot of folks would be interested in the F and beam spring projects if they were aware of them. So far I have not done any marketing campaigns but I am interested. And general advice is always appreciated, whether on the forums or directly through email.

Can you believe over 100,000 views for the Model F Keyboard ShortCircuit video? Who would have thought there was so much interest in the Model F! It is great to see.

My reply posted in the YouTube comments is below, since it may be tough to find among the many comments:

“Hello, project coordinator here. Thanks Nicholas and the entire ShortCircuit team for putting together a nice video covering the Brand New Model F Keyboard! It is great to get the word out about these great keyboards that definitely take some getting used to!

Kindly see my replies to some of the notes brought up in the video:

The pinginess / reverberation: Some folks that prefer a Model F board without the higher pitch sounds. The best thing about buckling spring keyboards is the a longstanding community that has come up with various repair and maintenance step by step guides and mods, including the Floss Mod and the grease mod, to reduce or eliminate the high-pitch / pinginess while typing. My guess is that the main reason for the pinginess is the super thick steel plates reverberating inside the keyboard.

Why True Red? Well it’s the Pantone designation for the particular shade of red. The factory prefers Pantone references when doing the finishing.

Recessed keys: The reason for the extra recessed keys for a couple of the rows is that the Ultra Compact F104 case top in the video is flat and the Model F and Model M design require a curved plate inside the keyboard. One result of this is that the key profiles are all uniform and a key can be installed on the various rows. The Model M style F104, FSSK, and F122 cases are all curved where the keys are, just like the IBM originals, so the keys will stick out more evenly.

Casting: The Ultra Compact cases for the F104 and FSSK were CNC milled and have 3 main parts, while the ultra compact cases for the F62 and F77 keyboards are die cast, while the first rounds of the compact F62/F77 boards were CNC milled. The Model M style case Model F keyboards all have die cast cases.

Regarding the low serials, they are mainly there to allow folks to offer a little extra support to help cover the tens of thousands of dollars in project cost overruns, the near-endless express air mail sample charges over the years, etc. Many folks also like a custom serial because it allows them to pick a date for the production date, like their birthday or an anniversary of some date. In the Model M community forums it is always notable to get a board made the same year you were born, or if you were lucky, on your actual birthday (and actual birth year too!).”

Model M vs. Model F Keyboards — What is the real difference?

Due to the significant feedback I received after the video launch with folks not knowing much about the differences between Model M and Model F keyboards I made a quick video, which is now also on the project home page as a video and a slide deck.

Production status for the various projects

For the most frequent day-to-day updates on the various keyboard projects please head over to the mechanical keyboard forums such as Deskthority and geekhack (links can be found above by going to About, Forums/Press). I only post on the blog and send out email newsletters on a more limited basis, to summarize what has been going on.

As I always say, we are at the mercy of the factories for such low volume production, especially around the timeline. It is truly a miracle and a great sign of today’s manufacturing advances that such complicated projects to bring back these great old style keyboards can proceed today given the limited economies of scale and even though production volume is significantly limited compared to most mass market products and we are far from top priority clients for that reason.

Here is the status by keyboard type:

Classic Case F104 and FSSK: inner assemblies are complete, first batch of cases is 900 complete, still need to complete the balance of the cases (see below for additional details).

F122: some errors with the prototype inner assembly plates; I have ordered a new sample of the top and bottom inner assembly plates. I assembled the F122 prototype with Rico’s latest Leyden Jar controller that just arrived recently and noticed some things that I want to change regarding the inner assembly tabs and posts and their alignment with the PCB so I will be requesting another sample of the top and bottom inner assembly plates.

Beam Spring Round 2: The factory is working on the new case tooling. I am working on finishing up a prototype of the Round 2 keyboard with the final production case design and new modules (the Round 2 keyboard had a working prototype a while back, just with an older case design and modules that were changed to be about 1mm taller to allow for the newly introduced top layer of inner foam above the key modules but below the top inner assembly, just like with the IBM beam spring originals). Two of the plastic module parts are currently in mass production (the beam barrel part A and B). The beam flippers finished production some time ago. The two metal parts will be entering production soon (they are retooling the metal part for beam flipper).

Here is a photo showing the assembly process of the second Round 2 B104 sample. The inner assembly is attached upside down to the bottom case so that it does not slip out of place. One can see that the flipper factory improved the color of the flippers – they are more of a deep black color compared to the dark gray color of the originals. There is no functional difference and no one can see this inside of the keyboard, but the black color is closer to the IBM originals.

The factory is still looking to wrap things up around year end, which means that the keyboards should start going out early next year. Please keep reading for more details on each of the parts.

Status on new keycap molds (non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT big enter) and new sublimated keys

The molds have been completed for these and the new caps are currently in production. I have a few unprinted caps in stock in case anyone is interested. Orders will open up as soon as the new sublimation jig is completed and tested working. Please sign the interest form here to reserve one of these keys or key sets: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl_jOqp6wAEfZGeivQZ8ZaibpoT0WQkDG39r08Q/

Also we have new 1.5U size sublimated keys added to the order list today, as someone just custom requested them. Feel free to order on the extra keys page if you are interested. All keys except 1.75U keys are now $3 each, down from $4 each. Available in pebble, blue, and dark gray. They should go out later this year.

Drop-in replacement PCB assemblies now available for F62, F77, compact F104, and compact FSSK

I have a bunch of presoldered controller+ribbon cable+large capacitive PCBs that can serve as drop-in replacements for these keyboards in case they are needed. Anyone who needs one or wants a spare please email me for details. It is always good to have a spare that you don’t have to mess around with desoldering and resoldering.

The next NYC Mechanical Keyboard meetup

It has just been announced and you can now get tickets. They usually sell out quickly so I recommend getting one soon. I just ordered my ticket and will see everyone there!

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nyc-mechanical-keyboard-meetup-december-2023-tickets-727184567617

Major firmware announcement: moving to the Vial-based firmware

I am now expecting to base the project firmware off of the latest NathanA updates to the pandrew QMK firmware, which allow the use of the pandrew utility and its signal level monitor, Vial, and the online version of the vial configuration tool. This tool is great – I was able to connect the keyboard running NathanA’s updated firmware to the web site vial.rocks to reconfigure the keyboard without having to download anything or flash any firmware. Both the vial program and the vial web site both recognize any keyboard because they read the layout from the keyboard firmware – no need to load a json file or pick your keyboard and controller from a dropdown menu. So much easier. Are there any options on the QMK configurator that are missing from Vial?

In addition, I can report that the NathanA updated firmware (made from the same version of QMK that pandrew uses) is more stable than the firmware I generated from a later version of QMK, but still made before the big QMK updates. The latter one had some issues with repeated and missing keys, even after I removed and retightened both ground screws and removed and replaced two springs from frequently-transposed/switched keys. I also tested the Arkku calibration setup in the NathanA firmware and that also worked well.

Currently the firmware works without any issues on the round 2 FSSK/F104 boards. Again a big thanks to NathanA!

The first F104 and FSSK boards with the NathanA Vial firmware shipped last week! These will be the default going forward for more and more of the keyboard models.

Some more good news: NathanA’s workaround to allow layer sharing between both halves of the split keyboards is working; this functionality is built into the new firmware. I tested it on the production split boards and it is working.

There are some limitations as detailed in earlier posts from NathanA, especially this one: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=516636#p516636

Layer programming would be normal with this and the base Vial firmware is already preprogrammed for the second layer. This NathanA firmware will be the one that ships with each board. The layers are programmed to each board and no additional hardware is needed, so this should meet most folks’ requirements. Instead of flashing the specific layout you want, there is one firmware for each type of keyboard. You flash that firmware and then can configure the board for split backspace, split right shift, etc. There is expected to be future support to flash the exact firmware you want from the start if you want to save a step (also good for the factory workers as they load these en masse).

These are not yet tested on the beam spring boards so it is just Model F to start with. Currently it is good on the F62, F77, and F104/FSSK Rounds 1 and 2.

Permalinks to the latest Windows and Mac utilities:

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pandrew-utility-to-send-xwhatsit-to-bootloader.zip

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pandrew-mac-utility.zip

Please note that the binary is not signed – you’ll need to “Open” manually in Finder. Please note that all files are provided AS IS, without warranty. Ctrl+click, then Open

Some features of the NathanA firmware:

Excellent stability in my testing
Vial support (after flashing this new firmware, you can just go to the web site vial.rocks to configure your board any time you want to change something, without needing to generate custom firmware and then reflash the firmware as with the QMK configurator web site. It works natively without needing a custom Vial program or web site or json file because the keyboard details are stored in the firmware and read by Vial). Vial even has a check mark to enable and disable NKRO right from the GUI.
Supports solenoids and LEDs
Supports pandrew’s diagnostic utility which has the Signal Level Monitor and Enter Bootloader features (you need to download the latest version which is found in the manual)
And many more features

There are two versions of the latest firmware (see the project thread’s recent Deskthority postings for the latest files):

The “allpads” version is the way that I prefer, with each pad configurable right away without having to click buttons to reveal pads in Vial. There is also a helpful bat file for each board (allpads version only). Once you enter the bootloader, you can run the bat file to automatically update the firmware and restart the keyboard, no need to unplug and re-plug the cable or use Atmel Flip!
The other file has the source code with a diff file that can be executed on linux to auto build all of the firmware files on your own, if you prefer it. To run NathanA’s bash script build.sh in Ubuntu, copy the folder newfxx-vial-package and all its files, then right click build.sh and select run as program.

This is what I do on a fresh Ubuntu install:
open Terminal program and enter one line at a time:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade -y
sudo apt install python3-pip
sudo python3 -m pip install qmk
echo “PATH=$PATH:$HOME/.local/bin” >> ./.bashrc
sudo apt install git
qmk setup

The forthcoming Leyden Jar controllers also run Vial (see below for details).

Deskthority member wolfman is wrapping up the approval process for the refactoring to get the xwhatsit accepted into the main QMK project. Here are the details: https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/pull/21193

Everyone feel free to test out this refactored firmware and let us know the feedback!

wolfman started with F62 for the refactoring submission, as they wanted only one keyboard at a time and count each variation separately, but the f77 should be able to be added if you download and modify the code: https://github.com/matthew-wolf-n4mtt/qmk_firmware/tree/model_f_labs/keyboards/model_f_labs

Model M style case production process

Three months ago I approved mass production of the Model M style cases. Due to some quality issues it took many months extra to get the quality to where it is now. The initial batch of 900 F122, F104, and FSSK keyboard cases (300 each style) has been completed and is being mailed to the assembly factory which will inspect the cases and then assemble them with the inner assemblies. The first batch just has black color cases, plus some uncoated cases of each type. The F104 and FSSK inner assemblies were completed a while back while the F122 inner assembly was not approved and a new sample has been ordered. Next up will be the batch of all remaining cases. The factory split things for quality control reasons, to make sure everything was being produced according to the requirements. They just need the latest firmware to be loaded and for them to be installed into the cases when they are done.

Die casting of the Model M style cases: Here is an interesting video from the factory showing a case as it is cast:

Here’s one photo from the approved sample – the gap in the back looks nice now.

There are a number of finishing operations required before the case can look nice and smooth for the powdercoating process. After die casting, the cases need to be die cast, drilled, and powdercoated, and then they can be assembled. I expect all to be on the same container shipment with the Round 2 beam spring boards.

All cases are powdercoated going forward, so they should look like the painted versions of the cases. The cases will have textured powdercoating, not like the smooth more modern powdercoating of the 2nd batch of ultra compact F62 and F77 cases (what has been shipping out in the past couple years), and not like the anodizing of the other compact cases (F104/FSSK/F15/F50/F Ergo). Here is a nice “group photo” of the F122 case samples being unboxed, from earlier this year, one in each of the available colors:

IBM Model M 122 spare parts (case, controller, cable, etc.)

Does anyone need an M122 early gen case (1989), a terminal controller for the 1390876, a terminal cable, the membrane contact sheets, the rubber mat, or backplate? I will be discarding them otherwise. Price is a few dollars above shipping for most stuff and $10 for the case (no cracks in the case but it is dirty). The case does not have the screws. Please email me if interested. The case has the one part risers in the back but otherwise looks like the F122 case on the outside.

Reminder on the following the manual for setting up your Brand New Model F and Beam Spring keyboards

As noted in the manual and in the printed booklet included with each keyboard, it is expected that some keys and springs will not function right away. Do not just install keys and start using your keyboard. Only follow the step-by-step instructions, videos, and troubleshooting guide available at ModelFKeyboards.com/manual where you can find valuable advice like “hold the keyboard vertically, space bar side up when installing keys.” Follow the manual to correctly remove and re-seat any key or spring as needed. Reinstalling one key many times will not solve most issues. Technical support requests cannot be accepted until after the user has reviewed the manual entirely and followed all setup and troubleshooting steps.

For anyone having issues with a key not being reliable, you may need to remove and replace the spring, not just reseat the key (see the video in the manual on the project web site for details). Even on new boards this happens: I might initially think there is something wrong with the hardware or firmware, but then I replace the spring with another one and the problem is completely gone. Recently I had an issue on a new board I was setting up, where two keys were transposed some of the time while typing fast. I double checked that both controller grounding screws were tight and then replaced both the keys’ springs with other springs and the problem was permanently fixed.

Many folks use their Model F boards as a reliable daily driver and do not have issues outside of having to reseat springs during the initial setup and periodically, but it is well worth keeping tweezers and spare parts handy to be able to use a Model F keyboard.

And of course if you have watched the full setup video and are still having difficulty, please head over to the Deskthority forum where there is a great community that can help with all sorts of mechanical keyboards.

JIS New Production Key Set

After a number of requests, I have decided to proceed with making the JIS sets. Previously these sets, as well as the APL sets, were Unicomp sets. APL will remain Unicomp (unless someone wants to make the template as was done for the couple recent new layout submissions). I will be making the JIS front print option (not shown below in my draft). These sets were completed and the first 5 sets shipped to me by air, with the rest shipping in the next container shipment. I have a few of these left in case anyone wants one – just head over to the Full Key Set product page to order.

Keyboard feature in Linus Tech Tips video

Someone shared this link with me: Linus reviewing various computer setups, including a setup from Wendell that includes the Ultra Compact FSSK! About 7 1/2 minutes into the video:

Here is a video of a thoroughly modded new Model F keyboard – floss mod, stripped paint off of the die cast aluminum compact case, lubed Unicomp keys, etc.

Leyden Jar controller update

In addition to NathanA’s success with updating the various Model F keyboards to support Vial perfectly, Rico has made some exciting progress on the Leyden Jar Rev. 3 RP2040 controller, which is expected to be the default for the current round of the F122 and B122, and eventually for other boards when the ATMEGA-based stock is depleted. Rico’s controller also works perfectly in my testing. One big advantage of the board is increased memory with the RP2040. NathanA noted that the new Vial firmware for the ATMEGA controllers are getting closer and closer to filling up all of the available space.

We are now up to Rev3 and this one appears to be ready for mass production based on my recent testing. The controller has worked flawlessly in my testing, and it is quite stable. The F122 and B122 boards are expected to be powered by Rico’s new RP2040-based Leyden Jar controller which runs Vial, which is based on QMK. This controller has 2 additional columns (18 total instead of 16 columns, same row count of 8 rows) which allow for all of the extra keys of an F122. These controllers also can work on the other boards, though firmware is currently in progress for some of them, not yet done. For more details:

https://github.com/mymakercorner/Leyden_Jar

Even PS/2 support is planned!

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/the-leyden-jar-a-tentative-pcb-replacement-for-the-brand-new-model-f-keyboards/17489/25

Beam spring production process

After the sample order was assembled and tested back around the end of July, the updated beam barrels (part A and B) for Round 2 were approved for full production and I placed the order. These took a while to get right but I am glad everything is good now. Production is just about done: the modules are still in production, expected to finish around month end, and then they need to be assembled. The press-fit design is going to be saving a lot of assembly time compared to the older glued on washer design.

I also ordered the capacitive PCBs for all 8 beam spring variants and the F122, as well as the Leyden Jar version 3 controller for testing.

The 8 beam spring variants: B62 Split Shift and Regular Backspace, B62 Split Shift and Split Backspace, BSSK ANSI, BSSK ISO, B104 ANSI, B104 ISO, B122 ANSI, B122 ISO

The factory is also preparing the tooling to bend the aluminum cases. Then they will produce a full working sample keyboard of each design for verification, and then the case and inner assembly plates production can start. Then these need to be assembled and sent out on the container ship. The factory already completed a prototype of the new case and inner assembly design earlier this year and it has no issues, but to be safe I want to confirm that the new tooling makes things right for all the parts.

Metal badges

As noted a while back, new metal badges are being made for the project; you can now order them here. While all new Model F and Beam spring keyboards can have a badge affixed anywhere on the case, the F122 has a recessed spot for the badge, the same size as the smaller IBM badges used on the IBM F122, M122, Model M 1390131, and other boards. Any additional logos that should be produced? So far these two are in production.

There are 2 options – the Model F style and the Beam Spring style (renderings are shown above). If you would like for me to order additional styles, you will have to cover the tooling charges and commit to ordering 15 badges at a minimum. The MFL logo was not ordered due to lack of interest. The beam spring one has the bottom edge cropped not touching the edge on purpose, since the image would be far smaller if the entire beam spring drawing was visible on the badge. In the production art, the beam spring drawing extends much lower instead of being cropped as shown in the original rendering above.

Badges and LED overlays are the same size as the IBM originals and can fit most Model M or Model F keyboards, with exception for the IBM XT and AT boards that use a larger badge. These badges are 2cm x 2 cm. The F122 is the only new production board that has a recessed spot for the badge but you can stick the badges anywhere on any of the Brand New Model F or Brand New Beam Spring keyboard cases.

The factory also has the capability to make the black badges with the raised silver printing as well as the large AT/XT style, so let me know if you want to cover the tooling and order minimums to make any of those styles.

Last month I approved production of the dye sublimated badges. Almost no factories I asked even had the capability of dye sublimation to aluminum. They tried the UV printing option which was fine on its own but a bit fuzzier when compared directly to the dye sublimated option, as shown in the samples below (the samples have registration and other marks and rough edges that will not be on the production units).

LED overlays

The remaining LED overlays arrived from the factory in August, and I mailed out all the orders waiting only on LED overlays and nothing else. I like the color of the beige overlay as it compares nicely with the originals. The gray overlays have a touch of blue in them, in my opinion, and the black overlays’ white areas also have a touch of blue in them. I would probably request less blue for a future order.

