F104+SSK+122+62+77+50+Ergo orders now open! New Kishsaver+Industrial Model F Keyboards

[Elrick]

Quality control is the most important part of this final stage of the project. I'd delay the orders even more and ask the factory to re-make any bad parts if they do not make something to my standards, as I did with the prototype samples of the case powdercoating colors/texture (now they are all approved and ready to go).

This what I wanted to hear.

Maintain the Quality above all else, since most other manufacturers out there seem to have forgotten that most vital ingredient when it comes to building a decent keyboard.

[Ellipse]

Here are a few factory built and assembled units from the production run of the compact xwhatsit PCBs.

These compact PCBs will be included in all F62 and F77 keyboards, not just the compact versions.

pcb1.jpg (861.38 KiB) Viewed 6626 times

[tentator]

wowowow!
Can I buy one alone as well?

tent.

[Ellipse]

You can order a full size xwhatsit Model F or beamspring controller alone, but I do not have extra smaller ones available. Here is where you can order them:

http://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/ ... ontroller/

I have two beamspring controllers left in case anyone wants them.

[y11971alex]

I have two beamspring controllers left in case anyone wants them.

And they are $135?

[Ellipse]

yes

[y11971alex]

yes

Well, should I get a keyboard or 3 controllers? Hard choices.

[Ellipse]

Do you have a source for beamspring keyboards? I'd like one!

I am on the lookout for a 3101 / 3727 and the one with the control panel buttons and am willing to do trades or buy it. I'm also looking for an original Kishsaver to add to my collection, for cash or trade.

[y11971alex]

Do you have a source for beamspring keyboards? I'd like one!

I am on the lookout for a 3101 / 3727 and the one with the control panel buttons and am willing to do trades or buy it. I'm also looking for an original Kishsaver to add to my collection, for cash or trade.

Well, there's the 3727 that I have, and I can sell it (now that I have a 3278). It's a restored specimen, though, and xwhatsit-converted.

[Ellipse]

Alex I would pass on that one as it seems to have been repainted. I'm sure there would be some interest though in the DT marketplace if you wanted to let go of it - they rarely show up in listings.

[y11971alex]

Alex I would pass on that one as it seems to have been repainted. I'm sure there would be some interest though in the DT marketplace if you wanted to let go of it - they rarely show up in listings.

Yes, you're right, and I fully understand if you want stock. In fact, I wanted to keep it stock, but the paint was flaking off. I went to the powder coater, and told them to use the match the new paint before they blasted the original coat off. And they industrialized it for me.

[Ellipse]

The factory is also working on alternate spring material samples to get to a sound that is even closer to the originals. I will be getting these samples in the coming weeks for further evaluation.

[gnarlsagan]

Ellipse, did you ever get a final Pantone Silver color sample? Also, I'd like to add a set of blue keycaps to my order. Thanks!

[Ellipse]

yes those came in last month http://imgur.com/WDnTpbE

Feel free to place an order on the web site for the blue keys and choose free local pickup for shipping (I will combine orders).

[Ellipse]

Here's an interesting YouTube video I came across on making injection molds:

[segacontroller]

I see the order deadline is for 30-NOV. Is this just the early bird round? I have a couple friends that are waiting to see mine before choosing layout/size.

[Ellipse]

Right, the final deadline has been extended so you will be able to order one through the end of January most likely.

[Ellipse]

The factory tells me they are still on schedule. We may see completed ultra compact case keyboard prototypes by early December!

[Scarpia]

@Ellipse: What is the difference between ordering before the Early Bird deadline versus after? Any difference in price, options? Or is it all about getting it delivered sooner or later? I apologize if this has been answered previously, this thread is nearing 70 pages and I didn't read them all

[Ellipse]

The early birds get their keyboards much earlier, maybe months earlier as their keyboards are currently in production. Pricing and options should be the same, though custom paint color options are "while supplies last" and will not have more made in the final around - True Red and Silver Gray.

I ordered more keyboards than what everyone ordered for the early bird round, so you are able to order this month and still get in on the early bird round most likely instead of the final round next year (I'll let everyone know if I run out of early bird keyboards).

[Hypersphere]

@Ellipse: How does ordering work for the compact case models? We have not seen working compact keyboards as yet, and some of us would prefer to hold off ordering these until we have seen the product.

[Ellipse]

Hypersphere the compact case keyboards are currently available for order. The compact prototypes, fully working, should arrive in about a month - then you can order them if you were holding off! It is the same exact plastic flippers and barrels, springs, and steel inner assembly plates, just the only difference is that the bottom plate is a little less wide so that it fits in the newer case. Everything else is functionally the same between the two. I can understand those waiting for the aesthetics to make sure the factory can do a good job with the hard anodizing. I've seen samples of their other work and it looks right for this project.

Is anyone up for a meetup in Manhattan? When I get the working compact case prototypes I'd be happy to have people try them out.

[Scarpia]

That's not bad, Sweden!

+1

[Ludovician]

Is anyone up for a meetup in Manhattan? When I get the working compact case prototypes I'd be happy to have people try them out.

You should come visit me with the prototypes.

[kawasaki161]

Is anyone up for a meetup in Manhattan? When I get the working compact case prototypes I'd be happy to have people try them out.

Isn't skiwithpete/1upkeyboards also from NY? You should try to get him to review the prototype and make a video about it

[Hypersphere]

@Ellipse: The information might be in this thread or in your online ordering page, but I have some questions about the switches in the F62 and F77 that you are producing.

Is any lube being used in the barrels and/or on the springs or flippers? If so, what kind? I suppose lube would not be used on the flippers, as it might interfere with the capacitance.

And what is the composition of the springs? Stainless steel?

And finally, what is the actuation force? Is it around 60 to 65g as with the vintage Model F switches? Thanks!

[Ellipse]

We've passed $155,000 in orders!

kawasaki I'd be happy for anyone to review the prototype at the meetup, but it's only a prototype and the final version will be even more refined.

hypersphere - Nope nothing is being added to the barrels or springs - you are getting the full and original Model F experience but can of course mod it with grease or what not - I'd like anyone doing modifications to share what they have found, if they are looking for a quiet touch mod, bluetooth wireless mod, TMK firmware mod, etc. The springs are steel but I haven't finalized the alloy and coating. The actuation force will match that of the original Model F springs; I don't remember the figure. Many will experience using a brand new Model F keyboard for the first time - the springs are initially stiffer and will likely require a break in period.

[Orpheo]

Many will experience using a brand new Model F keyboard for the first time - the springs are initially stiffer and will likely require a break in period.

Oh my! I can't wait baby!!! Is it looking like the beginning or the end of January for the low serials to be sent?

[alh84001]

We've passed $155,000 in orders!
The springs are steel but I haven't finalized the alloy and coating. The actuation force will match that of the original Model F springs;

Lot_lizard will also produce new springs, so it may make sense to combine your efforts on this. It would also make the springs consistent across the boards, even if they are different in weight.

[Ellipse]

Yes Orpheo I think so for the low serials.