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, 1:30 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.
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.”
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
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.
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)