Scans of the production LED overlays

Model-F 5170 Converter for Raspberry Pi PICO RP2040

Here is an interesting project recently posted on reddit – an open source RP2040-based converter for Model F keyboards. Seems to be an alternative to ATMEGA based converters such as Soarer’s Converter that runs on an RP2040 instead of a Teensy / Pro Micro / etc. and connects to the original Model F controller instead of replacing it. It was made for the PC AT Model F but hopefully it will work with other boards either natively with a firmware update, or in the future.

https://github.com/PaulW/model-f-5170

https://github.com/PaulW/model-f-5170/blob/main/doc/custom_pcb.md

Custom 3d printed legs for the split ergonomic boards (F15 Split Ergonomic, F Split Ortho)

Already there is some development, even before these boards start shipping later this month! Copying one such project below:

“I set up a GitHub repo, that includes the following files:
-image of an assembled prototype leg that I think should work with the split ortho keyboard (the screw is an M6 size)
-image render of the 3d printed part
-an .stl file for 3d printing
-an .f3d file that can be modified

https://github.com/vanhornlab/Keebs-ModelF_Split_Ortho

Also on the GitHub is a description of the prototype leg. I intend once I have it to make two or three sizes so that the keyboard tents how I like. I have a few other ideas on legs like to make a bracket with a heat inset.
Anyway I hope it helps and I look forward to the keyboard.”

IBM Color matching

Some folks have been asking what are the exact colors of the IBM Beige and Industrial Gray.

I was able to use an i1 spectrophotometer to make the measurements, which have been sent to the factories making the cases. Of course IBM’s paint and plastic colors varied noticeably from case to case so your IBM case probably does not match these cases, so these values are provided to use at your own risk (probably better to take your case to the paint store where they can do an accurate match). Also the texture of paint as well as the uneven dirtiness and wear of the 6110344 case also adds some variance to measurement as my particular spectrophotometer is not geared to measuring textures. The beige on the screen looks quite different on my hardware calibrated monitor compared to viewing the keyboard itself, while the gray is similar.

Here are measurements of my F122 6110344 from 1984 and a brand new 1990s IBM Industrial Gray case. I took 10 samples from different areas of each case and averaged them.

Beige
LAB_L LAB_A LAB_B LAB_C LAB_H
77.028 -1.431 8.603 8.721 99.444

Industrial Gray
LAB_L LAB_A LAB_B LAB_C LAB_H
49.034 -0.727 7.576 7.612 95.464

Here is my old note on Higher force springs – these are still available

Is anyone interested in higher-force springs? I have a sample set of ~120 springs that were rejected as they required a little more force to process. The whole lot is available to one person so they have enough to fill a keyboard with them; please PM me if interested. Pricing will be based on best offer, with a minimum of $1 per spring. Flippers not included. Due to slight variations in the diameter of the flipper nubs I can’t guarantee this will work with original flippers (none of my springs are recommended to be installed on original flippers, as noted a while back). These ~120 springs are a slightly tighter fit than the production springs, so you have to press them a little more forcefully onto each nub. I would describe the sound as approximately the same as the production springs, maybe slightly quieter but still audible.

I also have 230 QC rejected springs without flippers (sound characteristics are off – too high pitch) available in batches of 80, 120, or you can take the whole lot. If you prefer a changing to a higher pitch spring this is the only batch available. Again, only recommended for new Model F flippers but will possibly work with originals. Pricing is the same $1 per spring.

Setting up a QMK configurator web site

While the project is moving over to the Vial-based firmware, thus avoiding the need for online configuration and making a new firmware every time you want to change the layout, Deskthority member snacksthecat managed to set up the QMK configurator and wrote up a nice guide.

“The only hitch that I’ve run into is that it seems to need to be rebooted every so often and the service light is always yellow (degraded). Maybe those things are related, but pandrew doesn’t seem to have the issue. Anyways…
Part 1 explains how to setup the configurator and add unofficial keyboards
https://www.keyboardjunk.com/p/setup-a-qmk-configurator-environment-with-docker-compose-part-1/
Part 2 explains how to setup SSL and use your own domain name
https://www.keyboardjunk.com/p/setup-a-qmk-configurator-environment-with-docker-compose-part-2/

Brand New Model F June 2023 Update: featured in the news media, reviews, production updates, new controller, discussions on R&D and small vs. large scale manufacturing

As a reminder here are the new models that are now being offered. There is still time to order the original project’s F62/F77 keyboards but they are on a “while supplies last” basis. Currently all variations are still in stock.

Currently in stock: All F62/F77, Ultra Compact F104, Ultra Compact FSSK, F15 Split Ergonomic, F50 macro pad

Currently in production: The 3 metal case classic Model M style F104, FSSK, and F122 keyboards and also the Split Ortholinear Ergonomic model

The Brand New Model F major project launch was featured in Ars Technica, slashdot, The Register, TechSpot, ExtremeTech, and the Adafruit blog! We are up to more than $2.6 million in orders since the project started taking orders in 2016 – definitely hard to believe that there has been so much interest.

(By the way, if any marketers reading this post have any advice on advertising/marketing please do email me how you think the word can get out more and the project can expand even more – I think a lot of folks would be interested in the F and beam spring projects if they were aware of them. So far I have not done any marketing campaigns but I am interested. And general advice is always appreciated, whether on the forums or directly through email.)

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2023/04/new-buckling-spring-keyboards-recreate-ibms-iconic-model-f-for-modern-computers/

https://forums.theregister.com/forum/all/2023/04/03/new_model_f_keyboards/

https://hardware.slashdot.org/story/23/04/05/2039244/new-models-of-ibm-model-f-keyboard-mark-ii-incoming

https://www.techspot.com/news/98225-new-customizable-ibm-model-f-keyboards-now-available.html

https://www.extremetech.com/electronics/the-new-model-f-keyboard-is-now-available-in-more-sizes

https://blog.adafruit.com/2023/04/07/new-models-of-ibm-model-f-keyboard-mark-ii-keyboards/

Plus in the Italian edition of Wired! https://www.wired.it/article/tastiera-ibm-model-f-moderna/

A nice review of the Ultra Compact F104 in PC World!

“Model F Ultra Compact keyboard review: It somehow improves on IBM’s classic”

https://www.pcworld.com/article/1928356/model-f-ultra-compact-keyboard-review.html

Everyone please resubscribe to the updated YouTube channel for the project

https://www.youtube.com/@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards

And please do read through the prior blog posts if you have not done so already – a lot of great and interesting topics.

Wendell from Level1Techs posted a nice video on the ultra compact new Model F FSSK!

Here was the reply I posted: “Thanks Wendell for making this video on the Brand New Model F Keyboards project! If you do adapt the new Model F into the IBM SSK case, please do let me know how it goes. I would not recommend it as you would probably have to irreversibly trim some plastic off the original case to fit the larger inner assembly of a Model F. Regarding the recessed case, I do want to let everyone know that you can also order the F104 and FSSK with a standard Model M style case that is made out of metal and whose interior design is adapted to the Model F. A downside is that unfortunately you can’t switch an inner assembly from the compact case to the classic case or vice versa as they are slightly different in design (you could do this with the F62/F77 though).”

Wendell also made a nice video about the Beam Spring Project!

I have copied my YouTube comment below since there are quite a few comments:

Hello, project coordinator here. Thanks Wendell for sharing this video! I am glad that the Brand New Beam Spring Keyboard arrived safely to you. Hopefully there was not too much work to set up the keyboard after it arrived. Sometimes a few key modules were broken during transit, according to other reports. I think you are the first to make the case for USB-B as the connector for the compact case style keyboards – it makes sense since these cables will probably be available for a while and they are still used today, though most folks seem to like USB-C for the convenience of rotating keyboards which also have USB-C, without having to switch the cable, despite the increased risk of a broken connector because the beam spring USB-C connector is not recessed enough. For the Round 2 Beam Spring keyboards I went with the fully recessed design where you have to open up the keyboard to change out the USB-C cable and there is a metal P clip for strain relief, just like with the F62/F77 keyboards. For all future classic case style designs of the F and beam spring keyboards it will have the latter “internal USB connection” style.

F15 Split, BS Ortho / Ergodox Style, and F50 reverse auction update

I am hoping to wrap up the bids in the next week or two. Feel free to join the reverse auction with the link below. You can still get one of these keyboards by not participating in the auction, though the board will be priced higher for all of the remaining 10 or so boards of each type that are reserved for the public.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PqXBAtHVRHWHvheCSMXVNI96_zuhXMMhnrQ2piT6QLk/

Can anyone help set up the matrices for QMK? I can provide screenshots of the PCB. I would like to start testing these boards with QMK (currently the testing has been done with the original xwhatsit firmware).

Production update

Here are the first photos of the completed and tested M Style F104 sample; it is configured with the US ANSI layout. These are the rejected sample cases that have defects (casting defects, they did not drill all of the mounts and screws correctly so the inner assembly has sunk inside the keyboard, etc.). Fortunately the keyboard is fully functional in my testing with QMK. Also the texture is a little more visible in this photo than in the SSK photo though the textures are all the same. It is a nice texture reminiscent of the Model M style cases (originally plastic) as well as the IBM Model F cases (unpainted plastic, painted plastic, and painted metal).

Also shown below are some photos of the inside of the F104, indicating the locations of the P clip and where a solenoid driver and solenoid would go. The LEDs are designed to have the flexibility for movement so you can move them closer or further away from the LED overlay based on your LED lock lighting preferences.

Here are the first photos of the completed and tested M Style FSSK sample; it is configured with the HHKB Style Split Right Shift and Split Backspace. Since the ~ ` key is left of the 1 ! key, I was not sure which key to place in the rightmost key of the block, so I selected a blank key. Any ideas on how folks plan on configuring their FSSK layout with such a configuration?

For the M Style case keyboards, wcass has ingeniously updated the PCB design to allow for the same PCB to support both HHKB style split right shift and regular right shift, to cut down on the number of PCB variations.

As noted earlier, these are the rejected sample cases that have defects (casting defects, they did not drill all of the mounts and screws correctly so the inner assembly has sunk inside the keyboard, etc.). Fortunately the keyboard is fully functional in my testing with QMK today.

The case bottoms have 4 holes for optional screw-on bumpers, plus 2 holes to mount a solenoid. The case tops have two internal posts, one to mount a solenoid and one for the P clip (USB cable strain relief).

You can also notice the changes to the interconnections between top and bottom inner assembly:
1. They now have additional tabs between the first two rows, just like the IBM F122 and F104 originals. I believe this was done to keep the plates as tight as possible, to allow for the snappiest of clicks upon actuation of each key. The Round 1 compact style F104 and FSSKs do not have these extra tabs. I can tell that the Round 2 boards have some extra clickiness/snappiness to them compared to the Round 1 boards, though both have sufficient clickiness/snappiness.
2. The controller tabs have been modified slightly on the M Style boards to make them simpler and a bit less flexible. Sometimes when unscrewing the controller and adjusting an old bottom inner assembly, the old tabs would move out of position which would require some pliers to move them back into position. They are also slightly taller, to allow for more room between the controller and BIA.

Here’s a photo of the bottom case part, as installed on a Classic M Style case FSSK. Please note that these photos are of prototypes whose case bottoms were rejected because the screws were improperly recessed and the bottom did not properly align with the contours of the case top (the bolts should be fully recessed and flush with the case bottom and the case bottom should not extend beyond the contours of the case top, and the parts should line up in the front and back though they do not in the sample). The tops had other QC issues as noted in a prior post (casting defects, mold lines, improperly drilled holes for the screws, etc.). The pair of adjacent holes on the bottom are for mounting a solenoid, which can now be done directly and the L bracket mount is no longer needed. These holes should have been recessed so the screws do not stick out of the bottom. The P clip and solenoid driver have individual, dedicated mounting posts inside the keyboard, on the case top.

The factory is still refining the Model M style case tooling. If the latest samples are approved then I hope production on the cases can start this month. Since the inner assemblies have completed production and assembly, it should not be too long before the keyboards can be assembled and make their way into a shipping container, though production and finishing/powdercoating will take a couple months. We are still looking at shipping out to everyone to start later this year. Below shows a detail of the latest sample case. The goal is to get the top and bottom cases to fit together as well as possible and to improve the quality of the countersinking of the screws on the bottom of the case.

The new Model F and Beam Spring boards are still expected to go out later this year.

The classic case estimated weights are as follows: F104 assembled sample is 7.8 pounds. FSSK is 6.6 pounds. The F122 case and unfinished top/bottom inner assembly plates weigh 7.1 pounds (this does not count the PCBs, barrels, flippers, keys, USB cable, etc. so the final keyboard will weigh more).

I added some approximate case dimensions to the project site:

Classic F104: 486 x 210 x 22-40mm (front to back variance)
Classic FSSK: 400 x 210 x 22-40mm
Classic F122: 535 x 210 x 22-55mm

Here are some photos of the rejected F122 case. Inside are the bottom and top inner assemblies. The factory did not properly drill the internal holes to attach the bottom inner assembly, so that is why the inner assembly looks too sunken in the photos (it is loose and not properly installed). Also the LED overlay is a rejected sample (incorrect color).

You can see the rust on the steel top inner assembly plate as the plate was not powdercoated, so it starts to rust quite quickly. When I was restoring a late 1930s/early 1940s metal case clock a few years back (including removing the old paint finish), the bare clock case would develop a later of rust within minutes (!) of air exposure. Drying the water off the clock and coating the clock case with oil helped slow this down so I could spray paint the case.

LED Overlays update

Back in mid-April, the LED overlays arrived (just option 1) by air shipment and they are good quality. I checked one of my IBM Model M originals and they all look nice (photos of the overlays were posted earlier in this thread). It’s tough to tell the original vs. new textures apart. I especially like the texture and how it slightly obscures the LEDs in the cut out areas, just like the originals (it’s not a completely translucent piece of plastic)

This meant that the orders with overlays can proceed – first the Round 1 beam springs with overlays ordered and then the ultra compact (aka Round 1) Model F’s with overlays ordered can go out. Throughout April, May, and June these orders did go out and I have now just about caught up mailing out all of the “in stock” orders.

This LED overlay batch was for 500. For the final batch of the remaining 4,500 overlays, I requested that they add a little more brown to the color of options 1, 5, and 9 and make the black printing a little more deeper black. Either way it is difficult to tell the new vs. original overlays but I want them to be as close as possible. Sorry but to keep things simple I won’t accept requests for one batch or the other batch of overlays so please don’t ask. Currently the factory is still working on the remaining batch of overlays.

Beam Spring specific production updates

The factory and I continue to prepare for the updated Round 2 production.

  • The cases were approved for production in early May; the next step is to make the custom case tooling for mass production of the curves of the case, etc.
  • The factory has fine tuned the metal part for the beam flipper, to make the radii more rounded like the originals; we have noticed a slight improvement in the snappiness and sound quality with this improvement.
  • The new beam spring molds for the two plastic parts of the modules have been approved and the factory was just approved about a week ago to make a few thousand production parts before they make all several hundred thousand parts, just to make sure everything is good. These molds have been difficult to get right.

Stolen keyboard alert

Sadly there is another stolen keyboard to be reported: an ultra compact F104 with serial number 11, last spotted in Indiana. Please do let me know if you come across this keyboard listed online, or if you see one that does not have the correct serial label with the serial pictured.

Some newly posted YouTube videos

Here is my comprehensive 1 hour setup video for the new Model F keyboards – I recommend that everyone looking to set up and learn how to use and maintain a Model F keyboard watches this video.

Chapters:
0:00 Introduction, safety information
2:57 Parts identification
3:28 Initial setup steps
5:35 Installing stabilizer inserts
7:15 Spacebar installation and optimization
12:16 Installing the remaining keys; fixing stuck or binding keys (the wiggle method, etc.)
18:23 “Quality control secrets” steps: adjusting a key that doesn’t click, doesn’t work, or buzzes
23:23 Steps starting with plugging in your keyboard to the computer (testing, troubleshooting double presses, etc.)
27:26 Solenoid installation (optional)
31:02 Diagnosing issues with many keys
37:08 Opening up the keyboard inner assembly (change/maintain the layout or case)
40:08 Intermediate firmware adjustment (firmware/layout customization)
57:40 Appendix (cleaning, modifications, etc.)

I just came across a thorough F62 Kishsaver review video on YouTube (embedded below), which included setup, sound tests, solenoid on and off, along with various combinations of mods: Floss mod, foam mod (adding foam inside the keyboard to dampen the sound), using a keyboard mat, etc.

And for old time’s sake, here is one of my favorite videos from a keyboard meetup in 2018, highlighting the new Model F project. The song and editing are so nice, I have to see it a few times!

Here is a terrific video testing many mods to the project’s solenoid – it is interesting to hear how many different ways the solenoid can sound!

And here’s a nice F62 sound test that someone posted

F77 sound tests

Looking around on YouTube I also came across two new Model F videos that are both not what I have seen before! I cannot recommend the safety of what is done in the videos, so definitely do not try at home!

New Beam Spring Keyboard Reviews

For those who received their Round 1 board, how was your beam spring setup experience? I have not received too much feedback so far since they just started going out a few months ago.

How many modules broke in shipping and needed replacement? How much time did it take to set it up? Any other challenges or issues encountered during setup or after you used the board for a number of hours/days? Any issues with the spacebar (the trickiest of keys when combining beam spring with Cherry MX style stabilization).

I am posting (with permission) some of the earliest feedback I received on the Round 1 beam spring keyboard, back in early April:

“All of the keys were registering properly on arrival, and all the keys but one felt fine, which I did replace. I don’t know for sure if it could have been fixed, it probably could have, but it was just easier to replace the module altogether. I press the spacebar with my left thumb, not my right, so by moving the spring on the left side of the center stem it felt a lot more responsive. The spacebar wire did pop out of the right side stabilizer when I was removing the spacebar, I had to disassemble the keyboard to put it back into place, since the stabilizers don’t snap onto the plate. Otherwise the spacebar feels fine. No other issues, really, troubleshooting all this stuff took 30 mins. Based on my first impressions of people that I’ve talked to that own the keyboard, most seem very happy with how the project turned out.”

Thorough Beam Spring Round 1 Keyboard Review #1

Here is some more Round 1 beam spring feedback from a geekhack forum member that I wanted to share here.

Everyone please do share your feedback (even if there were little to no issues!), and also please share any mods or tips you have done to improve the beam spring keyboard.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=114105.msg3160024#msg3160024

And another post is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/12tcpuw/beamspring_me_up_scotty/

For those who received their Round 1 board, how was your beam spring setup experience?

“Got mine today, and the following is written using it.

