https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/store/
2023 major project update: see this post for details
viewtopic.php?p=513055#p513055
Now available to order: F104, FSSK, F122, F15, F50, and Split Ortholinear Ergonomic
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.
2022 update / for posterity:
Still time to customize your Brand New Model F Keyboard at www.ModelFKeyboards.com !
Important firmware note: if you are looking to update your firmware, always use the latest firmware from the above project web site! Re-download it if you downloaded it prior to May 2022. Older firmware downloaded before then may soft-brick the controller, requiring you to physically short the PROG pins on the controller. Not to worry, there is no known way to permanently brick your keyboard controller if you flash the wrong firmware file.
Success! Brand New Model F Keyboards finished production and started shipping at the end of 2019, after several years of factory delays as described in detail on the updates page of the project web site. So far more than 1900 F62 and F77 keyboards have shipped. The first batch of dye sublimated new Model F XT quality keycaps started shipping in Feb. 2021.
As of March 2022 the third container shipment is currently at sea, expected to arrive around month end, and then begins the process of wrapping up the remaining backlog of the early bird round, which had to be split into three separate container shipments (late 2019, early 2021, and early 2022).
Take a look at the most recent postings in this thread for the latest updates and discussion!
The web site is a go! Time to order your Brand New Model F Keyboard! $1.9 million + in orders so far (as of early 2022)!
Also I would like to give credit to the many (mostly) buckling spring-related projects that have given me inspiration and encouragement while working on the Brand New Model F Keyboards project. Please forgive me if I missed some projects that did not come to mind:
xwhatsit - modernized Model F and Beam Spring controllers, making the new Model F's and new Beam Spring keyboards possible
wcass - custom Model F projects (flat Model F "New Buckling Spring Design" and XTant) and Model F PCB designs
pandrew - Model F controller-related projects (new controller designs, QMK, and more)
Jesse and Kaia - Keyboardio project
Lot_Lizard - Model MF project
idollar - FSSK/FEXT projects
The Input Club team - various crowdfunded projects
fohat - Model F122 layout conversion guide
SneakyRobb interview with buckling spring inventor Dick Harris
older updates, 6/23/18 and prior
Please head to http://www.ModelFkeyboards.com to place your order! In general, keyboards ship out by the timestamp of your order - first in, first out!
I am updating this post using one of the fully tested prototype F77's!
Complete production status update 6-3-17 with photos and descriptions of how each part works:
https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/uncateg ... each-part/
SUMMARY OF EVERYTHING THIS BUY INCLUDES
* Basic keyboard models: F62, F77, Ultra Compact F62, Ultra Compact F77
* One-piece XT-style keycaps made from new molds, including Industrial SSK style blue keys - extra sets are also available separately
* Extra parts also available separately including Model F (AT) compatible barrels, flippers, cases, PCBs, inner foam, and inner assemblies
* Available layouts: ANSI: US and HHKB style with split backspace and regular non-split backspace. ISO: Vertical enter with a variety of international layout variants: Spanish, German, Nordic, French, UK, etc.
IN PRODUCTION
* Ultra compact cases
* keys
* buckling springs
PRODUCTION TO START RIGHT BEFORE ASSEMBLY IS DONE
* Boxes / outside foam packaging
FINISHED PRODUCTION
* Die cast zinc cases (powdercoating is done too - the die cast cases are all finished!)
* key molds
* Inner assembly plates
* barrels
* inner foam
* flippers
* capacitive PCBs
* compact xwhatsit controllers
* case molds
* ribbon cables (to connect controllers to capacitive PCBs)
ORDERS LOCKED
* Cases and other parts have been ordered, so please no major changes!
STILL CAN BE ORDERED
* Everything. I have ordered extra keyboards and parts for the early bird round, which will be ongoing while supplies last. Then there will be a final round for about a month after the early bird keyboards are delivered.
F62/F77 Prototype testing, brief teardown, and sound comparisons with original IBM keyboards
F62 / F77 features:
- Only new parts will be used - not New Old Stock or used part pulls from other keyboards (you can use your original IBM/Lexmark/Unicomp caps - they will be compatible)
Metal top and metal bottom case, like the original
Metal top and metal bottom inner "sandwich" plates with interlocking tabs, like the original
Model F barrels and full-size capacitive flippers, all injection molded for accuracy/durability (not 3D printed)
2 mm foam like in my original F77
Ships fully assembled at no extra charge - no further soldering will be required. You will put on the feet though!
Cork-rubber feet, plus a small selection of rubber feet (cork-rubber feet like the PC XT Model F keyboard)
Top and bottom case powdercoated in a color similar to the original "off white/beige" color, black, or similar to industrial gray (or you can pick your own color and pay extra for tooling)
New buckling springs made to original Model F spring tolerances (ideally)
Keys to be sourced from Unicomp (or you can provide your own keys). To use brand new one-piece dye sub keys instead, someone else would need to take on production of the keys.
Layouts can be adjusted at the factory, or you can adjust them later for international versions
Metal tabs attached to the top inner assembly for the Model M style spacebar stabilizer wire - no plastic pieces like in the original
Packed like a new keyboard: in two custom white EPS foam shells and in a close-fitting brown double-walled cardboard box
Fully assembled in China
10 foot monoprice USB cable with ferrite core
Extra barrels (AT-style) and capacitive flippers will be produced and made available for purchase separately (for other projects and for replacement parts)
Any other suggestions?
Working Prototype photos:
- DSC_8502.jpg (740.03 KiB) Viewed 252236 times
- DSC_8528.jpg (836.28 KiB) Viewed 252236 times
- DSC_8560.jpg (860.27 KiB) Viewed 252236 times
- DSC_8557.jpg (839.99 KiB) Viewed 252236 times
- inner.jpg (864.09 KiB) Viewed 253431 times
- assembly1 (2).jpg (375 KiB) Viewed 253431 times
- ultra compact F62 (1).jpg (1.11 MiB) Viewed 244972 times
- ultra compact F62 (2).jpg (1.44 MiB) Viewed 244972 times
- ultra compact F62 (3).jpg (1.46 MiB) Viewed 244972 times
- ultra compact F62 (4).jpg (920.59 KiB) Viewed 244972 times
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- 20150824_231343.jpg (321.55 KiB) Viewed 256570 times
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