"Am I being called out for being annoying? No, clearly they're protecting Joe!"
Beam Spring 104+SSK Reproduction Project! First Batch In Stock, Shipping early next year after New Model F Project
-
genericusername57
- Location: Sweden
- Main keyboard: Ellipse F62
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
- Favorite switch: Buckling springs or clicky alps
-
jmaynard
- Location: US
- Main keyboard: IBM M122, 3270-style
- Main mouse: Apple Magic Trackpad 2
- Favorite switch: IBM 3278/3279 beamspring
"A fanatic is someone who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -- Sir Winston Churchillwobbled wrote: 23 Jul 2025, 05:18 Imagine replying to me after 2 months and starting this up again. Joe probably wishes you stayed quiet. Absolute cretin.
You, sir, are a fanatic.
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
raidon please update to the latest firmware on the project web site, inside the qmk-layout-files zip file (please download the file again today). It looks like your firmware version may have had a bug with the debounce filter not working properly. No one else appears to be reporting this from the beam spring keyboards that have been out there for the past couple years, so this is very strange.
Is your keyboard disconnecting from the computer? I suggest checking an event log to see what is happening. Maybe you need to replace the cable or make the USB-C connector a little tighter by squeezing it by hand very slightly. Additionally it could be due to power saving settings on your computer, a failing USB port, or the use of a KVM switch or USB hub.
Is your keyboard disconnecting from the computer? I suggest checking an event log to see what is happening. Maybe you need to replace the cable or make the USB-C connector a little tighter by squeezing it by hand very slightly. Additionally it could be due to power saving settings on your computer, a failing USB port, or the use of a KVM switch or USB hub.
-
wobbled
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: HHKB PD-KB300 Pro 1
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
- Favorite switch: Topre
- DT Pro Member: 0192
Wow, you still sound like a dumbass even when quoting a legend.jmaynard wrote: 23 Jul 2025, 13:35"A fanatic is someone who can't change his mind and won't change the subject." -- Sir Winston Churchillwobbled wrote: 23 Jul 2025, 05:18 Imagine replying to me after 2 months and starting this up again. Joe probably wishes you stayed quiet. Absolute cretin.
You, sir, are a fanatic.
-
raidon
- Location: Yerevan
- Main keyboard: BSSK
- Main mouse: Elecom DEFT Pro
- Favorite switch: Kailh BOX Pink
Thanks for responding! I (re-)downloaded QMK-layout-files.zip and re-flashed the r1 firmware. So far the issue haven't manifested itself, and I was working this entire time. Hopefully I'm not jumping the gun posting this, but it seems the issue is gone now! Guess I really got lucky with the debounce bug, huh.Ellipse wrote: 24 Jul 2025, 00:00 raidon please update to the latest firmware on the project web site, inside the qmk-layout-files zip file (please download the file again today). It looks like your firmware version may have had a bug with the debounce filter not working properly. No one else appears to be reporting this from the beam spring keyboards that have been out there for the past couple years, so this is very strange.
Is your keyboard disconnecting from the computer? I suggest checking an event log to see what is happening. Maybe you need to replace the cable or make the USB-C connector a little tighter by squeezing it by hand very slightly. Additionally, it could be due to power saving settings on your computer, a failing USB port, or the use of a KVM switch or USB hub.
For your potential investigation/future reference sake - initially the keyboard was plugged into an Anker 553 USB-C Docking Station, which is a powered KVM switch I use to toggle between my work laptop and personal PC. After getting the issue I made sure to read and double-check everything from the website, so I started swapping it between the 2 computers manually. And in both cases, on both systems the ghost presses and wrong keys manifested itself every half an hour or so. However, the keyboard never got disconnected - I've made a small script that would alert me if it got unplugged, and it never did so on its own. I was very skeptical it could be a mechanical issue and really didn't want to open the keyboard up at first, because all keys worked well and rebooting the keyboard worked to solve it, so I just assumed it was a controller/software issue, but I did open it up to check all the grounding screws and solder joints (and to install stabs, as previously mentioned).