Unboxing
Love the box. Would love a deskmat with the beam and buckling spring designs.
The coolest part of the packaging by far is the invoice. I won’t spoil the surprise other than to say “No one can be told what the Matrix is. You have to see it for yourself.”

Testing and assembly
Watched the video. Lesson learned from my Model F assembly.
No major damage during shipping – no washer dropoff, non-clicking keys, etc.
Some variation on weight and sound. Did the “wiggle fix” on the W key.

Key test (connected, using Switch Hitter)
D stuck once, the first time, but after hitting it again it unstuck and did not restick
It’s best to put the keycaps on from top to bottom so that you can easily see the keycaps line up and know they are fully inserted
A couple of keys are slightly off-kilter by about 5 degrees. I’ll probably go back and address, which might require opening the case. Not a dealbreaker right now.

First impressions
The feel is PHENOMENAL
The sound is actually quite pleasing too
Love the spherical keys. May try out an MT3 keycap set as well.
The space bar (pre-installed) is a little heavy but I’m going to let it sit a couple of days before tuning it.

So far the keyboard has potential. The infinity war for the perfect keyboard might be over; I may have reached the end game. If only there were a 68-key version…

And yes, I’ll be ordering a Round 2 version also. After all, you know what they say about guys with big keyboards. That’s right: “They’re compensating for something.” ;D”

Thorough Beam Spring Round 1 Keyboard Review #2

Deskthority and reddit contributor HV_Medic has also posted a thorough review of the Round 1 beam spring keyboard. My reply to the feedback is copied below.

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/12vp1ys/another_new_beam_spring_keyboard_possible_end/

My comments:
Thanks HV_Medic for your well-informed and thorough review. Project coordinator here. Kindly see my replies below:

“Replacing this key [spacebar] is kind of obnoxious because you have to trim a module to accommodate the stabilizer.”
I recommend just replacing the white part (beam barrel part B) so you don’t have to use a dremel to trim one of the spare modules. I have used various tools to separate the washer from the module including pliers and a hammer (supported by pliers underneath the washer so as not to break the module). The Round 2 modules, recently produced Round 1 modules with updated tooling, and virtually all Round 1 boards shipped from this week onwards use an improved, friction fit washer so no glue or paper clips are required to take apart or reseat a module.

“The beam spring modules are very loud”–> this is correct. The round 2 boards have an improved design to add more foam and a new inner assembly instead of the case acting as the top and bottom plates. In my testing the Round 2 boards are slightly quieter and have less ringing due to the sound absorption.

“The alignment of many of the keys is not perfect, there are noticeable gaps between some of the keys, and some keys are rotated compared to others, it is not a big deal, but aesthetically the keyboard is not perfect.” This is correct. I see this with the original IBM beam spring modules too. The problem is a bit more noticeable with the repros in my opinion because of adapting the MX keycaps to the old beam spring design. The gaps between keys are a bit larger due to the width of the beam spring modules compared to the smaller footprint of MX switch modules, so gaps are more visible. I have also noticed rotation on keys for both Model F keyboards and beam spring keyboards because everything has looser tolerances. When the tolerances of the two beam spring plastic parts are too tight, the module is more likely to get stuck (this is another improvement for Round 2 and for the first aid kit modules of Round 1 that were shipped starting in the past week or so – the module tolerances have improved so they are not too tight). A very slight twisting of the keycaps in the opposite rotational direction may make the rotation less obvious, though this would need to be done at your own risk as it could snap the part B.

Regarding stabilizers, I found the stabilizers to negatively affect the performance of the non-spacebar keys so I recommended no stabilizers be installed or used. Some folks do prefer stabilized keys; Deskthority contributor darkcruix has suggested a mod that involves using costar style stabilizers for the other keys requiring stabilization and this seems like a good idea that may be preferable to many folks. The challenge is that the stabilizers are about 1mm lower than they should be for the Round 1 design because of the height of the MX plate being lower than the height of the beam spring plate. The round 2 design adds padding below the modules and above the inner assembly, in effect raising the plane of the plate mounted MX stabilizers, so installing the stabilizers may be less tricky with Round 2.

Regarding USB-C, some common feedback I received was to have the ability for folks to rotate usage among various mechanical keyboards in their collection quickly, by being able to use the same USB-C cable for multiple boards instead of dealing with various cables. I do agree with the suggestion of USB-B though and think it is a sturdy connection that would be good for keyboards since folks can trip over the cord. I will note also that the Round 2 boards, like all the classic style Model F keyboards, have USB cables internally stabilized by a metal P clip for strain relief. The compact style boards of both Model F and beam spring keyboards do not have such strain relief.

Regarding lock light wiring, the Round 2 boards of both the Model F and beam springs have the LEDs powered through traces on the same capacitive PCB, instead of separate wires. In the initial design, the worry was about the LED power signal interfering with the capacitive sensing so the wires were made separate, but this turned out to not be an issue during the Round 2 prototyping with traces.

Regarding modules being relatively fragile compared to Model F components, this is correct for the most part, though I have found F springs quite easy to damage by mistake while cleaning or adjusting them. The original beam spring modules were also relatively fragile. When I ordered two original IBM beam spring keyboards many years back, a number of the modules were damaged and I had to purchase spares from orihalcon to replace the damaged ones.

Glad you like the keycaps. It took over a year of searching to find this manufacturer. Many of the dozens of factories making components for the new Model F and Beam Spring projects do not advertise their products, not even on sites like Alibaba, so it is a matter of doing a lot of research and working with existing suppliers to find these additional potential suppliers. More details on the Model F reproduction journey can be found in the Google NYC Tech Talk embedded in the blog on the project web site. Due to the high MOQ of 1000 sets I won’t be offering any additional color schemes besides the two already offered.

Regarding repairing the broken modules, I recommend saving all of the parts except for the broken part B because they can be reused. In my experience most of the Round 1 QC failures are due to improperly assembled part B (white parts) and replacing the part B (with its thin rectangular metal part built in) almost always fixes any issue with the module. For now to keep things simple I only sell completed, tested modules but I have ordered thousands of part B extras in anticipation of these parts breaking in shipping. So far I have shipped nearly 100 beam spring keyboards over the past 5 weeks and I don’t think more than a few boards have needed replacement module parts mailed due to more than 4 failing beyond repair. 4 modules were included with each keyboard as part of a free mini first aid kit with the anticipation that up to 4 modules would arrive damaged, either due to assembly/quality control errors from the factory or due to damage sustained in shipping.

HV_Medic please do keep everyone posted on the forums with the results of any mods and experiments you do. I’d imagine the broken part B’s can be repaired with super glue but it’s probably better in the long run to just replace the part B’s.

Discussion comparing the Model F and Model M keyboards

I would like to quote another terrific post and share it on the project thread to help those who are on the fence about which keyboard to try. This one helps explain the differences between the Model F and Model M keyboard, better than how I have attempted to describe it:

del20nd wrote: 

April 18th, 2023, 6:20 pm

Resurrecting this thread because the exact same rant on reddit is among the top google results when you type in “IBM Model F vs Beamspring.” I want to respond to that but don’t have a reddit account anymore.

The link to that thread is here: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/nlb1bs/why_i_even_after_finally_owning_a_beamspring/

For reference, I have a combined 14-ish years experience typing on the F and M. About 6 years on an F122 and 8 on a beige logo M. The F122 is my current daily.

My opinion echoes others: the M is a fantastic keyboard, but the F is noticeably better. The technical differences between the switches are minor on paper, but they become amplified when you adapt a light typing style, and compound further if you have to type allot.

The light typing style is the key here: if you’re a heavy typist, there’s almost no difference between an F and M. When you type lightly, the small details in the design start to creep up. Both keyboards allow for light typing due to how buckling springs work in general, but the lighter keystroke that the F’s capacitive switch uses, combined with the ever-so-slightly more accurate “snappier” feeling actuation, add up to a more accurate feeling, less fatiguing board overall.

These are differences you feel a little bit moment-to moment, but allot more after extended typing sessions. If you’re typing a one page essay, this may not be noticeable at all. If you’re typing 20 pages of documentation or coding all day, 5 days a week, the M becomes noticeably more fatiguing and less accurate than the F. Not a bad board, I must emphasize, just noticeably not as good as the original!

The M’s greatest merit is ultimately in its value proposition: it’s most of the board that a Model F is, at roughly 25% of the price. Arguably the best “bang for buck” on the market today. It’s way down the ladder on the law of diminishing returns when compared to a Model F, and allows people who would never dream of spending $420 for a computer keyboard to have a fantastic typing experience. It’s seriously impressive how much of the key feel they were able to preserve given how much they streamlined the production.

The F is closer to perfection. It’s not a great value like the M, and the differences between the two boards are ultimately not mind blowing, but sometimes it’s worth reaching for that next level up in design perfection.

Especially if you type as much as I do. On that note, sorry for yet another long post”

As I continue doing experimentation, some interesting points on the beam spring keyboards

As of now, 93 new beam spring keyboards have shipped (just about every one that has been ordered up to the past couple days. The remaining current Round 1 stock that everyone can order is ~ 200 boards total (including both B104 and BSSK).

So far I have been installing and optimizing the space bar for each person who ordered a key set. Almost all boards were configured with a key set. Here are my current notes on space bar optimization:

Many of these steps should be unnecessary with the improved Round 2 boards.

Methods to fix/improve beam space bar actuation:
1. Change number of visible rings of the support spring from 5 to 6. A slight increase may be required to make the spacebar actuate reliably.
2. First test the space bar just barely attached to the beam module, but detached from the stabilizer. Press the space bar in the middle, above the beam module. It should easily return to its original position and you should hear the click each time without fail, even if you press it many times in a row. If it does not, need to inspect part B and adjust the bend of the ears (increase or decrease it, and make sure they are symmetrical) and the distance between metal and the beam flipper (increase this distance so the metal part is flat).
3. Replace white part (part B).
4. Adjust metal part for beam flipper ears and the distance from the metal part to the plastic flipper edges
5. Trim/file the area holding the plastic MX stabilizer insert in place, so that the plastic part can lift up freely with the lightest of finger pressure/movement (the side opposite the stabilizer wire). This is mostly needed for the first delivery (the one where I have to replace the springs).
6. Untested: Bend the stabilizer wire away from the module, or trim more away from the module in the area where it may be contacting the wire if it has not been trimmed sufficiently so that the wire is not contacting the module.

The space bar is tricky to install. Stabilizing a beam spring module does affect it – same as with the IBM original beam spring spacebars. That is why every other key, even the ultra wide right shift, works best unstabilized. I personally have been installing and fine tuning each space bar if someone ordered a key set to go with their keyboard. Sometimes when I don’t like how the space bar feels I replace the MX stabilizer insert plastic parts (2 on each side) with the included spares, and sometimes I will replace the module with another one (being sure to pick one where the module is trimmed like on the space bar modules – or I can trim any other module myself – the purpose of the trim is to allow the space bar wire to move more freely), and then the space bar will be noticeably nicer. It is more of an art than a science. Oiling or lubing the inserts has also been tried but I find that to adversely affect the spacebar feel and make it get stuck sometimes, so I do not recommend any material additions to the stabilizers. I am so used to the Model F keyboards that I have found it takes some getting used to when I switch to using beam spring keyboards. I agree with the floating, smooth, light characterization of the beam spring keyboard. That is a good way to describe it.

It seems like adjusting the springs and using springs that are about 1-2mm taller increases the press force about 10-15 grams, so I may offer springs with various free lengths as an aftermarket modification option.

There was some discussion last year about getting the right “exotic” material for the very thin metal part for beam barrel. Thanks to the material analysis posted by the interesting Silo beam switch project that is no longer underway (its goal was to offer significantly miniaturized MX-style switch modules with characteristics matching the beam spring switches), I have been able to find the material, which may have been updated slightly in modern times regarding the presence or absence of some of the trace elements.

It seems like IBM may have used the relatively new S45500 for the original material – aka “Custom 455,” trademarked in 1969 and first introduced to commerce in February 1965, right around the time that IBM started development work on the beam spring keyboard. The material is still considered exotic today and not easy to find. Details of the material history: https://trademarks.justia.com/723/26/custom-455-72326498.html

This will hopefully be another improvement for the Round 2 keyboards. “It possesses a yield strength which is nearly 3 times the strength of grade 304 stainless steel” according to https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=6853 so the Round 2 boards may have a longer potential MTBF, although this is likely to be a distinction without a difference given the metallurgical improvements over the past 50 years far outweighing the imperfections of the available materials IBM had to work with in 1970: maybe the MTBF is sufficiently high for both boards that it would not be the first point of failure, but we’ll have to wait years I guess to see the real-world usage. Round 1 boards used a premium variation of the standard SUS 304 stainless steel (there are too many variations of how this material is prepared and cooled after heating so it could be considered many materials under an SUS 304 umbrella).

Chemistry Typical per datasheet, reordered to sync with the Silo presentation below https://d2ykdomew87jzd.cloudfront.net/data-sheets/Custom-455-Stainless-Steel-Wire-UNS-S45500.pdf
Manganese: 0.50 max
Silicon: 0.50 max
Phosphorus: 0.040 max
Chromium: 11.00-12.50
Nickel: 7.50-9.50
Molybdenum: 0.50 max
Copper: 1.50-2.50
Titanium: 0.080-1.40
Columbium + Tantalum: 0.10-0.50
Carbon: 0.05 max
Sulfur: 0.030 max
Iron: Balance

Beam switch metallurgical analysis as published by the Silo team:

Leyden Jar controller update – a new open source controller with PS/2 support planned!
Good news from geekhack and Deskthority forum member Rico. Rico just announced the completion and open sourcing of the Leyden Jar controller project with the 18×8 extended matrix! And wcass has designed the F122 PCB to accommodate these extra pads, so now we have everything that is needed for the full F122 usage.

I have tested a prototype Leyden Jar controller on the Round 2 beam spring prototype and it works well in my typing tests. Rico has successfully tested the controller on a new Model F as well. The Leyden Jar controller is expected to be the default on the F122s.

The next step is to optimize the components / design for mass production at the lowest feasible cost that does not result in noticeable performance loss. At first glance the RP2040 based board seems to cost more than the ATMEGA-based controller, even with bulk quantity. It looks like the board uses several components that cost $0.50 or more each, compared to the ATMEGA-based design only using one such component, not counting the ATMEGA chip itself. Which components can be changed out for lower cost components, even if the design has to change a bit? The push buttons probably need to be eliminated for example, since they cost nearly $1 each.

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/the-leyden-j … s/17489/23

https://github.com/mymakercorner/Leyden_Jar

PS/2 support – A welcome surprise is that Rico has designed an add-on board that adds PS/2 support, however it has not yet been programmed on the firmware side so some development will be needed. It plugs into the solenoid header, which would not be needed for LEDs nor the solenoid, given the separate LED through holes and the PS/2 connection not permitting the required power for a solenoid.

Some of the higher cost components:
Comment Footprint Matched Part Detail
MCP4716A0T-E/CH SOT-23-6 MCP4716A0T-E/CHC110057
SOT-23-6 Digital To Analog Converters (DACs) ROHS
PCA9557PW,118 TSSOP-16_4.4x5mm_P0.65mm PCA9557PW,118C141380
8 400kHz I²C, SMBus TSSOP-16 I/O Expanders ROHS
ADP122AUJZ-3.3-R7 TSOT-23-5 ADP122AUJZ-3.3-R7C143910
300mA 60dB@(10kHz,100kHz) Fixed 3.3V~3.3V Positive 5.5V TSOT-5L Linear Voltage Regulators (LDO) ROHS
LMV339 TSSOP-14_4.4x5mm_P0.65mm LMV339IPWRC273648
TSSOP-14 Comparators ROHS
W25Q16JVUXIQ USON8_3x2mm W25Q16JVUXIQC2843335
USON-8-EP(2×3) NOR FLASH ROHS
mSMD110-16V Fuse_1210_3225Metric SMD1210-150C70102
6V 1.5A 100A 3A 1210 Resettable Fuses ROHS
USBLC6-2SC6 SOT-23-6 USBLC6-2SC6C7519
6V 17V Unidirectional 5.25V SOT-23-6 ESD Protection Devices ROHS

Firmware note for the new keyboard models

The latest pandrew utility needs to be used to recognize things as the program is updated with each new supported keyboard. I have just updated it on the project web site, along with updating the zip file of hex files. pandrew has also updated the beta QMK site if you wanted to customize the layout. In addition to the below link, you can also download this file directly from pandrew by following the link in pandrew’s QMK documentation https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=480196#p480196

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/pandrew-utility-to-send-xwhatsit-to-bootloader.zip

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QMK-layout-files.zip

Here is a flush mount USB-C mod that seems to be non-destructive and fully reversible

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4972816

Someone asked about getting some touch up paint for their powdercoated cases

As a reminder, the old-style powdercoated paint finish on the classic style case F62 and F77 reproductions is uncoated and will wear down over time with usage, just like the IBM originals. As a note, the paint formulations of the ultra compact F62/F77 cases, Model M style cases, and Round 2 beam spring cases are of a tougher, more modern formulation, but still with a good amount of texture for the vintage look.

Someone recently informed me of the wear on their new Model F and sent me a photo; here was my rather whimsical (!) reply:

That is kind of good to hear 🙂

I would just order a sample size of touch up paint for ~$8 from Home Depot.  Some locations have a paint matching machine where you could bring in your keyboard case to get the most accurate color, since colors vary slightly, but if you are okay with a close but not exact match you can refer the Home Depot staff member to the photo below as they can likely custom mix the paint with these codes.

But I would actually leave it if I were you; I like the sight of a well-worn bookmark, a professor’s old briefcase, etc.!

Why are all of the project cases metal? Why not use plastic? Why are they powdercoated?

The powdercoating better approximates the original Model M plastic texture which is why there will be no anodized classic style cases for the Model M style case models. The newly introduced Ultra Compact models (F104, FSSK, Ortholinear, F15, F50) are all anodized, however. The True Red anodized cases came out extra nice in my opinion.

Regarding metal, the original Model F 4704 keyboards were metal cased, so I chose metal cases for the reproductions. For the Model M style cases I chose to continue with metal as I feel that a plastic case would be out of place for a high end keyboard. Unfortunately the aluminum case molds can not be switched to make some cases out of plastic or zinc (I looked into this) so everyone has to stay with aluminum. These keyboards are still quite heavy even with aluminum instead of zinc: the Classic F104 weighs about 8 pounds (!) excluding packaging, compared to about one more pound for the classic F77, even though the latter case is made of zinc and the former is aluminum.

