End of production sale!  Last chance to pick up one of these great keyboards.  All variations are currently in stock, however there is only one off-white/beige case available.

Here’s a photo gallery of many of the unique variations of shipped keyboards so far:  https://imgur.com/a/gw8FOl0

All F77 and F62 keyboards have function keys!  They are the function layer of the top row of keys.  You can have the keys printed with F1, etc. on them or leave the printing normal (for the F1 printing please order the extra set of 12 F1, etc. keys in the store item).

Need help ordering? Please feel free to email me directly and I will help you! The email address is at the bottom of the page.  Do not be overwhelmed by all the choices!

Here is a quick summary of all of the options, so you can learn about them and decide what you want.  Below this section you can read some Frequently Asked Questions.

Case:  The colors are shown in the photos and lower on this page you can see each color with a label identifying the name of the paint color finish.  Off-White/Beige was the standard original IBM color used on the IBM Model M and Model F keyboards and others, while Industrial Gray was used on IBM’s Industrial PC line.  The cases are die cast metal (zinc) with a paint/powdercoating finish.  There are no plastic case Brand New Model F keyboards.  You can click the link at the beginning of this paragraph to order a spare case in another color if you’d like to switch (pun intended!) things up in the future.

Keys:  The most popular standard set is the default selection Regular printed key set (US ANSI layout).  The default is in the standard pearl/pebble color, though you can alternatively get this set in unprinted pearl/pebble (“regular”), black unprinted, blue printed, and dark gray printed.  Some folks want to mix and match key sets (dark gray and blue are a popular combination) but for that you’ll have to order a spare key set in the color you did not already select since there is no mix and match option available when ordering one key set.  There are also many international key sets to choose from.  Click this link to see what each international set looks like.  APL and JIS key sets are also available; please message me to check availability.

Layout:  Standard ANSI or ISO layout will give you the regular arrangement of keys found on most keyboards.  The HHKB style split right shift divides the right shift key into a smaller shift key and a function key, which is often used on keyboards like the HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard).  You can keep a normal style backspace that is 2 keys wide or you can split the key as is done on the HHKB.  While you can switch back and forth between ANSI and ISO, you can’t switch to HHKB shift and back because the parts are physically different.

Custom/Low Serial Number:  Choose this option to jump ahead in line by up to several hundred spots!  Also a great way to support the project a little more and request your own serial number and/or production date.  Serials can be up to 7 numerical digits only – no letters or other special characters.

First Aid Kit:  I strongly recommend ordering the First Aid Kit to enable future repairs and modifications.  It has various spare parts for future repairs once production has long shut down (over 1000 kits ordered so far!).  It includes barrels, flippers with springs, stabilizer inserts, and inner foam.  I hope to be able to manufacture as many First Aid Kits and spare parts as possible to keep all these great Model F keyboards running decades from now.

Solenoid driver and solenoid:  It adds extra clickiness to the keyboard – check out the solenoid product page and the manual to see details on where they go and how they work and to see videos of the solenoid in operation.  It is a click that you can feel and hear, for extra feedback when typing each character.  This is an extremely popular add on, with over 1,000 sold so far.

Apple/Mac 6 key set:  this adds the Mac text or symbols for the 6 keys on the bottom row of each keyboard.  Best if you use the keyboard with a Mac / Apple computer.  Text is the more popular option but you can also get them with the iconic symbols.

Key Cap Puller:  a special wire key puller best for use with Model F and Model M keyboards.

F1-F12 front printed key set:  best for keyboards without a separate function row, such as the F62 and F77 keyboards.  F1-F12 are printed on the sides of the number row of keys.

Industrial SSK 12 key set:  this gets your keyboard looking like the ultra-rare IBM Industrial SSK and its custom-made legends.  A nice and popular touch for these great old style keyboards.

Additional Full Key Set:  The key top texture does wear down and become smooth/slippery with time and usage, just like with the IBM originals, so you definitely want to order spares if you anticipate using this keyboard for more than a few years.  See my IBM wear analysis report here, comparing keys scanned before and after a few years of my usage.  Specify in notes just means that you get to choose from the available colors and languages. Click this link to see what each international set looks like.

HHKB 6 key set:  This is not included with additional key sets, so if you want the keys included in this set, this is the only set that includes them.

Spare xwhatsit or Leyden Jar USB-C controller:  this is one of the most popular extras.  The controllers contain all of the custom electronics in the keyboard, so if the keyboard stops working long after the project has shut down and spare parts are no longer available, you can switch it out with the spare so your keyboard will continue working.  No need to pick the controller; you’ll get the one that works with your keyboard unless you specify otherwise.