I remember trying to build QMK myself to see if I can get a more recent version running just in case, but I don't remember if I ever flashed it, because the keyboard wasn't mainlined.
Now I can really enjoy using this keyboard to the fullest, because it's the absolute best sounding/feeling one I ever had, and I've gone through a lot of different switches. It's a shame I can't install a solenoid into this chassis.
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Great raidon! As a note, you can either install a smaller solenoid like the sparkfun solenoid linked to on the project web site, or mount the solenoid externally in one of the 3d printed solenoid holder projects (or make your own - please share if you do!).
dodddummy please see the earlier postings for the recent updates and photos. The factory continues production and assembly of the B104 keyboards and will soon start production of the other keyboard inner assembly plates and cases. The modules and other parts were completed some time ago, so we are just waiting for inner assembly plates and the case, and them assembly of the BSSK, B122, and B62.
dodddummy please see the earlier postings for the recent updates and photos. The factory continues production and assembly of the B104 keyboards and will soon start production of the other keyboard inner assembly plates and cases. The modules and other parts were completed some time ago, so we are just waiting for inner assembly plates and the case, and them assembly of the BSSK, B122, and B62.
-
genericusername57
- Location: Sweden
- Main keyboard: Ellipse F62
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
- Favorite switch: Buckling springs or clicky alps
That sucks for Joe then, because he'd be experiencing this entire community's reaction to your every post.
Also, Barry, I think it's poor form for someone touting themselves to be the brilliant headhunted scholar that you are to try the same angle again and again. I don't care about Joe. Find something else if you want to try to insult me. Or, you know, just don't. That's what we all wish for.
-
wobbled
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: HHKB PD-KB300 Pro 1
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master 3
- Favorite switch: Topre
- DT Pro Member: 0192
Well considering you've barely been here for 5 minutes, I'd say I know the community's general feeling better than you not that one really exists these days since DT dies a bit more with each passing day.jmaynard wrote: 27 Jul 2025, 13:30 "Most of this community". Have you suddenly been elected spokesman? Or is just you and the mice in your pocket?
-
soyuz
- Location: Iceland
- Main keyboard: buckling ******
- Main mouse: mouse bad. keybor good.
- Favorite switch: alp white damp
go get kicked out of a cinema againjmaynard wrote: 27 Jul 2025, 13:30 "Most of this community". Have you suddenly been elected spokesman? Or is just you and the mice in your pocket?
Ellipse, is there an estimated timeframe on when shipping will be completed? I have a B104 on order (#22497), I see that production on that model has started from your post, but I'm curious if you know when when the factory will finish with that model.
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
As I noted earlier, they should be wrapping up this year on all production, but it has been slower than what they previously expected.
As a new update, they have finished assembling 200 B104 inner assemblies (just over 1/3 of the total) and are working on the remaining inner assemblies and cases. The beginning assembly is always slower than the later assembly (the assembly speed ramps up after the initial time), so there is no set number of keyboards per day being assembled. They have already started the B104 case production and expect it will be completed next week (they are currently being laser cut, bent into shape, and welded; see the updates page on the project website for photos and videos).
As always, if you want to get your keyboard as quickly as possible and help cover the project cost overruns, there is still time to skip the line of hundreds of keyboards through the custom/low serial product add-on.
As a new update, they have finished assembling 200 B104 inner assemblies (just over 1/3 of the total) and are working on the remaining inner assemblies and cases. The beginning assembly is always slower than the later assembly (the assembly speed ramps up after the initial time), so there is no set number of keyboards per day being assembled. They have already started the B104 case production and expect it will be completed next week (they are currently being laser cut, bent into shape, and welded; see the updates page on the project website for photos and videos).
As always, if you want to get your keyboard as quickly as possible and help cover the project cost overruns, there is still time to skip the line of hundreds of keyboards through the custom/low serial product add-on.
Thank you for the reply. I see the B104 has an Fn modifier key—does this key let one use the F row for volume/media controls, or what does it do?Ellipse wrote: 09 Aug 2025, 22:06 As I noted earlier, they should be wrapping up this year on all production, but it has been slower than what they previously expected.