Small vs. Large Scale Manufacturing

Here is a very interesting post discussing the differences between small scale and large scale hardware manufacturing as reported by forum member del20nd, who was involved in the latter. It is a great read. Here is the original post that I have quoted below: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=513306#p513306

Ellipse wrote: April 12th, 2023, 6:35 pm
This is an interesting discussion. del20nd you mentioned your experience in hardware manufacturing? Anything (details, best practices, advice, etc.) you are able to share, if it is appropriate?


Sure! I can talk about the subject generally, without going into the nitty-gritty specifics of how the company was run. (That information probably wouldn’t help too much anyway, as they worked on a very different scale than this project. In fact, to that end, watching your google talk about the small scale you’re working on was fascinating because of how it compared to larger scale manufacturing.)

Quick background for perspective on where I’m coming from:

My experience in manufacturing comes from four years of recently developing for, supporting and maintaining the ERP system of a medium scale US based appliance manufacturer in the role of a software analyst. The platform their ERP ran on was an IBM AS/400 / iSeries / Power System. In other words, the platform that 122 key Model F/M keyboards are actually intended to be used on 😀 . I’ve moved on from this particular company, but am still generally working on the IBM platform.

For those that don’t know, an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system is more-or-less the backbone software package that any large corporation uses to track their business. Distribution centers, manufacturers, insurance companies, grocery store chains, etc all use ERPs that are tailored to their specific business needs. There’s leeway in how these get used from company to company (some are allot more paper oriented than others), and they range from being out-of-the-box installs to extremely customized. In extremely generalized terms, a manufacturer might use an ERP to track Bills of Material, Material Orders, Finished goods, payroll, resource planning, shipments, invoices, audit history, etc, etc, etc. Which of those things, and in what capacity they’re used, will vary wildly from one business to another.

Given that the ERP touches basically everything in the company, that I went out of my way to learn how the business was run (because I’m a bit of a knowledge sponge), and I happened to be employed during one of the most frantic, disruptive periods in modern manufacturing history, which required allot of out-of-the-box thinking to keep operations moving along, I have a decent thousand yard view of how it all comes together.

So anyway…

Tips and stuff:

I guess in general, given that it’s such a completely different ecosystem, be wary of tips from anybody working in medium to large scale manufacturing :D. You already know this, but the general knowledge around making 1,000 of something is wildly, wildly different than the general knowledge around making a million of something. In seeing how you overcame obstacles, I was starting to wonder, for example, if scale played into why you went for aluminum cast casings instead of plastic for the new keyboards, even though nobody would’ve batted an eye at plastic since it’s “period correct” for the newest project: I started looking into it and it seemed like maybe the die casts for aluminum at a small scale, combined with the higher labor cost made more economic sense for you than investing in the very expensive injection molds that would be required to make plastic parts, even though there’d be a labor savings. Or maybe, if it didn’t save money directly, if the cost difference was small enough to justify the higher quality case.

I don’t need to tell you that your keyboard shouldn’t be managed the same way as a production line churning out 6 million CD players of course, but I do see allot of questions like “why is this keyboard $420 when it doesn’t even come with X Y Z premium super-premium 25 year warranties that [really big manufacturer] offers,” and I think this is just people not realizing how much scale plays into the pricing we see on electronics today, and how spoiled we all are by that. These keyboards cannot ever have the same economy of scale as Logitech, that the margins on these boards may actually be lower than what a big manufacturer pulls, and you have to be realistic about what things cost when there’s one person working on making only a few thousand of them!

If I try to think of something that could maybe broadly apply, while it wouldn’t make a lick of sense for you to buy into a major ERP platform given your scale, especially because you’re the only one touching the data, it might make sense for you to come up with data management conventions that mimicked the structure of an ERP if you haven’t already.

I’m not sure how you’re doing this now, but at the absolute minimum I’d have a religiously kept system to track incoming parts, bills of material to assemble orders, material orders for what’s required for each variant of keyboard assembly, finished goods, invoices, etc. This organization is key to how larger manufacturers are able to turn around product. Keeping that info well tracked would definitely be helpful if you ever scaled up how much you’re making. Given that I didn’t work at such a small scale, I don’t know what’s on the market in this regard, or if maybe you’re just really, really good at keeping Excel spreadsheets in order, but the big guys who are growing are very careful/organized with their data.

I’m probably not too useful on how to manage your supply chain; I did work with those guys but didn’t do their job. I can say that it’s a very quick moving, adaptive field, especially in the last few years. I guess I could apply that to your situation by saying to be creative in how you overcome bottlenecks? For example, if your supplier suddenly decided that they’re not going to powder coat the cast aluminum keyboard casings, don’t rule out doing something like importing them unpainted and contracting somebody local, even an auto body shop. As long as you keep those processes well documented so you know what works and what doesn’t. Supply setbacks are common, especially these days, but there are sometimes ways around them if you’re creative, especially if you’re the first one to think of the solution and can negotiate a price under the radar.

Another thing I can’t really talk about is how to deal with overseas manufacturers, since our factories were domestic, and made particular effort to keep as much of the supply chain domestic as possible. We did have to contract out some parts where no domestic options existed (broad example, there’s not one manufacturer in the US who makes electrolytic capacitors, so if you’re a company that needs some of those you’ll be working with an international supplier) but unfortunately all of my advice here is broad platitudes which are well known: be careful of your suppliers, as Chinese factories are notorious for ripping off patented designs. Given your scale, and the fact that you’re not patenting anything, you might not have to worry about things like this.

That’s all I can think off the top of my head.

Given what you’ve done here, you know way more than I do, but I’m smart enough to at least understand that I. I can make educated guesses about why you may or may not have made this-or-that choice, and can tediously explain to people in the Ars Technica comments section that no, you’re not Samsung and no, you’re not “ripping people off”, that this is just what it costs to bring a few thousand Models F into the world, that it’s actually a miracle that these things can be brought to maket so affordably at all and he’s keeping prices this low by not having the overhead of multi-year warranties and 24/7 on-call support hotlines, that if you can’t accept that small projects will inevitably cost more money then you’re not in the market for one of these keyboards, please just buy a mass market mech board if you want to spend $100 or less, etc, etc….

If I do come up with anything else I’ll try to remember to post it, and if you have any specific questions that maybe you want to try to jog my memory on, please feel free to PM or just reply here.


My reply:

This is a great read del20nd! Thanks for sharing it.

Regarding ERP I manage these projects using ERPNext (as well as with non-ERP offerings like Excel and WordPress’s Woocommerce), which helps with inventory management and accounting. We are dealing with more than one million parts so it would be more work to track this manually in another way. This way with ERPNext I can track how much quantity of each item is where (in my stock or at the factory), whether the quantity has been moved into an assembled unit, and what I am running low on and need to order more of.

Regarding metal, the original Model F 4704 keyboards were metal cased so I chose metal cases for the reproductions. For the Model M style cases I chose to continue with metal as I feel that a plastic case would be out of place for a high end keyboard. Unfortunately the aluminum case molds can not be switched to make some cases out of plastic or zinc (I looked into this) so everyone has to stay with aluminum. These keyboards are still quite heavy even with aluminum instead of zinc: the Classic F104 weighs about 8 pounds (!) excluding packaging, compared to about one more pound for the classic F77, even though the latter case is made of zinc and the former is aluminum.

Here are some forum comments I made the day after the March 31st launch of the new project

The announcement was late on 3/31, not an April 1st joke. I did get a few folks asking me though! Some emails were delivered on April 1st.

Today I brought some of the new F and Beam Spring models to the NYC keyboard meetup where I met some forum members in person, including darkcruix! It is always nice to put faces to the names and forum user names.

Are more split cases going to be made in the future? –> I don’t think so, not sure.

Are there plans for a M-styled case for the ergodox? –> Nope, due to the high costs of making a new mold.

And when does the dutch auction end? –> Not sure, maybe one month is enough time to make sure everyone has had enough time to consider what they want? Seems like a good balance between that and delaying the shipments too much.

The new Model M style Model F cases are not compatible with any other models or projects. They accommodate the thicker inner assembly of a Model F versus a Model M and there are some changes, so they are not 100% drop in replacement reproductions of the Model M cases (folks can’t upgrade their Model M keyboards to metal cases alas). I hope to post more photos later this month when the prototypes arrive.

Regarding suggested logos for the square badge spot in the new F122: Rendering has improved so much from back in the day. Many look like photographed images! I’m hoping to be able to make a few logos but anyone can put in their own logo in the spot in the F122 case. The logos can also be affixed to the other cases in any position. So as not to require a logo as with the F122, the other cases all do not have a recessed spot for the logo so they can be used without logos.

As noted on the project pages, the Classic F104 case in some of the posted photos and videos is a 3d printed sample case. It was made before the molds were approved for the die cast aluminum cases (so I can hopefully catch mistakes before the mold is produced). I hope to post more photos later this month when the prototypes arrive.

I think the F122 is the closest option to the F107 layout but with additional keys on the top and fewer keys in one of the blocks of keys, so I would recommend the F122 if you are hoping for a F107 style board. The F122 case is not going to be a 4704 however as that would have required another mold.

And here is another nice F77 customization posted over on reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/128zfv2/f77_model_f_reproduction_keyboard_w_custom_keycaps/

Brand New Model F Major Launch! Full size and other models! March-April 2023 Update

The next Brand New Model F Keyboards project launches today!

Now available to order: F104, FSSK, F122, F15, F50, and Split Ortholinear Ergonomic

The layouts and cases of these regular/full size Model F boards were modeled after the later-production Model M keyboards and their more standardized/modernized layouts, but with the same Model F internal components and XT-quality dye sublimated keycaps as with the original F62/F77 project. A number of folks have been asking me for a full size board and other board types so here they are!

Some models are offered in both Model M style and ultra compact style cases. All cases are metal, even though they were designed to match the IBM Model M case designs of old.

Click on the “shop” link above to view more photos and details about each keyboard model and the available customization options.

Rather than wait for orders before starting production, I decided to go ahead and purchase many of these boards ahead of receiving orders. Production has finished for many of these boards and they are in stock and should start shipping in the later part of April or May. As always the in stock keyboards from this new project will not ship until all of the in stock Round 1 beam spring boards finish shipping. So far, 44 out of 80 Round 1 boards have shipped.

Today we have 8 new models!

Currently in stock: Ultra Compact F104, Ultra Compact FSSK, F15 Split Ergonomic, F50 macro pad

Currently in production: The 3 metal case classic Model M style F104, FSSK, and F122 keyboards and also the Split Ortholinear Ergonomic model

I was not sure how many of the ultra compact boards would be in demand, so for the in stock units I ordered extremely limited quantities of each: only 25 F50, 50 each of the two types of ergonomic boards: (the F15 style which is based on the very rare IBM M15 keyboard, and the split ortholinear style based on the Ergodox Cherry MX boards), and 200 each of the compact F104 and FSSK. The classic M Style case offerings (Classic F122, F104, and FSSK) are not limited at this time and will have a much larger first production run that is currently in progress. The Buckling Spring Ortholinear-style boards arrived but had an issue with the top inner assembly so they will ship later.

The classic M Style case keyboards (F122/F104/FSSK) support internal mounting of the solenoid driver and solenoid while the other ultra compact anodized case models do not (same as with the F77/F62).

No reservations needed for F104 and FSSK, neither for the compact nor classic case models. Anyone can order today.

There is a reservation process for the split ergonomic and F50 boards:

So as to fairly allocate the F50 and both split ergonomic versions, the pricing will be set by reverse Dutch auction, with every winner paying the same amount, which is the lowest winner’s bid. The way this works is that everyone will fill out the Google form below and write down their maximum bid (limit of 1 type of each board per person; however, you can bid on and win one of each of the 3 board types up for auction).

The highest ~40 bids for each of the 50 available split ergonomic models (and the highest ~20 bids for the 25 available F50 keyboards) will all pay the lowest bid of the ones that made the cut. For example, if you bid $1000 and 39 other folks bid $500, all 40 of you pay $500 – you would not have to pay the $1000 you bid. If you bid $499 and 40 folks bid $500, you lose and do not get any of the keyboards. It is on the honor system; please do not put a number that is higher than what you are able to pay this month.

Please review the product pages before bidding so you know exactly what you may be getting if you win one. As indicated above, I will reserve a number of the boards (around 5-10) for later sales to the public at a higher price to recoup the earlier project’s cost overruns and allow those who lost the auction or did not hear about it in time to have an opportunity to get one.

Reservation / Dutch auction link only for F50 and split ergonomic keyboards: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1PqXBAtHVRHWHvheCSMXVNI96_zuhXMMhnrQ2piT6QLk/

All models have painted/powdercoated aluminum metal cases or anodized aluminum cases, even though they were designed to look like the original IBM Model M cases which were made of plastic. I do not offer any plastic case Brand New Model F keyboards. One keyboard in the above photo (the M Style F104) shows a 3D printed plastic case as it is a sample unit.

Why didn’t I start the new Model F project with a full size or Model M style board? What took so long with the original Brand New Model F Keyboards project? What is the most interesting part of the manufacturing process? Check out my Google NYC Tech Talk video embedded below for details behind this and other aspects of the project’s journey.

Not to worry, you can still order the classic case style and ultracompact case style F77 and F62 keyboards for the time being. I still have many in stock of each variation, but these final round keyboards will be on a “while supplies last” basis until they are all gone. Surprisingly, many new Model F users are picking up one or two spare boards for the future (or to use in a secondary location), having enjoyed their new Model F boards over the past couple years. While the new boards have a variety of layouts to choose from, none of them have the ultra-heavy zinc case option available exclusively with the classic style F77 and classic F62 keyboards (zinc is about 3 times as heavy as aluminum so the new aluminum case boards will likely not weigh as much). More than 4,000 Brand New Model F F62 and F77 keyboards have shipped in recent years.

Some folks have outstanding orders such as a beam spring keyboard, Model F keyboard, or accessories.  I have already paid the factory for these items and they are either in stock, in production, or have completed production and are on their way to me.  Unfortunately I am unable to exchange or cancel any prior orders so that you can get one of these new offerings.  Please don’t ask!  No exceptions.

4/2/23 important YouTube note: please resubscribe to the new YouTube channel for the project linked here. The project’s original YouTube channel seems to have been erroneously deleted. I sent a message to YouTube support. I have mirrored the videos here: https://www.youtube.com/@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards

The latest newsletter with the corrected YouTube links can be found here: https://mailchi.mp/383aff582666/brand-new-model-f-major-launch-full-size-and-other-models-2023-update-9222437

Here’s a 3 1/2 minute video introducing the Model F reproduction project and the new Model F keyboard models:

YouTube video: typing test and teardown for the new keyboard models launched today!

Now posted on YouTube: my Google NYC Tech Talk on Bringing Back the Model F Keyboard

It was a great honor to be invited to speak at Google offices last year on the journey to bring the IBM Model F keyboard back into production. Once again a big thanks to Tony at Google for setting everything up and for obtaining permission from Google for me to share this video publicly. A big thanks to the Googlers for keeping the announcement of new Model F models under wrap for so long, until it was ready to launch! The folks at this meetup were the first to try the new Model F and beam spring models; this was also my first meetup in a long time which was nice.

Brand New Beam Spring Keyboards start to ship

A couple weeks ago, the new Beam Spring Round 1 keyboards started shipping. The Round 2 boards (classic case style B62, BSSK, B104, and B122) are expected to finish production and go out later this year. The model number corresponds to the layout style and approximate key count (62=60% style, SSK=IBM 84 key SSK style, 104=standard style, 122=122-key terminal keyboard style).

Important Keycap Removal note (not in the setup video): I use a wire key puller with a gentle and slow rocking motion and have no issues removing the caps. The keycaps cannot be pulled up fast in one motion. If you are using a lot of strength to pull them straight up or twist them, then you will most certainly break the modules. One user reported that they broke a number of their modules this way.

The PBT double shot key sets arrived and they look great. The all black keys with white legends also look great. These sets are available separately in the shop for other MX keyboards as it is a standard Cherry MX compatible set (check out the Beam Spring Extras product page). Regarding keycap colors the minimum order quantity is 1,000 sets per color scheme, which is why there are only two color schemes (total 2,000 key sets).

The keys are a custom profile not in line with any standard MX keycap profile. As shown in the photos the keys are quite flat relative to each other but do vary slightly in row height, from about 9.5 to 11.5mm from what I can see. So I guess they would be called very slightly sculpted? You can see the relative key heights in these photos of the keys installed on a new beam round 1 board: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=510145#p510145

As a reminder Round 1 and Round 2 boards are now open for all to order; you no longer need an invitation. Round 1 production quantity is limited to about 150 boards for each model (B104 and BSSK); once these sell out you will only be able to get a Round 2 board. All Round 1 and Round 2 options are still available to order, though we are running low in stock.

So far we have more than $180,000 in new beam spring keyboard orders after a few months – well beyond my expectations.

The first feedback for the Round 1 boards that just started shipping was posted recently on the beam spring project thread on the Deskthority forum (copied and linked to below).

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=512894#p512894

March 23rd, 2023, 1:49 pm

Ellipse wrote: 

March 23rd, 2023, 1:30 pm

Great Rena! The first photo of these boards out there! Please do share your experience following the setup video and setting things up. How many switches needed replacement? How is the key feel? Did you notice any shipping damage to the box or contents?

“Shipping:
Everything arrived safely/without damage, there were a few dents/scratches on the main shipping box but nothing alarming or noteworthy. Key caps in the separate boxes were all undamaged and packed securely.

Setup experience:
The setup experience was great, I might have been lucky, but I tested each pre-installed switch several times and had no issues with stuck or off feeling switches so I didn’t need to replace any of them or do the wiggle method. Adding the keycaps was an easy process. I did have to remove and swap out some key caps for my layout and I was very careful to wiggle back and forth until they came off instead of pulling straight out. Plugged it into my PC and everything was good to go!

EDIT: Since using this I have noticed some keys that felt off a bit, using the wiggle method in the video has solved them though.

Key feel:
I’m not great at reviewing switches but my first thought was “Wow!”, this is the type of feeling I was hoping for when I purchased the Model F77. The Model F is still great, but I can see why others consider this a “step up”. Each key feels distinct and “heavy”(?). It does feel like you’re typing on a typewriter. I think it will take a few days to get up to speed with it, I’m not as fast as I was with the Model F, but this definitely feels more “fun” to type on if that makes sense at all.

I also enjoy the sound a lot more than the sound from the F77. It’s louder I think but it doesn’t have a “ping” sound that the F77 had.”

Photos of the new die cast injection molds for the new Model M style cases

The below photos show the 3 new M Style aluminum die cast case tops, unpainted, as well as the mold for the F122 case top. The bottom cases are made by CNC milling and bending, as a mold was not needed.