Spare 3 meter USB-C cable:  available in various colors.  These USB cables have been custom made for the Brand New Model F Keyboards project with an extra narrow connector (not all USB cables will fit).  USB-C cables made in recent years do not last too long in my experience so a spare is recommended.

LED Overlay:  choose the design you like by checking out this product page and then making a note on this page for the overlay number you want.  Option 1 is the standard IBM Model M type option that most people get.  Note:  not all boards have LEDs.

Badge (buckling spring or beam spring logo):  by default you get the one to match the keyboard you ordered, but you can also add an order note if you prefer a different one.  Click here for more details.

Bumpers (only available on this separate store page):  you get four bumpers included by default but most folks order a couple more options to adjust the angle / height of their keyboard.  Click to check out the available bumpers of varying heights:  1/16″, 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, 1″

Clear relegendable cap and stem (only available on separate page): Future-proof your keyboard or make your own custom keys, for example to make macros or shortcuts to frequently-used programs.  The relegendable caps allowed banks to put in specific function keys before the days of the GUI for IBM mainframes and terminals.  Here is a template for printing keys.

New Custom Legend Keycaps and Extra Keys (only available on separate page):  Keys of various custom legends such as those for terminals, the IBM 4704, Colemak, Dvorak, Ergodox, HHKB Front Print, Icons, Media keys, Mopar, Buckling spring logo and other novelties, custom num pads, Ortholinear, F13-F24, etc.  All keys are currently on sale.

Extra inner foam (only available on separate page):  One is included with the First Aid Kit but some people want to have an additional spare so their keyboard can be put back in the best possible shape many years from now, long after production has shut down and the project has ended.

Other extras not listed above:  extra steel spacebar tabs, stabilizer inserts, extra flippers/springs, extra barrels, and buckling spring key set holders/organizers.  I definitely recommend getting extra barrels and flippers and springs even beyond the 10 that are included in the first aid kit, as these parts are most prone to accidental damage/breakage/liquid spillage.

To pick up more than one spare item, you can go to each of the various project pages by clicking on the above links and adding them to your cart.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the Model F and why is it so good? One of the best videos on this was put together by Deskthority forum member and YouTuber Chyrosran22 – click here to watch.  The best line I heard from someone else describing these keyboards was that IBM built them up to a standard, not down to a price point.  That is why they cost nearly $1,000 back in the day (in today’s dollars / adjusted for inflation).

What makes the Model F different from the IBM Model M keyboard?  See this 2 minute video highlighting the differences.  While the Model F was replaced with the cheaper and now easier to obtain Model M, the Model M made some sacrifices on build quality and tactile response, replacing almost all metal with plastic. Out was the incredibly sharp and firm click of the Model F’s flippers making direct contact with its large printed circuit board.

Where can I see the reviews of these keyboards?  More than 5,000 new Model F and Beam Spring keyboards have shipped since 2019 and many who picked up a keyboard years ago have liked it enough to order another keyboard, whether as a spare to the one they have or one of the newer models.  Check out this page to see all of the in-depth keyboard reviews and news media articles, including reviews from Chyrosran22, Level1Techs, Linus Tech Tips ShortCircuit, Lazy Game Reviews, PC World, Cult of Mac, Eurogamer, and others.  The page also links to news postings from Ars Technica, The Register, Popular Mechanics, NPR, Slashdot, Hacker News, The New Yorker, Techspot, Wired, Extremetech, Pin Report, Tech Report, PC Magazine, Tom’s Hardware, Hot Hardware, and others.  See this page for dozens of user reviews and postings over the years that this project has run.

How much does shipping cost?  Shipping is free within the continental US, $48.92 for Canada, international worldwide shipping is $74.69, and $25 for the non-continental US. Do not be scared by the shipping cost; these keyboards cost more to ship than the typical plastic 2 pound mechanical keyboards because they are made of ultra high quality materials and a lot of metal.  The shipping weight of orders is typically as much as 12 pounds (6 kg) per keyboard, which means it costs a lot more to ship because it is so much heavier.  I can also ship to US-based freight forwarders if you prefer to combine shipping to save cost, though these keyboards are heavy so you will not save much, if anything, in cost.

Will this work with my computer?  All Brand New Model F and Beam Spring Keyboards are fully functional with Mac, PC, Linux, and Android!  While ordering any of the recommended add-ons, please review the individual product pages to see the details of what you are getting.  If you order an HHKB-configured board, you get the HHKB 6 key set matching the key set configured with the keyboard, same as with the F62 and F77.