As a new update, they have finished assembling 200 B104 inner assemblies (just over 1/3 of the total) and are working on the remaining inner assemblies and cases. The beginning assembly is always slower than the later assembly (the assembly speed ramps up after the initial time), so there is no set number of keyboards per day being assembled. They have already started the B104 case production and expect it will be completed next week (they are currently being laser cut, bent into shape, and welded; see the updates page on the project website for photos and videos).
As always, if you want to get your keyboard as quickly as possible and help cover the project cost overruns, there is still time to skip the line of hundreds of keyboards through the custom/low serial product add-on.
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Yes, the Fn key allows you to use a second layer, so you can press the Fn key and another key to have another signal be sent to the computer, including Volume and Media controls.
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Production update:
Assembly and production of the beam spring keyboards continue, and we are still looking at shipping to start later this year, closer to year end. The first photo below shows part of the quality control inspection process. After assembly of the inner assembly, each key is tested with the signal level monitor tester of the Leyden Jar or xwhatsit utility and modules are identified for repair/replacement.
The factory has also finalized the boxes and outside foam, now that we are getting close to finishing up. The design is back to the double-walled box design of the earlier rounds. Below is the B104 prototype box that was approved this week.
Assembly and production of the beam spring keyboards continue, and we are still looking at shipping to start later this year, closer to year end. The first photo below shows part of the quality control inspection process. After assembly of the inner assembly, each key is tested with the signal level monitor tester of the Leyden Jar or xwhatsit utility and modules are identified for repair/replacement.
The factory has also finalized the boxes and outside foam, now that we are getting close to finishing up. The design is back to the double-walled box design of the earlier rounds. Below is the B104 prototype box that was approved this week.
- 2025-08-28 QC beam spring keyboards - Copy.jpg (4.25 MiB) Viewed 1470 times
- 2028-08-26 boxes (1).jpg (95.83 KiB) Viewed 1470 times
- 2028-08-26 boxes (2).jpg (73.91 KiB) Viewed 1470 times
- 2028-08-26 boxes (3).jpg (2.5 MiB) Viewed 1470 times
- 2028-08-26 boxes (4).jpg (2.45 MiB) Viewed 1470 times
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Production update:
Production and assembly of the keyboards continue. The factory is still focusing on the B104's. As mentioned before, they completed all parts except for the case and inner assembly plates a while back, and now they are working on these final parts and on assembly.
They will have completed about 100 B104's by the end of this month (September), and then they want to finish the remaining B104's by the end of October and start on the final parts for the B122, BSSK, and B62. I'm hoping to be able to get a B104 shipment mailed out when they finish. It may not be worth mailing 100 boards because they would be only of a few variations, since they make one variation at a time.
Production and assembly of the keyboards continue. The factory is still focusing on the B104's. As mentioned before, they completed all parts except for the case and inner assembly plates a while back, and now they are working on these final parts and on assembly.
They will have completed about 100 B104's by the end of this month (September), and then they want to finish the remaining B104's by the end of October and start on the final parts for the B122, BSSK, and B62. I'm hoping to be able to get a B104 shipment mailed out when they finish. It may not be worth mailing 100 boards because they would be only of a few variations, since they make one variation at a time.
-
dodddummy
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: IBM F122
- Main mouse: What's a mouse
- Favorite switch: IBM buckling springs.
Am I alone in thinking that at this point in the process a weekly sentence or two on the status would be reasonable? If that's already posted somewhere, please let me know. Maybe I missed that.
Not that I live by the words of my project managers but as they are keen on saying, "Shoot me a status update weekly even if the status is 'same as last update'".
Not that I live by the words of my project managers but as they are keen on saying, "Shoot me a status update weekly even if the status is 'same as last update'".
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Production update:
The factory continues production and assembly, but it continues to be slow.
They've been off for some time this month due to the Mid-Autumn Festival and subsequent break (often the workers take off more time than the official holiday).