You will notice from the photos below (and more clearly in the photos on each of the new M Style case product pages) that the F122 retains the original IBM full size Model M case design and not the expanded case size of the original IBM F122 and M122, and the FSSK retains the original IBM full size Model M case design and not the reduced-size top bezel as found in the original IBM SSK (Space Saving Keyboard).  The main reasons for this are to keep the designs consistent (the F122, F104, and FSSK all are the same exact length from front to back, even though the F122 has an extra row) and also to allow the solenoid driver and solenoid to fit comfortably inside all 3 of the keyboards.

Photos of the very first die cast aluminum Model M style case samples

The factory did a good job matching the original IBM texture, despite the IBM cases being made of plastic and these new cases all being metal.

Transparent relegendable MX keys for the beam spring boards

Also the transparent relegendable MX keys are now available to order on the beam spring extras page. I have ordered these keys from the factory. The actual keycap bottom pieces will all be black, not beige as pictured in the first photo below. I specified a set of 22 as the base set (10 keys on the left side + 12 keys in the top row). The regular key sets do not include extra keys to cover a B122 keyboard so I recommend ordering the relegendable keys. The keys are also available individually.

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/beam-spring-extras/

Round 2 beam spring renderings

These designs have been submitted to the factory. They will be making a prototype of each keyboard size before proceeding to production. The cases are offered in the same case colors as the compact F cases (industrial gray, black, off-white/beige, dark blue, light blue, and red). For the other colors the tooling and paint mixing costs would be several hundred dollars so I would recommend taking the case to a local powdercoating company if you’d like another color.

The holes on the bottom of the case are for the solenoid driver PCB, solenoid, and P clip, as well as 4 holes for screw-in bumpers (adhesive bumpers can also be used). I designed the cases with predrilled holes dedicated to the solenoid and solenoid driver so they do not need to be shared as with the F77/F62.

Beam spring washer update

I have ordered a mold for the beam spring washer. Instead of the glue on metal washer from the original design, the Round 2 boards will have a removable friction-fit plastic washer with a cross in the middle to match the cross of an MX key module (a reminder that this project uses MX style keycaps). This helps speed up and facilitate end-user repair time and initial assembly time. Now if the flipper falls out of place there is no more need to use the paper clip method – you can just remove the washer by hand and reattach the flyplate. The purpose of the washer is primarily to hold the spring and o-ring in place before keycaps are installed, so it did not need to be permanently attached with glue.

I know of at least one example where a leg (“beam barrel part B” – the white color plastic part) broke off in shipping while installed in a module, so it can definitely happen to both original and reproduction beam spring keyboards. I show this particular example in the beam spring setup video posted in the manual.

The roughness of shipping in recent years is one main reason why each beam spring keyboard is getting free modules as part of the mini first aid kit for beam spring keyboards, plus I replace broken module parts under the limited warranty as described on the product page.

Keyboard meetups

Everyone please do keep me updated on the various keyboard meetups. I am hoping to see the various meetups in NY, NJ, DC, etc. back up and running this year. Hopefully you can bring your Brand New Model F and Beam Spring keyboards to all the various keyboard meetups that I cannot attend.

Mechanical keyboard meetups are now happening again in NYC. I have signed up for the next one in April (this weekend). I hope to bring a new Model F keyboard as well as a new beam spring keyboard. This will be my first meetup since 2019! Hoping to see some of you there.

https://nyckeyboardmeetup.com/

Updated project manual

Recently the Model F manual on the project web site was reformulated and updated, and a step-by-step setup video for the Brand New Beam Spring Keyboards was posted in the manual. It is also embedded below. A comprehensive setup video for the new Model F keyboards is forthcoming.

New layout photos and video: Quebec CSA and French AFNOR (BEPO)

A big thanks to Deskthority contributor AlexB555 for creating this layout. Recently the same forum member (quoted below) submitted a new set French AFNOR (BEPO). This set can be ordered on the Full Key Set store page. Please see that page for details on which key is included in each set (as always, each set does not include every pictured key in a given graphic).

“This layout was developed in the early 2000s and standardized by the French government in 2019. Contrary to the traditional French AZERTY layout, the French BÉPO seems more appreciated in Quebec/Canada. Microsoft seems to offer this “new” French layout in their preview build since November 2022, I expect to see this layout included in the next stable version soon. I need to install the correct preview build on my computer and test it. I will let you know when it’s ready. This layout is more “classical”, doesn’t have a proper gr2 key (ctrl-right), just a second boat wheel (right) and the Christmas tree (Alt Gr) will be blue. This layout is ISO only.”

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/extra-set-of-brand-new-production-xt-quality-one-piece-keys/

If anyone is interested in any additional designs enough to cover the minimum order quantity costs please email / PM me within the next week or so as things become finalized. I have seen some nice suggestions today from AlexB555 as well as from others in the past. I have to double check whether the minimum order quantity is 10 or 20 for each design with the standard pricing in the shop.

AlexB555’s photo album of the new Quebec CSA set

IMG_0273

Here is a video describing the Quebec CSA key set, along with a typing test on an F77.

QMK firmware notes and bug report – any ideas?
Deskthority contributor wolfman is working on refactoring the QMK code to be accepted by the main QMK web site. The most recent update: “Since last November there have been changes to the QMK build system. The changes are preventing my refactored version the QMK firmware to compile with the newest version for QMK. My updates to support the newest version of VIA are going to take even longer.”

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=511955#p511955

Due to the above QMK changes, regarding compiling QMK, it seems like you need to use an older version of QMK. Or you could just use pandrew’s git version exactly and make any changes from there, without updating anything from newer QMK branches, until the issue is resolved.

For the firmware files I have compiled on the project web site, I enable the option to toggle NKRO through a key combination but set it to disabled by default for compatibility reasons, as detailed in the manual. For the beta QMK configurator web site I believe that NKRO cannot be toggled back on.

I received this note from someone: The issue has to do with waking a computer from sleep mode, with a new Model F directly connected to the computer. “I have tested all the keys, nothing is stuck and appears to work OK once logged in, but when pressing space bar or any key to wake the computer, instead of doing to the normal splash screen and then you press a key to bring up the login box, the keyboard is constantly repeating the keystroke until i press for example the back key then it stops, hence it jumps straight to the login prompt and continues to fill it until I press the back key.”

I think it may be a firmware bug or a USB power saving setting that needs to be adjusted.

https://www.tenforums.com/attachments/tutorials/114577d1485975114-turn-off-usb-selective-suspend-windows-10-a-usb_selective_suspend_setting.png

LED Overlays

I have approved production on the LED overlays and the first batch of 500 should be arriving to me in early April. Even this not-too-complex part was difficult to source and took about 9 months to find a supplier that can meet the requirements. The texture of the plastic material was most challenging. The samples look good, though I noted that the factory needs to adjust the color balance before proceeding (or maybe it is just the lighting angle; the one installed on the IBM Model M case is the original one for comparison). As always we have geekhack and Deskthority forum member Zed to thank for the excellent results on the various IBM style key sets and LED overlays. The BSSKs of both Round 1 and 2, as well as the FSSK, do not have LEDs built into the cases, though the controllers support adding LEDs. The LED overlays can also be used with original IBM and Lexmark Model M keyboards.

pandrew’s solenoid driver potential upgrade

Some recent feedback I received. I don’t know if this upgrade is recommended or will affect the lifespan of the solenoid in a noticeable way.

“What ended up improving the responsiveness substantially was replacing R7 with a lower resistance resistor. This has the effect of increasing the boost voltage to 12v instead of 9. As a result the solenoid has WAY more power. The result is that I can use a basically insignificant dwell time. I currently have it set at 1ms. This is about 20x faster than what I could do at 9v. Now the solenoid has no problem keeping up with me. I also upgraded the cap to 470uf instead of the 220uf. This is my first electronics project and it was a lot of fun. I do not think the cap headroom is needed – just the resistor change so the boost converter boosts all the way up to 12v instead of 9v. I noticed a significant increase in both power and speed. To counter act that so it wasn’t deafeningly loud I unwound the spring a little bit. That also made it return faster which lets it keep up with my typing speed.”

Metal Badges – recommendations?

I am planning on ordering some logo badges for the keyboards, that have adhesive backing to be affixed on any keyboards but are the size of the F122 badge (a little smaller than the badges on the XT style keyboards). Any recommendations on the graphics options to offer? There is a spot for these badges on the M Style F122 keyboard now available to order. I was thinking the buckling spring logo and maybe the beam spring logo? Of course the original logo or anything similar to it cannot be used, so no line art. Dot matrix text/art would probably be fine.

Does anyone know the original process to apply the graphics for optimal appearance and longevity? Sublimation, printing, heat transfer, lasering with paint infill, etc.

Some other IBM badge projects:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=18885
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=18905
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=13814&start=60

KVM Switches note
There has been some discussion on KVM switches since they have been known to be tricky to work with Model F keyboards. Here are some notes that someone sent me on a solution that was found to be working with Model F keyboards:

“I am currently using the IOGEAR 4-Port HDMI 4K KVMP Switch — GCS1934H. I have used a variety of KVM’s over the years (different vendors, different video interfaces, etc.), and have had the best luck with the IOGEAR devices. As I don’t have the actual KVM in sight, I am dependent on using the keyboard triggered control sequences to switch between my 4 computers, and the F77 looks like a “typical” generic USB keyboard, so the keyboard based switching works fine, as do the media keys that I have configured. As with most things of this nature, YMMV, but this is a configuration that is working exactly as I require.

IOGEAR 4-Port HDMI 4K KVMP Switch – 2-Port USB 3.1 Hub Transfer Rate 5Gbps – 4K 60Hz – Control 4 Computers w/1 Keyboard Mouse – HD Audio – Auto Scan Mode – TAA – Mac/Win – GCS1934H”

Here’s travel case that a forum member has recommended for the F77: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=27873

Pad printed Model F / Model M keys update

The factory continues working on setting up the tooling and production for the pad printed keys. Please sign the interest form here to reserve your set. As noted before, I can start accepting orders once they complete a good quality key set sample.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1873Q9wJFyNvJ4-TEBN6P9JbzaVxErbNd-h4XtN1DfNk/

Additional mod ideas

Check out the interesting mods done by Deskthority forum member o2dazone: “Added a solenoid, floss modded my springs and did the ‘holee mod’ for the spacebar stabilizer this weekend (with a dab of ro59 on the stab bar that touches the spacebar).”

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=512179#p512179
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=512187#p512187
https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=512214#p512214

A note on one often-overlooked advantage of IBM beam spring and Model F keyboards: repairability

Both the Model F and beam spring keyboards require maintenance as dust and debris enter the keyboard and affect the capacitive sensing, more so with the beam spring design, and Model F springs and metal parts in the beam modules do fail. I would say that in general the IBM Model F was designed to be more robust and require less maintenance than their predecessor the beam spring keyboards, and I would expect that to apply the same to the reproductions of each technology.

Given that examples of keyboards manufactured with both of these IBM technologies are extant today I don’t think that one would necessarily outperform the other long-term. I do offer first aid kits and spare parts for both the F and beam boards so hopefully everyone can maintain both boards long after the project has shut down. Maintenance for both board types is relatively straightforward compared to other keyboards which are often non-repairable. Parts can be taken apart and reassembled, so I do not think anyone should doubt whether to use one of these keyboards or the other because of the prospect of maintenance.

Posting (with permission) a number of nice custom setups

F77 with classic style black case:

Here is a nice unique customized F77 posted on imgur a couple months ago. I like that so many folks have done nice customizations of these keyboards.

Here is a nice F77 Silver Gray case color with blue and dark gray custom keycaps.

Here are two nice setups posted over on reddit:

Bolt mod” process recommendations (Model M keyboards only)

I bolt modded a number of IBM Model M keyboards many years ago (~2014), having learned what I’ve noted below from a fellow community member, and thought I would share what I learned for other interested in bolt modding. The Model F and beam spring designs do not need to be bolt modded. With the Model F, the two inner assembly plates slide apart to mod the layout and perform repairs such as replacing flippers or wiping down the capacitive PCB surface to remove dust. With Model M boards, you must break all of the rivets to do so and this irrevocably affects the original sound of the boards, so it should only be performed if absolutely necessary. You could permanently crack the brittle old plastic. so this would be done at your own risk.

I used an inexpensive drill press found on Amazon to drill through the plastic rivets, a 0.07″ drill bit, and 2/56 x 5/16 Stainless Steel Button Head Torx Machine Screws. No nuts were used. Try to drill where you feel the center of the rivet post is, instead of the center of the hole or the center of the large plastic part sticking out of the bottom inner assembly plate.

I did not separate the plastic top inner assembly from the metal bottom plate as that usually increased the risk of the old IBM plastic cracking. Sometimes it would have to be opened up if there was a problem inside. Also I made a jig to hold the parts together (not sure about its details after so many years).

Start with the weakest rivets/those rivets that have already fallen off, and then the middle rows. Do not drill out every rivet and then screw in all the bolts. Only drill out a few at a time before screwing in the bolts for those ones. The old plastic rivets should be removed before screwing in the bolts.

The bolts should not be screwed in so tight as there is no room for the inner assembly. This is an art more than a science. Increased bolt tightness may reduce key ping/noise while decreased tightness may do the opposite. I recommend backing up (unscrewing) each bolt about one turn of the screwdriver from a fully tight bolt.

Loctite or other material is not necessary in my experience as the bolts are tightly held in place in the plastic.

Make sure your torx T8 screw heads are in good condition so that you do not damage the bolts. Buy several of these as they will wear out over time.

Never bolt mod the bottom row as it is unnecessary and interferes with the keyboard.

Here is a gallery of images and renderings of the new keyboards now available to order (see the individual product pages for larger photos)

Brand New Model F January 2023 update

Apologies that I have not posted an update in a while on the blog, though please do check the project forum threads on Deskthority and geekhack for more frequent updates. Brand New Model F Keyboards continue to go out.

Model F orders now ship within ~1-2 weeks – no more order backlog!

I finally finished going through the backlog late last year. The project has changed from the old made-to-order nature of prior rounds. This time I ordered a whole bunch of keyboards for the final round ahead of the received orders and every variation is now in stock, so there is no more long waits for keyboards, key sets, and accessories.

More than 4,100 Brand New Model F keyboards have shipped. Over 19,000 individual line items and over $2.2 million (including shipping costs).

New reviews and articles:

Here is a review article on the Brand New Ultra Compact F77 keyboard over at Cult of Mac

https://www.cultofmac.com/801538/model-f-keyboard-review/

Here’s a nice in-depth article on mechanical keyboards initially featured on the home page of The New Yorker – the Brand New Model F project is mentioned

https://www.newyorker.com/tech/annals-of-technology/the-obsessive-pleasures-of-mechanical-keyboard-tinkerers

My talk at Google: a presentation on the project to bring back the Model F keyboard

I was generously invited to speak at Google’s main NYC office on 9/29/22 and had a terrific time as a guest there. Their offices are fascinating. I am hoping that the speech and slide deck can be posted publicly at some point.

Brand New Beam Spring keyboards project update:

The order window has just opened for the Brand New Beam Spring Keyboards, available in various cases and layouts at the two links below. You no longer need a reservation to order either keyboard. Please check out the discussion of the project over the past few months at the below link:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=26174&p=506438#p506438

I’m hoping to get the tooling completed but it will take some more months before round 2 finishes production. If you’d prefer to use a keyboard in the coming months, or you prefer the modern style design over the far heavier and bigger classic style of the forthcoming round 2, I definitely recommend round 1 if you have signed up early enough to be offered a spot.

The needed tooling is for the updated cases (will be made by CNC/laser cutting/bending process, not with a die cast mold, so there will not be extra months. New molds are currently in production for the beam plastic parts as noted before, to adjust them slightly to accommodate the presence of inner foam between the top of the beam modules and just below the top inner assembly, just like the originals. The molds are estimated to take about 6-8 weeks, starting from a few weeks ago. The foam had a definite dampening effect on the sound and made it a little closer to the originals. Due to these adjustments I would not recommend buying round 1 in order to move the modules to the round 2 case as the part of the module inside the inner assembly will not be taller but the part that sticks out on top will be about 1mm taller, so as to better lock in with the increased height needed due to the foam. Confirmed there will be holes in the bottom case to allow mounting of both the solenoid and solenoid driver, as well as holes for 4 bumpers with screws.

Apologies I still have to make the renderings for the other keyboards. The design is expected to be the same dimensions for all Round 2 keyboards, except the BSSK will chop off a few inches on the right side compared to the B104, the B62 will chop off the right block of the BSSK, and the B122 will add an extra row on top for F13-F24 and extra space on the left side for the 10 function keys, compared to the B104.

Confirmed the ultra compact design is just for the first round. This could change if there is sufficient demand for a Round 3. The good thing is it’s not too costly to make your own case since no mold might be needed – just laser cutting and bending metal. The Round 2 beam spring’s inner assembly can be put into another, more compact case design if anyone on the forums wants to manage such a project themselves. Also the modules are now available to order individually with the hope that folks can design their own keyboards.

The Round 1 product page will be marked as out of stock once the limit is reached and no more keyboards can be ordered.

For those who want to request to switch from Round 2 to Round 1, here are the steps:
Please order the keyboard and extras that you want, and choose “other payment” at checkout.
Please place a separate order of units of the store item $1 increments and choose free/other shipping at checkout, right before clicking Place Order. The quantity of $1 increments to order is the price difference between your orders.

Round 1 ultra compact case; in stock; ANSI only; limited to 150 units of each size 104-key B104 and 87-key BSSK:

Round 2 classic style case; shipping later this year; ANSI/ISO/HHKB models available; layouts include B62 (F62 style), BSSK, B104, and B122:

You can also see two new Beam Spring typing/sound test and step by step setup videos here (they are the same ones embedded on the individual beam spring product pages)

Chyros / Chyrosran22 teardown of the new beam spring switches

Many thanks to Chyros for taking a look at the new beam spring modules and doing a teardown that shows how the module works. The second half of the round 1 batch with the factory replaced beam springs arrived, so now the entire first round of beam spring keyboards is in stock. I will be replacing the other 150 or so keyboards’ springs that arrived a while back, before the spring issue was discovered.

As a note, there are no reliability issues detected from the beam spring switches that are any different from the IBM originals. My comments on the beam flippers detaching is no more or less frequent than my experience with the detachments of the IBM originals, with a note that they may detach as the keyboards are bounced around in shipping, so folks will need to set up and check their beam spring keyboard before they can start using it. The new ones do not detach more or less frequently, and can be reattached in the same manner as the originals. I did not mean to imply that the new modules are any different from the originals in terms of reliability. The only difference as Chryos pointed out is that the new modules have a slightly different sound to them, with the installed module sound being more similar with the round 2 boards than with round 1 (matching the weighting, key travel, etc. was the main focus for the beam spring project, not an exact reproduction of the sound, as mentioned in the first post on the beam spring project thread).