Do these keyboards come assembled?  Yes, everything is assembled by the factory except for the keys which you would install when you are following the step-by-step setup video to get your keyboard up and running for the first time.  You also install any of the extras that you order, such as LED overlays, badges, solenoids, etc.  It is normal for the keys to be user-installed because this is a small project and there are already hundreds of stocked keyboard variations without counting the dozens of different key set options, which would have resulted in thousands more possible combinations.

Can I split larger keys?  Every 2U and larger key (backspace-sized key) and larger can be split into two keys, and the sensing pads are already there.  Just add a flipper and then you can add keys!  (Example splittable keys:  space bar, both shift keys, backspace, enter)  I offer a hardware layout modification service for a small extra charge (split or un-split keys only) – email me for details if interested.  The spacebar can be split to add an additional 1.25U key to the right – just order the medium spacebar, extra barrel, flipper/spring, and the 1.25U key that you want.

Any other important notes and Limited Warranty information?  Please note that you are not buying from inventory for all M Style case products (Classic F104, Classic FSSK, Brand New F122) and Round 2 beam spring keyboards.  They are in production and are expected to ship to you over the coming months.  Legal, safety, and limited warranty information for this MODEL F LABS LLC product is available to consumers pre-sale and will be furnished upon request, by writing to the email or mailing address at the bottom of this web page.  Of course you’ll get a printed booklet with your order shipment! LED overlays, keys, and badges are to be installed by the end user – they are not factory installed.  The photos show sample cases for the F122, F104, and FSSK keyboards – not just F104 keyboards.  See the additional terms and conditions found on the project home page and terms and conditions page during checkout.

What are the approximate dimensions?  486 x 210 x 22-40mm front to back variance (Classic F104), 400 x 210 x 22-40mm (Classic FSSK), 535 x 210 x 22-55mm (Classic F122), 357mm x 178mm x 29mm (F62), 423mm x 178mm x 29mm (F77), 315mm x 145mm x 25mm (F62 compact), 382mm x 145mm x 25mm (F77 compact)

I have other questions or want to learn how these keyboards work.  Where can I go?  See the manual page, which includes detailed descriptions of everything you need to know, all on one page.  There is also a comprehensive step by step setup video that you will be following once your new keyboard arrives so that you can get set up as quickly as possible.

I am fascinated by small manufacturing projects such as this to bring back and keep alive great things from the past / How can I learn more about how this project to bring back the old IBM keyboards came to be?  I recommend seeing the hour-long presentation I made at Google’s offices in NYC on the project.  It was a great honor to have been invited to speak.

What does each key color look like:  From left to right in the photo below, you can see Pebble, Pearl, Black, Industrial SSK Blue, 60% Dark Gray.

For HHKB/split right shift and split backspace printed layouts, custom printed keys will be included:  1.5U size Delete key, 1U | \ key, 1.5U Caps Lock, 1.75U Left Ctrl, 1.75U right shift, and 1U Fn.  For the HHKB set with the non-split backspace, you will not receive the 1U | \ key and the | \-sized backspace key.  Please see below for details.  In terms of the physical layout possibilities, everything is the same on HHKB style split right shift and regular right shift layouts, except for the right shift key which moves some of the hardware around slightly.  HHKB style split right shift is 1.75U + 1U (does not allow regular right shift) and regular right shift can be split only as 1U+1.75U.  2021 update – the unlisted scumyc / scumnc boards have nearly all sold at this point so please contact me to check availability before ordering.  It offered a custom bottom row:  1.5U, 1.25, 1.25, 1.25, 5.75, 1, 1, 1, 1.

Classic Style Powdercoated (Painted) Case Color Options:

Here is the factory default function layer. Notes: these do not correspond to actual printed legends, only to software configurations. Your layout may not resemble the below layout but the function keys will all be the same. On all keyboards, the right Ctrl key will be labeled as Ctrl but will be factory configured for Fn if you did not order a split right shift keyboard which has the Fn key to the right of the shorter right shift key.  A note – disregard the num lock indication below as it is not set in any of the F62 keyboards.

For those ordering the split backspace, the function layer of the top right corner keys is shown here:

Below is an image of the US ANSI key set.  Everyone ordering a base key set gets full key set so you can use it on another IBM Model F or Model M keyboard.  It includes all the separate function keys, 2 unprinted keys (for between Ctrl and Alt), and (for F77 keyboards only) 2 unprinted pearl keys for the right side block (not pictured below).  When you configure with a HHKB layout and the key set, you get the base key set as well as the HHKB 6 key set: 1.5U size Delete key, 1U | key, 1.5U Caps Lock, 1.75U Left Ctrl, 1.75U right shift, and 1U Fn.  For the international key sets, please head over to the “Full Key Set” product page to see the included keys.  All key set images and included keys are not finalized and are subject to change.