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

[Hypersphere]

Well, try putting your Kishsaver and your Realforce 87U back to back on your desk! Very different, but very similar in some ways. Both are a lot bigger than an HHKB.

Yes, but the HHKB and the Kishsaver win for me, because I tend to value symmetry over small size.

[Ellipse]

Yes the PCB will be grounded to the bottom inner assembly by a screw. This grounding method seems to work for the xtant project from what I can see. There will also be a second grounding area on the PCB in case anyone prefers to ground the PCB in a second spot.

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[0100010]

afaik they're only missing one key (right shift?)

Correct, Unicomp still has blank black sets, just missing Right Shift. Though with the HHKB-ish layout with this F62, custom order a set with an additional black caps lock key and you'd be set.

[Muirium]

Blank Black Kish HHKB style is so the way to go!

[Ellipse]

Thanks 0100010 that is good to know regarding the black blank key sets.

[Ellipse]

It seems like Unicomp may no longer be producing the black blank key sets and may only be selling off their remaining stock. They ran out of the right Shift key, but those with a HHKB style layout can order an extra 1u key and an extra caps lock style key, or you would probably have to dye a right shift key black (any other alternatives?). I can arrange a group buy for those who would prefer not to take a chance and discover in a month that they are sold out. Would anyone be interested? The keys would be mailed to me and installed on your keyboard with no installation charge, same as with any Model F/M keys you mail me or order from Unicomp.

[romevi]

It seems like Unicomp may no longer be producing the black blank key sets and may only be selling off their remaining stock. They ran out of the right Shift key, but those with a HHKB style layout can order an extra 1u key and an extra caps lock style key, or you would probably have to dye a right shift key black (any other alternatives?). I can arrange a group buy for those who would prefer not to take a chance and discover in a month that they are sold out. Would anyone be interested? The keys would be mailed to me and installed on your keyboard with no installation charge, same as with any Model F/M keys you mail me or order from Unicomp.

Wait, they're selling off the rest of the stock? What could that mean? Are they closing shop?

[Ellipse]

I don't think they are closing. I'm not sure why they can make other color right shifts but not black blank right shifts. I hope they resume production though.

[0100010]

My understanding is Unicomp will only manufacture a part if there is projected sales volume or an order with MOQ for it. I think the number I heard was 3000 MOQ (but that was for 7x white spacebars).

[Muirium]

How about black spacebars?

[fohat]

How about black spacebars?

Easy dye job and they look great. I am typing on one now.

[Firebolt1914]

Is it just the pictures, or do the flippers look slightly worse than regular Model F flippers?

[0100010]

How about black spacebars?

They have black spacebars still (both sizes). The never made 7x white spacebars though, just the 6.25x ones.

[atlas3686]

It seems like Unicomp may no longer be producing the black blank key sets and may only be selling off their remaining stock. They ran out of the right Shift key, but those with a HHKB style layout can order an extra 1u key and an extra caps lock style key, or you would probably have to dye a right shift key black (any other alternatives?). I can arrange a group buy for those who would prefer not to take a chance and discover in a month that they are sold out. Would anyone be interested? The keys would be mailed to me and installed on your keyboard with no installation charge, same as with any Model F/M keys you mail me or order from Unicomp.

Hi Ellipse, I would be interested in securing a set of black blanks for the F62 (HHKB style). Just let me know how you would like to handle it.

[Ellipse]

Great atlas. I will let you know - I expect to ask Unicomp about stock levels beforehand.

[Samir]

Holy freaking cow. This is a hard project to put together. Simply amazing. Kudos!

Can't wait to see the final product.

[Ellipse]

I finally found a good strain relief P clip to use for the USB cable - it will be metal like the original.

[atlas3686]

Good news, thanks for the update. Cannot wait to the see the prototype cases!

[andrewjoy]

I don't know how you are going to stablise the space bar but this is a good option.

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[Ellipse]

Andrew I am using custom-made steel tabs that will be attached to the top inner assembly. The tabs can be bought separately if you want to repair your old Model F keyboard space bar (not for XT's or AT's).

They are also sized to accommodate a Model M spacebar.

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[Hypersphere]

Excellent news about the steel tabs, Ellipse! Thanks! How can we order the tabs?

[Ellipse]

I will put up an order form once the prototypes pass my testing. The form allows you to order keyboards as well as spare parts.

[wcass]

How do the tabs connect to the top plate?

[andrewjoy]

Andrew I am using custom-made steel tabs that will be attached to the top inner assembly. The tabs can be bought separately if you want to repair your old Model F keyboard space bar (not for XT's or AT's).

They are also sized to accommodate a Model M spacebar.

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EDIT i got that backwards sorry

I am guessing they will fit an F space bar like the one from the 122 or 4704 ?

[Ellipse]

wcass I will epoxy or glue the prototype tabs myself for the prototypes, as I want to optimize placement with the prototypes in hand before specifying final placement to the factory.

I expect they will be welded or maybe epoxied to the final top inner assemblies - any preferences? I doubt that they will need to be moved once they are in place.

Yes andrew they should fit those F spacebars, though I can't say for sure until I have everything in hand (which should be hopefully around the end of next week).

Is anyone going to be in NY later this month or in December? Maybe I can schedule "office hours" to try out these keyboards?

[Muirium]

I'll be at the opposite corner of the US in December, is that any good!?

Anyway, these new stabs of yours are intriguing. My Kishsaver's got a broken spacebar stab that's still needing fixed:

[Firebolt1914]

Are the quality of the flippers better in person or are the pictures a good representation of how they will be?

[andrewjoy]

wcass I will epoxy or glue the prototype tabs myself for the prototypes, as I want to optimize placement with the prototypes in hand before specifying final placement to the factory.

I expect they will be welded or maybe epoxied to the final top inner assemblies - any preferences? I doubt that they will need to be moved once they are in place.

Yes andrew they should fit those F spacebars, though I can't say for sure until I have everything in hand (which should be hopefully around the end of next week).

Is anyone going to be in NY later this month or in December? Maybe I can schedule "office hours" to try out these keyboards?

That would be nice to know. Do you have an F space bar for testing or do you need one to loan ? I have one i could spare for a few months if needed for testing.

Its just I prefer them , they are lighter and the bar is thinner so they dont sound as clunky.

[Ellipse]

Yep Andrew I have some F spacebars for testing.

[Elrick]

A question for Ellipse here,

Have you designed and made a Label/Sticker for your new Keyboard yet?

Must have something on the front side of the keyboard denoting it's an Ellipse F62 Kishsaver or an F77 Industrial Model for all the world to see.

Happy with even just your name the "Ellipse Special" or something like that because in the future people will want to know, what and/or who made this amazing keyboard.