In my testing over the past couple years, I do not recall modules failing due to fatigue with usage, though to be safe I do expect to include a first aid kit of 4 modules with each keyboard at no additional cost (plus the option of a deluxe first aid kit with 12 modules for additional future maintenance).

Also the pricing has been finalized and the first round already finished production and is in stock, so pricing is not an unknown variable at this point.

New store items: pandrew 3178/122/AT/Unsaver controllers, trackpoint keys, and USB-C cables in additional colors

As an update I have ordered 20 assembled pandrew 3178/122/AT/Unsaver controllers plus the same number of USB C 5V pro micros, though you have to solder the pro micro itself to the pandrew controller. They are now in stock.

2 of these are for my recent 3178 Model F keyboards, of which one is for sale on the project web site.

I recently added Gray, Red, Dark Blue, and Light Blue USB-C colors to the USB cable product page.

G H B trackpoint keys, factory sublimated. The keycaps are sourced from Unicomp. The texture on these particular keys is a bit different from the other keycap textures.

I had mailed the factory some stepped 1.75U caps lock keys and GHB trackpoint keys so they could sublimate them and send them back to me – this way the legends would match the other new Model F keys. These are now in stock.

A kind email about the project

I am sharing (with permission) a kind email I received recently about the project. It serves as a great introduction to move newcomers into the world of mechanical keyboards, and specifically, the Model F. Some folks are far better at summarizing the appeal of the Model F than I am!

“I just wanted to write you an email to show how much I appreciate all the effort you put into the Model F reproduction project. I think it’s an amazing achievement, and I worry that this fact might get forgotten among the few complaints or negative feedback I’ve seen on the internet, which you’ve already done your best to address.

There is really no keyboard like the IBM 4704 you decided to bring back. Regardless of the noise pointing to the lack of F-keys and additional navcluster/numpad to fully accommodate those refusing to learn QMK and adapt to anything non-standard, I don’t think you could have chosen a better candidate. The 4kg zinc case feels and looks like no other keyboard, with its imposing presence and wide bezels reminiscent of a 60s space age movie prop, while being the perfect housing for capacitive buckling springs. The feel of these switches are amazing, and it provides a highly engaging typing experience that I would compare to the driving experience of a classic Ferrari Testarossa – manual and heavy, requiring the full involvement of its user, but rewarding with exquisite tactility and sound.

I own lots of keyboard, most of them deviating greatly from the standard, instead being tailored to optimise ergonomics and productivity. Yet I still find myself placing the 4704 onto my desk, simply to enjoy the act of typing, as it offers an experience unlike anything else, making the activity feel substantial and turning typing into a goal in and of itself.

Most keyboard enthusiasts nowadays, particularly those that spend lots of time and money on the hobby ordering and building custom keyboard parts, seek very different goals in the form of highly customisable keyboards with colourful keycaps with amusing legends, compact cases with artifical weight through attached blocks of brass, gasket-mount with silenced (through innumerable hours of modding and lubrication) MX-clone linear switches to achieve a very specific muted “thock”. To these people the Model F and similar keyboards are a curiousity and unsuitable for use – perhaps because they are too different from what they are used to. Unfortunately, markets gravitate towards demand, and therefore there are extremely few exceptions.

In comparison to these keyboards, the 4704 is a bargain at $350, considering a custom keyboard easily reaches double that while offering miniscule differences from a premium off-the-shelf keyboard for $200.

It saddens me that another keyboard on the same level as the 4704 reproduction, while still being perfectly usable for modern computing, may never exist. I acknowledge there may be no other keyboard that could fit this role better, but maybe there exists one that could do this differently, while still being at the same level? If anybody is familiar with unique typing experiences throughout keyboard history, that would be Chyrosran22 – I wonder which other keyboards he would see worthy for a revival. Likewise I’m eager to see what comes out of the beamspring reproduction project. I sincerely hope you will consider reviving a classic case, as if there’s one thing the 4704 has taught me, it’s that the case means as much as the switches. Finally, there’s that crazy guy manufacturing Symbolics 365407 Alps clones in his own house, claiming he wants to one day do it with beam/buckling springs, although his reluctance to adopt Chinese mass production means they will continue to have very limited reach.

I don’t know how you feel about unsolicited feedback, or if you’ll even find this email, but I hope it will serve as a reminder amongst the noisy reality of manufacturing a consumer product, that you have created something very grandiose and generously made it available to anyone with interest for a reasonable price. You did so without compromise and by dedicating yourself fully to it over a very long timeframe. Nobody else would have, or even could have done this, and a shame it would be if that were our reality. Thank you.”

RP2040-based Model F controller project

Rico’s new RP2040-based controller samples have arrived! Check out this great project to create an RP2040-based controller for capacitive buckling spring keyboards. A big thanks to Rico for undertaking this project. The rounded PCB traces are especially nice.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117555.0

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/the-leyden-jar-a-tentative-pcb-replacement-for-the-brand-new-model-f-keyboards/17489

We have a new key set – Quebec CSA!

Please order this set directly through the Full Key Set product page. It’s the very last option that was just added. I received several of these sets from the factory by air mail this week.

Here are some notes that I was sent:
“- This layout works only on Windows and Linux, Apple has developed its own CSA keyboard, called Canadian French ― CSA but it’s not exactly the same keyboard layout. Apple respect only partially this standard (the ligature œ is located with q for example). If you are interested I can send you another template using this layout. For now, I am interested in the Windows/Linux version.

– 4¤ and É are drawn twice because the Linux version is different and doesn’t use the € sign.

– I am interested in the F77 industrial grey with the Numpad #3 (with an arrow inside a diamond for the Enter key used in the Numpad).

– I am also a VIM user and I would like if possible a second Caps Lock key with the proper Esc pictogram, not ESC or Esc but an arrow inside a circle, it’s there in my template.

Ideas (relocate ESC key):
1) Home Row (where caps lock is, then relocate caps lock between
ctrl and alt)
2) Between ctrl and alt

Other points :

In the newest version, the ligature Πmust be printed (E key).

Also, the pictograms must be used instead of english or french labels,
same thing over the numpad.

The triangle replace the decimal separator (numpad).

– Return and Enter are pretty similar but are not exactly the same.

Enter (arrow inside a diamond) go with the numpad). Return (just the arrow pointing left) to with the alphanumeric keys.

– The pictogram “centering” with the 5 key (numpad) is now obsolete and can be skipped.”

PS/2 support on Model F Keyboards: New project by Deskthority member Arkku

See here for additional details:

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=11046&p=506444#p506444

USB PID code has been granted

There was discussion about obtaining a unique USB PID code for the controller. I have now obtained the code 4704
https://pid.codes/1209/4704/

This code is for all open source xwhatsit controller projects and derivatives; permission is not needed from me to use the code for any such purpose.

A great Model F history resource; the last production line Model F keyboards made from all new parts

If they do not know already, I wanted to let folks know of a great Model F history resource in addition to the Deskthority wiki – lots of great photos and information: https://sharktastica.co.uk/wiki?id=modelf

I am wondering which person has photos of among the last production line Model F keyboards made from all new parts, if they have labels of all the various dated components in the board (the WWYY of the controller or capacitive PCB, labels on cables, the case bottom label, etc.). Some F107s formerly in my collection I believe had everything dated 1990; personally I have not seen any all 1991 Model F keyboards. Shark has noted a 1992 Unsaver, as well as 1994-made (or refurbed?) 5291s: http://kishy.ca/?p=1606 As shark notes on the wiki site, Lexmark did refurbish keyboards well into the 1990s, as late as 1996. I can confirm several of my F107s had controllers and capacitive PCBs with production dates of 1996 while the rest of the keyboards clearly had components dated in the prior decade, including the F107’s metal cases.

Injection molds are in production for additional key sizes PC AT, ISO Enter non-stepped, and Code key

Please sign the interest form linked below to reserve your non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT enter keys 

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl_jOqp6wAEfZGeivQZ8ZaibpoT0WQkDG39r08Q/edit

I ordered the non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT enter key molds, so we will be able to have pad printed black keys as well as dye sublimated non-stepped ISO Enter in international language options too.

The first 3d printed sample keys for the PC AT style enter, code key, and non-stepped ISO Enter key were produced last August (shown in the first photo below). The production units are all injection molded of course – I do not use any 3d printed parts for anything in the shop. I have ordered the wheelwriter style code key and wheelwriter-style PC AT enter key; this key should be backwards compatible if you use the new horizontal insert (I am not making the old rectangle style insert/post as this key is not an exact reproduction of the PC AT’s enter key which appears to have been designed before the latest stabilizer insert design was finalized. This PC AT enter key has no wire stabilizer, a standard horizontal key style post on the bottom left barrel, and no post on the top, same as on the wheelwriter. The code key closely reproduces the wheelwriter version as well.

This video shows the CNC milling in progress for the new mold for the 3 new keys: non-stepped ISO Enter, Code key, and PC AT Big Enter. The keys will be available in all new Model F project colors.

Below are some photos showing the new key and beam spring module molds currently being made at the factory

Below are the very first injection molded samples of these parts, which do not yet have the production colors.

Here’s a nice video someone sent me showing off the pen holder and solenoid on the F77

Some more nice keyboard photos

Here’s another great keyboard photo – this time of the new dark blue ultra compact F77 keyboard with the new production unprinted dark gray keys. Posting with permission.

Posting with permission another nice setup – an ultra compact case F62 with dark gray keycaps.

Posting, with permission, another nice and unique setup, this time of the F62 classic style keyboard in Industrial Gray, with a customized split right shift layout.

Another nice F77 classic case setup, sharing with permission. I had to share it as it features my favorite pen. I’ve been using Pilot Precise V5’s for over 20 years.

Posting with permission a nice F77 Industrial Gray photo sent to me. The UK layout customizations include HHKB style split right shift, UK front printed keys and some blue Esc and cursor keys.

The unique cable is from https://cablelab.co.uk/

An Ultra Compact F77 with JIS keycaps from Unicomp (the top keyboard in the photo):

Here’s a nice photo (posted with permission) of an F122 with custom legend keycaps:

The first image below shows a custom right side block, while the other shows the F77 with Industrial SSK 12 key set and the F1-F12 front printed keys. Glad to share both of these images as I have not seen too many photos of these customized layouts.

Posting (with permission) one of the newer ultra compact case colors – Off-White/Beige, a color more common to the classic style cases.

This keyboard features Meta and Super keys, which along with the Hyper key, are often used with Linux and Lisp / Space Cadet according to the link below.

https://askubuntu.com/questions/19558/what-are-the-meta-super-and-hyper-keys

Here are two F77 classic case style keyboards from the same person, with a customized German layout including the Industrial SSK 12 key set, German front print F1-F12, and keys from Unicomp: 1.5 Fn centered, Windows, and yellow WASD. Posting with permission.

AZERTY Model F with customized right side block

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=510172#p510172

Some additional follow up on another nice modification from the user who modified their keyboard. Sharing (with permission) photos of the latest status of the keyboard and a description of the steps taken for this mod:

“There are three parts to turning a BNMF into replica Model 300. The keys, the labels, and the cable. Ordering a beige case, the new 4704 keys, and the relegendable keys is an obvious first step. You will then need to source the characteristic stepped modifiers as well as others. They can all be found on the IBM 3180 keyboard. The model M variant is part number 1390238. It seems to be rare but not overpriced.

For the labels I printed out the provided scan of original 4700 key labels and yellowed the paper with watered down coffee. After it dried, I used my IBM Wheelwriter with 12pt Courier to type some of the legends.

The cable is spliced: USB-C , DB9, USB-A. Sacrifice the USB-C end of a charging cable (or in my case the original cable my model F came with) and splice it with any 4 of the 9 cables inside the DB9. Order USB-A terminal parts and splice those on. Check the pins!

Next, get a serial hood and DB9 connector terminals. You need to melt all the plastic and pins out the connector terminals with a soldering iron. The USB-A end will then fit through it. I used hot glue to seal them together; be sure it sticks out enough to fit securely into a variety of ports. Fit your improvised serial plug inside its plastic housing. Align everything carefully and test that it works; once you stuff the housing with glue it will not open. If done right, your cable should be as beefy as the model F itself. For reference, the weight of my keyboard exceeds 9 pounds with this cable.

After this you will have a BNMF that looks as close to a Model 300 as you can get! If you are like me though, looking the part is not enough. Sadly I did not add a beeper and volume knob; the parts were more than I wanted to spend, but using VIA I did program the machine to work like a typical IBM keyboard of the time.

The function key swaps between three layers. For reference, FN is the right blank key, and left control is Reset. FN + LAlt activates alphanumeric mode: the right-side block types what it says. There is no numlock key so it is stuck in this mode until reset. FN + RAlt disables all keys except those needed to reset the keyboard. FN+ Reset resets the keyboard to its default layer. In this layer the right block becomes a nav cluster.

Beyond these modes, the FN key can be combined with tab to press End, or PD2 for Home. FN+ backspace presses left arrow. FN+ the “Test, Cursor, Blink” keys do those tricky CTRL+ALT+DEL style shortcuts. Finally, right control is enter, PD2 is backtab, PD3 is another enter key. There is no escape key unless you press FN+ `. Although it might not sound so this is a comfortable layout because each key does what it says for the most part.”

This board has some of the new Extra Keys (some of which recently arrived from the factory: terminal, 4704, Icons, Extras, num pad/right side blocks, front printing), as well as some customized transparent relegendable keys, which allow you to print graphics for both the top and front of the key so you can have a custom key with custom front printing for multi-functionality.

This may be one of the first photos I’ve seen with a near-original 4704-style configuration!

Here are some details on the fonts used:
“most the numbers are whatever font IBM used. It looks like Public Sans though. The period is Public Sans too. Fira Code for the two slashed zeros, after seeing a picture of a model M style macro pad with that on. Finally, my Wheelwriter uses Prestige Elite at 12 cpi. That’s what all the VISA CREDIT stuff is written in. All the words [on the relgendables] are Prestige Elite. I typed it manually on my wheelwriter.”

Several additional nice customizations posted on the Deskthority forum project thread

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=510672#p510672

Fourth container shipment update: this final round shipment was delivered in October

We are moving into the final round. The final round left the factory in August and arrived in October – this one has the other ~150 beam keyboards too, as part of the 300 keyboards of the first beam spring keyboard production round. For the final round I ordered all variations of the keyboards and accessories in advance, based on the proportion of each variation ordered over the past couple years, so that everyone will likely be waiting only weeks for their keyboards as opposed to longer. However costs are far higher across the board (!) so please expect pricing to be higher for these keyboards if you are not planning on ordering in the near future. Only some of the boxes are visible in the below photos but it was a full 40′ container.

The second half of the round 1 batch with the factory repaired beam springs arrived. I will be replacing the other 150 or so keyboards’ springs that arrived a while back, before the spring issue was discovered. Of course if anyone wants to skip the line and replace the springs themselves that will also be an option (I expect to post a video).

You may see in the photos below that the new classic style zinc case F77s are in the smaller packaging, removing the styrofoam and saving about 40% of box volume, allowing many more keyboards to fit in the same space. The styrofoam is still present on the F62 zinc case boards from this batch, as they made extras of these.

I ordered lots of extras (first aid kits, inner foam, solenoid drivers and solenoids, key sets, custom keys, etc.) so feel free to pick up some of these items while they are still available.

The final round changes are around the packaging only. F77 classic case box sizes are reduced by about 40% and the styrofoam original-style packaging has been replaced with the newer foam style of the ultra compact cases. The factory has too much F62 styrofoam still in inventory (the styrofoam mold makes both f62 and f77 at the same time and there were more 77’s ordered than 62’s) so you’ll still get that for the classic style F62 keyboards. The boxes still have the same artwork and double-walled construction quality.

Pad Printed Model F / Model M keys update

In October I purchased the giant pad printing machine for the factory to use on the pad printed black keys. This machine was not easy to find as most pad printing machines cannot print an entire key set at one time, so I believe the machine is being custom manufactured and adjusted by the factory.

A reminder to please sign the interest form below if interested in pad printed black keys in various languages, if you have not done so already:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1873Q9wJFyNvJ4-TEBN6P9JbzaVxErbNd-h4XtN1DfNk/edit

Beam Spring module sound comparison

As noted before, the beam spring project is designed to reproduce the performance and functionality (weighting, travel distance, module specifications) of the originals but with some updates (shortened the two plastic parts of the beam module without altering the travel distance); the sound is not going to be similar to the originals for the first production run because of the design changes (no added foam above the modules, no rubber below, no thick case, etc.). The modules themselves sound close in my opinion but the goal of the project is not an exact sound reproduction.

Here’s a sound comparison of an original module and a new module – this is just one module of each so it will likely not represent what each module will sound like, and it especially does not represent what the installed keyboard sounds like (more test videos with the full keyboard will be made later).

Nope there will be no plastic cases. I’m hoping the beam modules will be interchangeable but I have not yet received the new beam case sample to confirm this. All the cases will be powdercoated aluminum or steel (sorry no more extra heavy zinc!).

Here are some nice floss mod and solenoid videos on YouTube – good quality sound!

Some more spring research tidbits

Adjusting the distance between the bottom of the spring and the bottom of the nub of the flipper can oftentimes eliminate buzzing of the spring. Sometimes it’s too much distance; wiggling a fingernail in between to widen things can eliminate the buzz. In other examples, moving the spring downwards can fix things. That’s why removing and reseating a spring can remove the buzz sound from the spring because it happens to be in a different distance with each installation.

I also had some experiments done with a low number of hours in salt spray testing to see if the springs could be corroded and/or artificially aged. Even with the springs left in for the full amount of the test (~10 hours or so – not enough for full testing) the new production springs did not visibly corrode. Unfortunately there was no benefit to this artificial aging in terms of sound quality (though maybe the test was too brief) so no springs will be offered with this option.

A note on the abundance of technical discussion and setup topics on the forums

You are seeing much discussion of issues on the project thread this year due to me shipping a couple thousand keyboards in recent months. It’s nice to receive a note that all is well, but most folks only email/post if there is an issue. If several dozen out of 3,000+ folks are posting with issues that does not indicate mass quality control improvements needed. All of the most common issues are fully addressed in the manual. The top issues are spring adjustment issues, keys that break in the mail and occasionally issues with the controller soldering or a flipper that gets stuck and needs to be moved into place. As opposed to the originals, the end user needs to install the keys and adjust some springs if necessary, which is different from the IBM days when everything was fully installed and tested, driven to the business or computer store by truckers and not by mail for the most part, and just had to be plugged in to start using. Unfortunately the project does not have the economies of scale or time to install all of the key sets as discussed on the project thread; it would add so many variations (dozens of variations multiplied by over a dozen common key sets) and would have added additional months of delay due to installation time.