Currently before they ramp up to full speed they are checking on a few last minute specifications with me. They made over 100 cases and have been inspecting them and retooling as needed before proceeding with the remaining 1400 keyboards. I have learned over the years that manufacturing is not a matter of finalizing a design and submitting it, and then just tracking the number of items produced per week, but a constant battle for quality control and making sure the specifications remain accurate throughout production.
Some examples of items that needed reconfirming or correcting, just as an example of the many small details that are updated behind the scenes to make things as good as possible.
The countersinking on the bottom cases (everything countersunk except the 4 holes for threaded bumpers).
The bottom case height was about 1-2mm too different from the bottom case (they need to add some spacers inside so that it is close to flush, and adjust the tooling as production continues).
They also need to be careful with the alignment of the keys around the border, especially since the metal parts are not made with die casting (sometimes the drilling is not precise enough and stuff has to be redone).
Tracking inventory for the end of the year update (some inventory is lost or discovered to be damaged - for example PCBs and beam spring plastic parts).
The factory continues production and assembly, but it continues to be slow.
They've been off for some time this month due to the Mid-Autumn Festival and subsequent break (often the workers take off more time than the official holiday).
Currently before they ramp up to full speed they are checking on a few last minute specifications with me. They made over 100 cases and have been inspecting them and retooling as needed before proceeding with the remaining 1400 keyboards. I have learned over the years that manufacturing is not a matter of finalizing a design and submitting it, and then just tracking the number of items produced per week, but a constant battle for quality control and making sure the specifications remain accurate throughout production.
Some examples of items that needed reconfirming or correcting, just as an example of the many small details that are updated behind the scenes to make things as good as possible.
The countersinking on the bottom cases (everything countersunk except the 4 holes for threaded bumpers).
The bottom case height was about 1-2mm too different from the bottom case (they need to add some spacers inside so that it is close to flush, and adjust the tooling as production continues).
They also need to be careful with the alignment of the keys around the border, especially since the metal parts are not made with die casting (sometimes the drilling is not precise enough and stuff has to be redone).
Tracking inventory for the end of the year update (some inventory is lost or discovered to be damaged - for example PCBs and beam spring plastic parts).
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
As production and assembly continue, we have some new production images from the factory. Here are the first photos of the beige and light blue production beam spring keyboards (they are the same color mixes and powdercoating as the Model M style case Model F keyboards).
- 2025 11 03 B104 production images (1).jpg (576.79 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- 2025 11 03 B104 production images (2).jpg (552.2 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- 2025 11 03 B104 production images (3).jpg (593.19 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- 2025 11 03 B104 production images (4).jpg (602.3 KiB) Viewed 667 times
- 2025 11 03 B104 production images (5).jpg (429.38 KiB) Viewed 667 times
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Production update:
The factory notes that they have finished the production and assembly of the B104 inner assemblies, and they expect to finish the remaining B104 cases this month. The other models will follow after the B104's are completed.
Their production process is to slowly complete a smaller batch of 100 first and work out any issues. That process is done and now they moved to full speed production and assembly for the remaining boards.
The factory notes that they have finished the production and assembly of the B104 inner assemblies, and they expect to finish the remaining B104 cases this month. The other models will follow after the B104's are completed.
Their production process is to slowly complete a smaller batch of 100 first and work out any issues. That process is done and now they moved to full speed production and assembly for the remaining boards.
-
genericusername57
- Location: Sweden
- Main keyboard: Ellipse F62
- Main mouse: Logitech MX Master 3S
- Favorite switch: Buckling springs or clicky alps
Looks great! I look forward to seeing the full production photos of the BSSK in industrial grey
-
Ellipse
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Brand New Model F Keyboards
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
New project video: Brand New Beam Spring Keyboards factory tour - powdercoating process
Just a quick walk around the factory's powdercoating area. This video shows some of the B104 cases that are drying after being powdercoated.
Just a quick walk around the factory's powdercoating area. This video shows some of the B104 cases that are drying after being powdercoated.