I would not say that the springs are lighter on the new Model F as they are the same weighting and specifications as the originals. The lightness may be due to the corrosion of the original springs affecting the weight of the IBM originals, combined with the reproductions being new and without all the gunk that clogs up an original (I find the originals to be smoother and lighter after an ultrasonic bath of the plastic components and some alcohol scrubbing of the barrels). Also many folks may not have had access to dozens of original IBM Model F keyboards as I have in my collection over the years – the spring weighting did vary a bit even between examples of the same part number. New F’s may be lighter than some original F’s and heavier than other originals.

The new Model F keyboards are not buy at your own risk. They are covered by a limited warranty. If a component is damaged and covered under the limited warranty then it will be repaired or replaced. The project philosophy statement in the manual explains why there is no service contract option with a full staff to handle returns, exchanges, repairs, technical support, etc. and instead keeping the keyboard as low a cost as possible, about half what IBM charged (adjusted for inflation). There is an emphasis on teaching everyone to be able to set up and maintain their new Model F keyboards long after the project is done, so that they can hopefully use it for decades to come.

I strongly recommend reading the manual fully before doing anything. The manual notes that in the event of some keys on the edges touch the case and get stuck, you just need to loosen the 4 case screws and slide the inner assembly over, as it likely moved out of position slightly during shipping. Also check to make sure the 2 inner assembly plates are fully making contact, as shown in a photo in the manual with the circled parts in red. If not, moving the inner assembly will not fix the issue.

Flippable Model F feet

Here is a recommendation from Deskthority member clickclack on flippable Model F feet. “Esc Flip Keyboard Stand”

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=507699#p507699

Solid advice from some forum members – further details on the wiggle method

“pelletik wrote: October 5th, 2022
My enter key binds or sticks. I read the owners manual several times. The stabilizing insert is pushed all the way that it’s flush to the barrel. The ears are left and right. I pulled a enter key off of a model m and installed it in my F77. The model m enter key works in my F77 and does not bind. I think I have a bad enter key. Does anyone have any suggestions to get the enter key to not bind? It’s the only key that I am having an issue with.

pveentjer wrote: October 6th, 2022

I also had a problem with binding keys like enter and shift. What helped to reduce the binding a lot is to pull off the key. Flip the key and you will see 2 parts sticking out; one is the stabilizer pin which you can ignore. The other part that sticks out has 2 legs. Grab these 2 legs ‘high’ between your thumb and index finger so that the keycap is very close to your skin and give it 30/40 good squeezes and try the key on the keyboard. It could be you need a few rounds of squeezing to get rid of most of the binding.

The binding went from ‘totally unacceptable’ to ‘barely noticeable. Only when you hit the key completely off center (furthest away from where you are normally hitting the key), I can feel binding with the shift; with the enter it is no problem at all.”

Spring length experimentation

With permission I am quoting someone’s interesting experimentation to adjust the spring length and add o rings to the keys, and some questions for everyone:

“I am working on an ergonomics-motivated modification to reduce key travel on the Model F. As part of the process, I have to stretch the springs by just the right amount to move the actuation point closer to the top of the keystroke. This is a pretty tedious and error-prone process, and once over-stretched, I find it difficult to compress the springs again without introducing buzz, so I am going through a lot of springs this way. For my purposes, the ideal spring length is 18.75mm, as measured by my Vernier calipers.”

My reply: During my R&D, I actually ordered 2 batches of springs slightly longer than my current batch, 18.475mm and 18.5 mm. [note 9/7/22 I still have more than 160 springs available of each type if anyone’s interested – please PM or email me]

Replying to me: “I just installed the new springs in a couple of keys that were giving me some issues, and I am happy to report that the longer springs work really well. They require just a very gentle stretch to work with 0.4mm EPDM O-rings around the stem (a trick carried over from the Cherry MX world — see attached). This reduces vertical key travel a bit and makes the keyboard a little easier on the tendons. I am somewhat curious to see how much more I can reduce it, but that is a task for another day when I have more free time. For now this already makes a huge difference in comfort.

What other ergonomics tricks are you aware of with the F62/F77? One of the things I really struggle with is the height of the thing. I built up a temporary palm/wrist rest out of an existing one and some cut pieces of a mouse pad stacked on top of one another to form a gentle slope toward the middle. This helps with using the space bar without making my thumb tendons too angry and the slight “hill” in the middle takes some load off of the pisiform bone when resting the hands. I made a thread with some ideas here. I am curious to see how others solved similar problems.”

Venue request – NYC – September 29 – please email me

Good news – my talk on the new Model F project has been finalized for Thursday Sept. 29 (limited to employees only of the well-known tech company that invited me) – just a reminder to see if anyone is able to host a meetup open to the public on that same day in the early afternoon in Manhattan – please email me. I could go through the presentation again if folks are interested (it will not be too long).

Hoping people can try out the new F and new Beam Spring keyboards, chat with each other, ask questions, etc.

Brand New Model F July/August 2022 Update – orders continue shipping, meetup, lots of Model F keyboard photos, and more!

***If you have a new shipping address please do email me to let me know your order numbers and the new address. Check your order email and our email communications (if applicable) to make sure the latest address I have on file for you is the correct one. If you’re waiting on your order to ship, please check the junk mail folder for shipping confirmation emails every now and then to be safe!

(As a brief update, the container ship arrived a few months ago and I have been busy mailing out lots of keyboards and will continue to go through the backlog. I expect to finish up this month (August) with all of the remaining keyboards and other orders in the queue (as of now, all the remaining 2021 and 2022 orders). Sorry I cannot provide estimates for any particular order in the queue as noted before; please see the below posts for additional details. Since I ordered a bunch of extra keyboards, there is still time to customize your Brand New Model F Keyboard and add on accessories like the First Aid Kit for future repairs, the new solenoid driver and extra hefty solenoid, the transparent relegendable keycaps just made from new molds, extra key sets and USB cables, etc.)

So far I have mailed out 1,487 Brand New Model F Keyboards since early April; we have about 400 keyboards remaining in the backlog.

Mini-meetup in NYC – September or October? Please email me ASAP if you can offer a space

I have been generously invited to speak about the project at the NYC office of a well-known tech firm. I’d like to schedule it for a Wednesday in September or October (leaning towards October), after I’ve caught up with the backlog. Their meetup is just for company employees; I was thinking of a mini-meetup open to the public on the same day in the late afternoon.

Is anyone willing to host a mini-meetup in Manhattan that would be open to the public? The space would need tables to show off any keyboards that folks bring there.

Keeping the original xwhatsit firmware alive

Is anyone up for creating a “0.9.3 version 2” firmware for the new 33 pin controller I’m testing this week? The changes are that caps is pin 18, pin 19 is Num, and pin 17 is Scroll. Because of these hardware variations, this will have to be a separate firmware version. In QMK here were the changes: define HAPTIC_ENABLE_PIN B7, define SOLENOID_PIN B6, define LED_CAPS_LOCK_PIN B4, define LED_SCROLL_LOCK_PIN B3

Interest Check: Pad Printed New Model F Keys

I am reviewing samples for the pad printing with the plan to offer white text on black keys, which is a common request. If interested in black pad printed Model F / Model M keys please sign the interest form here to reserve your set: https://forms.gle/qnUATUrng8bX9Qxt8

Here are some of the recent pad print samples. Of course the samples do not have the correct alignment of the finished products. Please disregard the cell phone quality of the photos.

Interest Check: ISO Black, Dark Gray, and Industrial SSK Blue key sets, Code Keys, Big PC AT style Enter Keys?

I am looking into making a mold for the ISO non-stepped Enter key (currently we are using Unicomp keys for this key as noted before, and they cannot make the additional colors for black and for gray and blue to match my project’s key colors). This would allow for key sets with ISO Enter to be made in additional project colors black, 60% dark gray, and Industrial SSK Blue. I will probably make the key non-stepped just like the other keys are all non-stepped.

If you are interested please fill out the Google form below to note which sets you’d like. To help pay for the mold each set will cost $20 extra, a total of $99 instead of $79 for each set. The key could also be ordered for $20 individually.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl_jOqp6wAEfZGeivQZ8ZaibpoT0WQkDG39r08Q/

Switching from HHKB style split right shift to standard right shift and vice versa – possible?

Unfortunately you cannot do a 1.75U+1U HHKB style split right shift on the non-HHKB boards as the barrels and PCB pads are in slightly different locations. You can do the 1U+1.75U JIS style split right shift on the non-HHKB boards.

The most common setup issues:

Many folks recently have not read the manual before trying to set up their new keyboards, as detailed in the prior post. Please read the manual fully from beginning to end before setting up your keyboard to avoid headaches. All of my troubleshooting knowledge, learned from the forums over the years as well as from my own QC work while mailing out the new Model F Keyboards, is in the manual. Please don’t try to do any steps not noted in the manual. Some people think the keyboard is defective but in fact it was just not set up properly. If only one or two keys is acting up, is likely that the 2 controller screws need tightening, some springs need adjustment or replacement, or debris has entered the inner assembly between the flipper and PCB (this third option is far less likely). When lots of keys are not working, most likely the user did not read the very first bolded paragraph in the green booklet included with each keyboard (“Do not set up your Model F Keyboard until you have reviewed the instructions and troubleshooting guide available at ModelFKeyboards.com/manual where you can find instructional videos and valuable advice like “hold the keyboard vertically, space bar side up when installing keys.”).

Transparent relegendable keys currently available

Just wanted to leave this note here that you can currently get transparent relegendable Model F / Model M key tops made from brand new molds as part of the Brand New Model F project I am coordinating: https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/clear-relegendable-cap-stem/

Mine are exact reproductions of the IBM 4704 caps.

Some great Brand New Model F keyboard photos, reposting with permission:

A customized UK set as well as the black unprinted set

The next two photos are from a user of both Colemak and QWERTY who was wondering if the keys could take a few dozen removals/insertions if they switch frequently between layouts – any experience with the durability of Model F key stems? Mine are the same exact material as what IBM used so it should have similar properties.

A layout that includes black keys and dark gray keys

A customized Swedish-Finnish layout

From a user of the Russian-Hebrew-English set – nice colors and nice work by Zed on this special request layout.

I’m open to additional super low volume sets as long as someone volunteers to design the unique/additional legends for the particular set – including front print only sets with all the legends front printed, as well as the other sets noted. Other folks would have to help by designing the sets’ additional legends (I can send the template file to you if anyone is willing to help). Please note that any sets involving front printing will cost more as that process is trickier for the factory to get right.

Zed has been so incredibly helpful with making sure the keys are up to IBM’s design and alignment standards that I am wary of making too many more additional requests especially for the ultra low volume requests, so someone would have to help with these.

The factory can even do green, red, and blue for the sublimation text/graphics and multiple colors can be printed at the same time and on the same keycap, as shown in the three Russian-Hebrew-English photos below. If anyone wants one-off sets in various colors it is possible, though some sublimation colors come out better than others and you’d have to make them to find out. So far green, blue, and red have come out nicely.

Showing off some of the new Extra Keys (some of which recently arrived from the factory: terminal, 4704, Icons, Extras, num pad/right side blocks, front printing), as well as some customized transparent relegendable keys, which allow you to print graphics for both the top and front of the key so you can have a custom key with custom front printing for multi-functionality. This may be one of the first photos I’ve seen with a near-original 4704-style configuration! Here are some details on the fonts used: “most the numbers are whatever font IBM used. It looks like Public Sans though. The period is Public Sans too. Fira Code for the two slashed zeros, after seeing a picture of a model M style macro pad with that on. Finally, my Wheelwriter uses Prestige Elite at 12 cpi. That’s what all the VISA CREDIT stuff is written in. All the words [on the relgendables] are Prestige Elite. I typed it manually on my wheelwriter.”

A unique layout featuring the Mopar Blue keys and Apple/Mac keys

Brand New Beam Spring Project update

Here are the first photos (see the link below) of the prototype beam case and the top and bottom inner assembly plates. They will be making a full prototype with these parts before we proceed. As noted before this is just a test to make sure everything will fit together and work together. The design is likely to change (an angle to the case was added but not for this sample, etc.) and I’m not sure yet if I’m making molds for a few beam cases so you can pick a 3278 style beam spring for yourself or a 3101, etc. Each case style will also have different layout options ideally so there may be a 104 style and a less wide SSK style case.

These are just powdercoated smooth black for the tests as opposed to the bumpy original style texture expected on the finished products.

Click here to view the photos: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=26174&p=505612#p505612

The goal is to have some cases inspired by the profiles and designs of various IBM cases, assuming the mold exterior parts can somehow be combined to keep costs reasonable (then it would just require different mold cores).

My first IBM style design posted a couple months ago was a combination of some IBM cases but I’m thinking maybe I should just do one case for each main variety (5251, 3278, 3101, maybe the 66 key beam spring?).

Of course of we go with a mold instead of CNC milled, the bent tabs for the top case would be removed and you would not see them. The top and bottom case would be assembled with posts on the inside of the top case.

Below are some details on the beam case design, to be more in line with the originals.

Top case (now at an angle as requested)
…..Top inner assembly (“TIA”)
……….Inner foam
……….Beam Module
……….PCB
……….Foam or rubber sheet below the entire PCB
…..Bottom inner assembly (“BIA”)
Bottom case

Notes on the PCB: the PCB is secured to the top+bottom inner assembly in a different way from round 1. The PCB touches the area where the top+bottom inner assembly are screwed together. To avoid issues, because the metal inner assembly cannot touch the PCB, on the top side, there is a small mylar strip glued or taped to the top inner assembly as you would see with the original IBM beam spring keyboards. On the bottom side of the PCB, the large foam mat has some holes in it for the screws so that the PCB does not contact the metal parts. The PCB and foam pieces are not shown in the photos (you can see a gap where the PCB would go, in between TIA and BIA.

The new TIA has slightly larger holes in the TIA, so that the modules will not fit into place. This will make assembly less secure – the beam modules will not be securely installed in place in the TIA; instead they will only be secure when the inner assembly is completed. Before then, the beam modules can be easily moved out of place. The reason for this is to reduce the contact between TIA and the beam module, in order to reduce the sound (that is why a foam is added). The foam allows a reduction in the noise of the mechanism. The goal is to eliminate the ringing sound when typing. This part was not in the previous beam design. The colors shown are all false colors designed to maximize visibility/contrast of the various parts. I expect the TIA to be black and BIA to be the same IBM gold type finish.

Screws: Case screws will be hex countersunk/flat top, 6-32, 1/2″. Inner assembly screws will be standard + Phillips, the same used with the F62/F77. The TIA has holes and the BIA has threaded holes. The threaded holes are not shown in the photos.

New controller design for the RP2040 Raspberry Pi chip

Check out this great project to create an RP2040-based controller for capacitive buckling spring keyboards.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117555

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/the-leyden-jar-a-tentative-pcb-replacement-for-the-brand-new-model-f-keyboards/17489

Vial firmware note

I received some interesting Vial news: “There’s even a web configurator so there’s no need to install client software if you don’t want to/if you’re on someone else’s computer: https://vial.rocks – instant keyboard configuration and experimentation from a web page! ” Seems to be useful for updating your Vial configuration after installing it.

Some interesting additional details on the Code key
“The Code key was found on IBM terminals as well as IBM Wheelwriter typewriters. In both cases, though, its functionality was basically exactly the same as the Alt key (the left-hand one, not the right-hand one when it is used as an AltGr key) on the PC, to enable special word-processing functions or other special functions of the program in
use. There was also a Code key on the Displaywriter.”

A helpful person emailed me the answer to setting up the toggle keys – the secret to getting the right side blocks 4 and 5 working

In summary you set one key (for example the key between Right Alt and Right Ctrl) to be the toggle key: on the QMK configurator site, go to the Quantum tab and drag the TG key in the Layer and Tap Functions section to the keyboard and then enter in the number 3 in the text box inside this key (to indicate “layer” 3). Then click layer 3 on the left side of the keyboard and drag the Insert/Del/etc. keys to the positions as indicated however you installed the keys (example “Del” on the 6 num pad key).

With this setup, I was told that you can press the toggle key to act as a quasi-num lock key – when it is pressed, pressing the 6 num pad key in the above example will send the Del signal, and when the toggle key between Right Alt and Ctrl is pressed again, it will go back to num pad. I think this is the solution we are looking for to getting the additional right side block keys working but please let me know if this is accurate.

The Model F project newsletter

Please click the blue newsletter button on the right side of your browser window to subscribe. You get only a few emails each year by signing up. https://mailchi.mp/106dffa1b161/brand-new-model-f-keyboards-2022-update-9074837

Descriptions of the original IBM style Icon Keys available on the Extra Keys page

Thanks to the help from a few folks I have put together a description of the Icon Keys on the Extra Keys page, in order from left to right – please let me know if there are any errors or if you have the Unicode codes for the missing items:

Icons Row 1 (Unicode in parentheses):
1. ← Backspace
2. ← Backspace
3. ⇥ Tab
4. ⭾Back and Front Tab / Horizontal Tab (U+2B7E)
5.  Caps Lock (U+1F512)
6.  Caps Lock (U+1F512)
7. ↵ Return / Enter
8. ↵ Return / Enter
9. ⇪ Caps Lock
10. ⇧ Shift
11. ⇧ Shift
12. ⇧ Shift
13. ⇧ Shift
14. ⌘ Command (Apple/Mac)
15. ⌃ Control (Apple/Mac)

Icons Row 2:
1. <X| Backspace / Erase to the Left (U+232B)
2. <X| Backspace / Erase to the Left (U+232B)
3. <X| Backspace / Erase to the Left (U+232B)
4. ⎋ Escape (Apple Escape) [unicode U+238B]
5. O–>[ ] IBM print screen
6. Padlock with the Up and Down arrow: Scroll lock
7. ⎉Pause / Circled Horizontal Bar with Notch [U+2389]
8. a^ Insert IBM-style
9. a with curved line: Delete
10. ⌦Delete / Erase to the Right (U+2326)
11. ↖ Home / North West Arrow [U+2196]
12. ↘ End [unicode U+2198]
13. ⇞ Page up / Upwards Arrow with Double Stroke [U+21DE]
14. ⇟ Page down / downwards arrow with double stroke [U+21DF]
15. Padlock with the number “1” Num lock
16. ⎇Alt key with arrow (U+2387)
17. ◇Meta / UNIX-style super key / Diamond [U+25C7]
18. ⌃ Control 1.5U
19. ⌥ Option (alt) 1U [unicode U+2325]
20. ⌘ Command 1.5U
21. ⇮ Upwards Double Arrow (U+21EE)
22. List icon
23. ƒ Function / F with a hook [unicode U+0192]
24. ↵ Return / Enter

Back in June, the first red and green text dye sublimation keys arrived from the factory and look nice.

Some folks wanted red text esc or green font for the alt key like on the Model M keyboards.

Brand New Model F May 2022 Update – orders continue shipping, Pad Printed and other keys, firmware, new Beam Spring Keyboards, and more!

***If you have a new shipping address please do email me to let me know your order numbers and the new address. Check your order email and our email communications (if applicable) to make sure the latest address I have on file for you is the correct one.

(As a brief update, the container ship arrived recently and I have been busy mailing out lots of keyboards and will continue to go through the backlog over the coming months – sorry I cannot provide estimates for any particular order in the queue as noted before; please see the below posts for additional details. Since I ordered a bunch of extra keyboards, there is still time to customize your Brand New Model F Keyboard and add on accessories like the First Aid Kit for future repairs, the new solenoid driver and extra hefty solenoid, the transparent relegendable keycaps just made from new molds, extra key sets and USB cables, etc.)

So far I have mailed out more than 1,000 Brand New Model F Keyboards since early April, which is more than half of the remaining backlog. We have about 850 keyboards remaining in the backlog. My expectation remains as before, that I can expect to move through the rest of the backlog in June and July. As noted before, it is not possible to project the timeline 100% based on last month’s progress as each order takes a different amount of time and orders with many individual extra keys will take much longer to process; many of the remaining orders are disproportionately ones that have such keys while the “all in stock” orders have been able to go out already.

This week another batch of the custom dye sublimated keys is arriving by express / air mail from the factory so many more orders will be “all in stock” and eligible to ship. The only remaining custom keys the factory is finishing up in the next couple weeks is the HHKB Front Print, Extras, SSK Num Pad, 4704, Terminal, and Ergodox sets.

Interest Check: Pad Printed New Model F Keys

I am reviewing samples for the pad printing with the plan to offer white text on black keys, which is a common request. If interested in black pad printed Model F / Model M keys please sign the interest form here to reserve your set: https://forms.gle/qnUATUrng8bX9Qxt8

Interest Check: ISO Black, Dark Gray, and Industrial SSK Blue key sets, Code Keys, Big PC AT style Enter Keys?

I am looking into making a mold for the ISO Enter key (currently we are using Unicomp keys for this key as noted before, and they cannot make the additional colors for black and for gray and blue to match my project’s key colors). This would allow for key sets with ISO Enter to be made in additional project colors black, 60% dark gray, and Industrial SSK Blue. I will probably make the key non-stepped just like the other keys are all non-stepped.

If you are interested please fill out the Google form below to note which sets you’d like. To help pay for the mold each set will cost $20 extra, a total of $99 instead of $79 for each set. The key could also be ordered for $20 individually.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1vsamkl_jOqp6wAEfZGeivQZ8ZaibpoT0WQkDG39r08Q/

Since I am making a mold would any other keys be worth adding that have not been made before? I don’t think the big PC AT enter key or code key would have enough interest to merit $1000 extra for the mold costs but it would be lower than having a completely separate mold. Please post on the Deskthority project thread if you have any recommendations.

Major Project Milestone – 2 million dollars in orders!

Today we reached a major project milestone of 2 million dollars in Brand New Model F orders! It is very surprising to me that there has been so much interest in this project. This figure includes accessory orders and shipping costs.

A note on setting up your new Model F Keyboard

As I have mailed out more than 1,000 new Model F keyboards in recent weeks, a lot of folks have asked questions or expressed issues with setting up their new Model F Keyboard. An important reminder is to fully review the manual and watch the videos in the manual before setting up your keyboard so you do not waste your time attempting fixes that do not effectively solve an issue.

Every recommended fix is in the manual; fixes not written there are not recommended! If a key does not work for example, many folks lose an hour removing and re-seating the same key or performing other steps which do not solve the problem. Check out the installation videos showing how to hold the keyboard up vertically, space bar end up, for example – otherwise many keys will not work. What one should do is noted in the manual: focus on adjusting or replacing the spring which is almost always the culprit as these keyboards are unfortunately bounced around in shipping. Also having the right tweezers or other tool to push down the spring enough without damaging it is very important. Check out the manual at modelfkeyboards.com/manual and the Quality Control Secrets Revealed video embedded in the manual. The manual also covers what to do with a sticky/stuck extra-wide key (check out the “wiggle” method).

Some folks are flashing the wrong firmware and softbricking their keyboards because they did not see the notes in the manual (FYI use the “wcass” firmware and not the xwhatsit, universal, or other version). Please only use the latest firmware – re-download the file at the below link “updated firmware” and do not use files you downloaded previously. Also for Via and Vial please follow the recent month’s posts and my firmware installation video as they are slightly more tricky to install properly. Not to worry, these controllers can’t permanently be bricked to my knowledge; follow the notes in the manual on how to manually enter bootloader mode as a last resort.

As noted in the manual, you will run into a lot of issues if you use a dock or USB hub with these keyboards. Only plug the keyboard directly into your computer. Do not try to flash firmware with the keyboard plugged into a hub or dock.

The two grounding screws on the controllers sometimes need to be retightened as it causes errors like keys appearing out of order or certain key combinations not working correctly.

Please do not be scared about the project because of these reported issues. There is a reason that thousands of folks choose to spend some minutes to learn how to work with a Model F so they can type on these great old style keyboards as their daily drivers! As noted before the main two issues why an individual key does not work is if the spring needs adjustment or if the two controller grounding screws were not screwed tightly enough from the factory. Once you spend some time reading through the manual and watching the videos you will be ready and able to set up your new Model F Keyboard and keep your keyboard running hopefully for many more years, long after the project has shut down. If you follow the instructional videos and instructions in the project web site manual step by step, there are no unsolvable issues.

Updated firmware to fix a bug with solenoids; QMK key combination note

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QMK-layout-files.zip

This firmware is only required if your keyboard shipped recently and if you have a solenoid. Previously there was a bug that was preventing solenoids from operating but the latest firmware in the above link (also linked to in the manual) fixes this issue. Follow the written and video instructions in the manual for a step by step guide. This is the same firmware update posted in last month’s update – reposting for increased visibility.

As noted in the manual, your solenoid will not function correctly if you use the QMK configurator web site to generate your firmware, instead of flashing one of the premade firmware files linked to above, though it is an easy fix – please see the manual for more details.

Someone recently found out the cause of an error with a specific key combination in QMK – I am quoting their reply below:

“There was a question on your Q&A forum (not by me) about the keyboard seemingly locking up when you press left-shift + right-shift + Esc all at the same time. I figured it out, compiling my own QMK: the default firmware you get when you compile it from the beta-QMK website configurator actually compiles with: COMMAND_ENABLE = yes in the rules.mk. To prevent these lockups, you need to define COMMAND_ENABLE = no in the rules.mk. I’ve created my own keymap using that, no lockups (and thus also no hidden magic keys any longer which were not explicitly in the keymap already).” https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/questions/question/keyboard-becomes-unresponsive-when-hitting-shift-shift-esc/

On a somewhat related note, has anyone installed the new production solenoid in another keyboard, like an IBM original F or beam spring keyboard? Hopefully we can see some photos of the solenoid mounting.

QMK configuration request – custom right side blocks 3, 4, and 5

How are folks programming the right side blocks 3, 4 and 5? If anyone has made JSON files that are the same as the ones I provided, but with adjustments for the right side blocks 3/4/5 please do share! I guess the secondary legends are set up as a function layer, or maybe a tap layer to mimic the functionality of the Num Pad key? Some folks have posted configurations for some of these blocks for Via/Vial but not yet for QMK.

Beam Spring Update

The factory continues to finish up the second batch of beam spring round 1 keyboards (the first batch is already in stock as noted before). Please check out the forum threads on the round 2 beam spring keyboards, including a discussion on case design and layout requests. As noted before, orders will be accepted only after I finish up the Model F backlog over the next month or two.

When folks note their interest in a 122 key keyboard, is their specific interest in the exact historical 122-key terminal models with the 24 bunched-together function keys, 5-key cursor design, etc.

Or is it primarily a request for the ability to have more keys than on a standard ~104 key keyboard? 12 extra keys on the top and 10 extra keys on the left side for function keys/custom keys, etc.

Personally I would like a 122 key beam spring keyboard that resembles the Model M 101-key layout but with the extra 12 keys above the 12 function keys, 10 keys on the left which I can use for custom keys (Explorer, media playback, start menu, etc.), the keys between Ctrl and Alt of course, and 3 keys above the Insert/Home/Page Up keys for Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Pause/Break. I’m not sure if this updated layout would have too much interest.

What do folks think about the new beam spring LED overlays? They will be Model M spec so that they can be used on the original Model M keyboards too (maybe if you use the new Model F project keys on a Model M or are custom adding overlays to the F77/F62?). A big thanks to Zed for creating these overlays.

In the coming weeks I expect the factory to start production on these. It may be possible to offer additional designs if there are any suggestions, but not sure yet. There may be a limit of designs so not all of the below designs may be produced.

Measurement help requested – original beam spring cases

For folks who have beam spring keyboards other than the 3278 can you provide measurements or drawings (a photo of a handwritten drawing would be fine) of the side profiles and size of the bezels around the top, bottom, left, and right of the keys? I ask because I only own the 3278 models.

I’d like to get the proportions right in the proposed designs.

I’d request the radius of the curves (one can approximate by measuring a straight line cross section of the curved part of the case), the side profile heights at various points, and the overall length.

Since IBM appears to have designed in inches and fractions of an inch please provide the measurements as such if possible.

If easier to provide the numbers that is fine, or if easier to draw something not to scale and mark the distances that would be good too.

Here’s a nice and detailed Model F review from late last year – I had not come across it until today

New Case Photos

Here are photos showing the new tougher powdercoating option on the compact cases that was mentioned several months ago. Dark Blue (top case) and Carolina (Light) Blue (bottom case) are shown below in the first photo. After that photo you can see photos of the other various cases (from Left to Right in the photo showing all the cases: Black, Regular Gray, Industrial Gray, True Red, Off-White/Beige).

For compact keyboards shipping this year, everyone gets the new improved option instead of the anodized option which was more easy to scratch. The new cases are also from the brand new die cast aluminum molds as noted before (makes the case two piece instead of three piece) The new cases are fully compatible with the older batch of internals in case anyone wanted to upgrade.

Nice photo

I wanted to share a nice photo of a full size 101 key Industrial Model M with the Industrial SSK 12 key set – one of the first photos I have seen of this combination:

2nd Nice Photo

Here is a nice photo (shared with permission) of the Industrial Gray keyboard with the Industrial SSK 12 key set and a right side block arranged in an alternative way.

3rd Nice Photo Set

I believe this is one of the first Dark Blue powdercoated keyboard photos that has been shared! I like the use of the buckling spring logo key as perhaps the function key – makes for a nice custom touch for the layout.

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=504032#p504032

New Production Hebrew Key Set

Here’s the new production Hebrew set that is available thanks to Zed making it. It is installed on an F122 (also pictured are some original IBM keys, per the poster):

IBM Code Key

I recently received some photos and interesting details on the IBM Code key, a rare buckling spring spacebar-type key found on wheelwriters and am sharing them, with permission:

“I ordered a whole set of the IBM Wheelwriter 3 keys, and I started putting some of them on the Model F.

The Code key is the size of a regular right shift key; it is 2″ long. It does not fit where the right shift goes however, as the bottom stems are in different locations compared to a shift key.

I put mine where it was originally intended to be; the bottom left of the keyboard next to the spacebar. I think it will be my new Ctrl key.

The Code key is the exact same size as Right Shift is 2.75U with different stem and post locations.” [stem and post are switched]

Seems like the code key requires a part of the keyboard arranged in a 1.5U+1.25U location. With the new Model F’s it seems that this example is 1.5U+1U+fitting a 1U key where the 1.5U key would go.

Someone sent me some interesting information on the original functionality of some of the IBM terminal keys

“I found a great video demonstrating what some of IBM’s terminal keys did on a real system.

The title on YT is “IBM 3178 Terminal Operations and Use demonstration” by Carl Claunch

A side note, the “Reset” key works the same as the “Error Reset” key found on other terminals. It dates back to the punch card days; I can link you a manual that details further if you wish.

The IBM 3101’s keyboard has a compartment for storing documentation. Perhaps you could ask if someone still has a pamphlet they might have found in there.”

3d Printed Foot Bar (like the originals)

I’d imagine a foot bar can be 3d printed. I guess the posts would have to be realigned for the spacing on the new Model F Keyboards compared to the 4704 originals. https://www.shapeways.com/product/HDBG8BJNX/ibm-4704-62-key-kishsaver-replacement-foot-bar

Question for all the coders; April project update

***If you have a new shipping address please do email me to let me know your order numbers and the new address. Check your order email and our email communications (if applicable) to make sure the latest address I have on file for you is the correct one.

(As a brief update, the container ship arrived a couple weeks ago and I have been busy mailing out lots of keyboards and will continue to go through the backlog over the coming months – sorry I cannot provide estimates for any particular order in the queue as noted before; please see the below post for additional details. Since I ordered a bunch of extra keyboards, there is still time to customize your Brand New Model F Keyboard and add on accessories like the First Aid Kit for future repairs, the new solenoid driver and extra hefty solenoid, the transparent relegendable keycaps just made from new molds, extra key sets and USB cables, etc.)

Is anyone up for helping move the Model F QMK/Via/Vial project to the new Raspberry Pi RP2040 chip over the coming weeks? Recently the ATMEGA chips have become nearly impossible to find in quantity due to the chip shortage, which means it’s probably time to switch over to the RP2040 for the capacitive keyboard controllers. After it is up and running I would like to secure the RP2040 chips soon before they may run out too, so that the final Model F round and beam spring second round will not be delayed.

It seems like QMK support is in progress but not yet completed for the RP2040, and there are other projects like KMK which seem to work with the RP2040. The question is, is it better to go with KMK? How stable is it? It may take a while for QMK RP2040 support to be ready. Some recent related links:
https://golem.hu/guide/kmk-firmware/
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/sr65kd/custom_tkl_keyboard_pcb_i_have_been_designing_if/
https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/pull/14877
https://github.com/KarlK90/qmk_firmware/tree/feature/raspberry-pi-rp2040-support
https://github.com/KarlK90/qmk_firmware/blob/feature/raspberry-pi-rp2040-support/docs/compatible_microcontrollers.md
https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/issues/11649
https://github.com/pimoroni/pmk-circuitpython
https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/l1yr3j/qmk_support_for_the_pico/
https://github.com/vladantrhlik/VT-40
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/q7yeo0/custom_40_powered_by_kmk_firmware/
https://github.com/KMKfw/kmk_firmware

What would it take to get the Model F firmware working on the RP2040 chip? Would the xwhatsit wcass controller require an updated design for the RP2040 to work? Any help for this project would be appreciated.

Please spread the word

Everyone please do let others know about the project if you don’t mind. I’m hoping the factory can make as many of these keyboards as possible. My thinking is that a lot more folks would be interested in these great old keyboards if they only knew they existed and spent a little time reading up on them and watching some videos on YouTube.

Industrial SSK 12 key sets and international key sets arrive

This week a bunch of the remaining key sets arrived by express mail from the factory, including the Industrial SSK 12 key sets, many of the remaining international sets (Swedish-Finnish, etc.), and some of the Extra Keys. Another air shipment batch over the coming weeks should have the remaining dye sublimated keys we have been waiting on.

The Industrial SSK 12 Key sets look great – I would say they are even an upgrade over the IBM/Lexmark Model M originals. As always please disregard the colors (cell phone photos). I am glad the factory focused extra effort on making sure these sets look as good as they do, even though this resulted in a delay for these keys. The Front Printing was by far the most difficult part of the dye sublimation and it took more than one year to get it right.

Beam spring project update

Check out the discussion and proposed designs here: https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=50&t=26174&p=501029#p501029

Updated firmware to fix a bug with solenoids

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/QMK-layout-files.zip

This firmware is only required if your keyboard shipped in the past month and if you have a solenoid. Previously there was a bug that was preventing solenoids from operating but the latest firmware in the above link (also linked to in the manual) fixes this issue. Follow the written and video instructions in the manual for a step by step guide.

Black pad printed keys update

I am working with a factory that is still looking into the pad printing. As a reminder please sign up on the Google form below if you want to reserve your spot to get a black pad printed set. Given all the setup costs for each production batch I may only produce one batch of a few hundred sets.

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?p=498535&sid=96cea386d8e9b9841ade1506b1072907#p498535

500+ photos of my IBM Keyboards

Someone recently requested to use some of my IBM keyboard photos for their web site, with attribution.

To share this collection all in one place with everyone, below is my album of 500+ photos of my IBM keyboard collection, available on Flickr in full resolution.

Please note that almost all of these keyboards are no longer in my collection so I have nothing available for sale any more.

Many were taken with Nikon DSLR cameras. IBM Model M, IBM Model F, and IBM beam spring keyboards, including NOS keyboards, NOS IBM XT keyboard interior only, 1390131 retail packaging including power cord for the chassis and booklets, M13, Industrial SSK, 101-key Model M 1390401, 4704 F50 / F77 / F107, 1392980, F122, F104 Unsaver, terminal, and many others. The files are not named by keyboard model, alas.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/modelfkeyboards/albums/72177720297401122

Cryptocurrency update

As requested by a number of folks, I have just added a beta option to make payments for orders through cryptocurrency by Bitpay, which allows payment through a number of wallets and cryptocurrencies (but not all of them are supported). Please do share your feedback on this feature as it may have bugs.

Here’s an interesting Model M key set someone was discussing with me recently (this one will not be made as part of the new sets unfortunately):

Model M keyboards that came with coordinate measuring machines (CMMs)

“As for one of the objects (the intercom), this is one of his comments; “It was used for an old destination control system at an IBM office with banks of elevators. Instead of pressing up and down arrows, getting in and then pressing the button in the elevator, you would press the button and tell a dispatcher which floor. They would then tell you which elevator to use, and you get in and don’t have to press anything. They would know what floor everyone wanted to go to, and would optimize it so that every elevator would stop at the least amount of floors, grouping people together as efficiently as possible.””

Reddit link

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