Beam Spring 104+SSK Reproduction Project! First Batch In Stock, Shipping early next year after New Model F Project

[Ellipse]

Update 1:
The factory has needed extra time to perfect the tooling for the cases and expects to finish up with the samples of each keyboard model by the end of next month. Here is an interesting video showing how the factory makes the curve on each beam spring case. The video shows them testing the curve on some test metal instead of what would be the final case.

Update 2:
New BSSK layout with split backspace and right shift

Thanks to Fond Lion, there is a new layout option available for Round 2. Previously only the B62 offered a split right shift with the option of a split backspace. This option is only for the BSSK - please contact me to arrange paying for the additional tooling costs for the F104 for example.

You can upgrade an existing order or order a new keyboard with this layout.

Just like with the other custom tooling project (cut out full 5x3 right side block), the tooling was paid for in advance and folks will pay the person directly to take part in it. This modification is ANSI only, ISO is not available with this mod.

To upgrade, please order the BSSK with ANSI layout on the project web site (or reference a previous BSSK order if applicable) and then PM Fond Lion directly to arrange payment to Fond Lion. After payment is completed and I am notified by Fond Lion, I will upgrade your order. The price for the upgrade is $200 (or $100 for people who can't afford it otherwise). If you are not a Deskthority member feel free to email me and I will pass along your information to Fond Lion over email.

https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product ... -keyboard/

[ngnx]

(3.) The legends on my MT3 keycaps are horribly inconsistent. For example, on the following image, you can see that Z, X and C are much thinner than the others. Additionally, S and C are distorted.

The legends on mine are among the best I've ever seen…

I concur. I have the /dev/tty set myself and it's the highest quality keycap set I've ever owned. I bought a second one just for this beamspring keyboard. It's been sitting in boxes for a year.

[ngnx]

Update 1:
The factory has needed extra time to perfect the tooling for the cases and expects to finish up with the samples of each keyboard model by the end of next month.

Does this mean they will start to mass produce them in January? Do you have any estimate on when we'll start getting the round 2 keyboards?

[caesarcaliyugula]

I concur. I have the /dev/tty set myself and it's the highest quality keycap set I've ever owned. I bought a second one just for this beamspring keyboard. It's been sitting in boxes for a year.

I'm in a similar boat--I bought the new MTNU keyset special for this keyboard, it's been sitting in the box for the past couple of weeks. I'm curious to see how it compares to the keyset that comes with the board.

[Ellipse]

ngnx yes that is the hope. The factories understand that the quality control is very important for all these parts so we prefer that they get things right even if it delays things. Hopefully early next year they will start going out.

[Ellipse]

Here are some photos of the uncoated aluminum beam case prototypes from the new tooling. They are made from a flat piece of aluminum cut and folded/bent into shape. More details are in my 11/26 post above.

2023 12 beam cases (1) - Copy.jpg (816.23 KiB) Viewed 1028658 times

2023 12 beam cases (2) - Copy.jpg (384.23 KiB) Viewed 1028658 times

2023 12 beam cases (3) - Copy.jpg (494.57 KiB) Viewed 1028658 times

2023 12 beam cases (4) - Copy.jpg (264.16 KiB) Viewed 1028658 times

2023 12 beam cases (5) - Copy.jpg (932.79 KiB) Viewed 1028658 times

[PeterQuines]

Here are some photos of the uncoated aluminum beam case prototypes from the new tooling. They are made from a flat piece of aluminum cut and folded/bent into shape.

Thank you for sharing the progress!

Will the final versions have more finishing work done on the edges of the sheet metal? That sample looks pretty rough on the cut edges. (I do appreciate the choice of bent aluminum case. Can only imagine how much that saves on tooling/weight/shipping compared to the molded Model F cases. )

[dodddummy]

Anyone else been get a lot of "this site is unavailable' the past couple of days?

[Ellipse]

PeterQuines yes the samples show the cases without the finishing operations.

dodddummy the project site has been up. Try clearing cache and cookies.

[dodddummy]

I got that several times since last Thursday. Others I sent the link to did, too. I did not clear cache or cookies and I haven't got that again since I posted that.

Anyway, all good now.

[genericusername57]

Anyone else been get a lot of "this site is unavailable' the past couple of days?

I got that as well. Seems something broke somewhere.

Also nice progress on the cases, can't wait to see the fully assembled version.

[Fond Lion]

If you're talking about Deskthority: unfortunately, this website has been abandoned by its owner and its future is unclear (see viewtopic.php?f=17&t=25935).

Regarding the case pictures, they look awesomely solid!

[dr-lipschitz]

what is the typing angle going to be on the R2 keyboard?

I have a pair of original beam springs, but I never bother to use them because the steep typing angle makes them uncomfortable.

[Ellipse]

dr-lipschitz please take a look at the product page to see the approximate angle. The angle can be adjustable by varying the heights and combinations of the bumpers.

[dr-lipschitz]

I worry that if the angle by default is too steep, I'll have to lift the front of the case up a lot. Visual confirmation isn't helpful to me. if you can get me measurements for A, B, and C below, I can calculate the default typing angle

[ritter]

This may help: https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product ... -keyboard/ says:

• Dimensions (all are approximate):
  • B62: 341 x 210mm (13.4 x 8.3in)
  • BSSK: 406 x 248mm (16 x 9.8in)
  • B104: 491 x 248mm (19.3 x 9.8in)
  • B122: 535 x 248mm (21 x 9.8 in)

• All beam spring heights are 39mm (1.5in) in the front to 49mm (1.9in) in the back

[dr-lipschitz]

arccos(248/((49 - 39)^2 + 248^2)^.5) =~ 2.309 degrees for everything but the b62
arccos(210/((49 - 39)^2 + 210^2)^.5) =~ 2.726 degrees for the b62

but i'd need the actual chassis measurements to be accurate. Either way, we can reasonably assume the typing angle is less than 4 degrees and probably closer to 3 degrees. So I think it is a reasonable and non-offensive angle.

[jmaynard]

Looking forward to finally getting it...in the meantime, I've acquired a real IBM 3279 with keyboard.

I said for a long time that the Model M, no matter how great people think it is, is just too heavy a touch for me. Playing with the 3279 refreshed me on what I actually liked. (I'm an old IBM mainframe systems programmer and long-time maintainer of the Hercules emulator.)

Am I still going to have to go source keycaps for the rest of the 122 keys? Or has someone made a good set?

[genericusername57]

Looking forward to finally getting it...in the meantime, I've acquired a real IBM 3279 with keyboard.

I said for a long time that the Model M, no matter how great people think it is, is just too heavy a touch for me.

100% agree. I have one on a shelf and it's very smooth and satisfying to press, but much too heavy for me to use for any prolonged time. The new Models F are much nicer to type on for me due to the lighter weighting. I have never tried a beamspring keyboard but look forward to getting my reproduction and hope it will be similar enough to the real thing (I'm under the impression that they are).

[dodddummy]

Looking forward to finally getting it...in the meantime, I've acquired a real IBM 3279 with keyboard.

I said for a long time that the Model M, no matter how great people think it is, is just too heavy a touch for me. Playing with the 3279 refreshed me on what I actually liked. (I'm an old IBM mainframe systems programmer and long-time maintainer of the Hercules emulator.)

Am I still going to have to go source keycaps for the rest of the 122 keys? Or has someone made a good set?

Indeed you are. And many thanks for your great work.

[jmaynard]

100% agree. I have one on a shelf and it's very smooth and satisfying to press, but much too heavy for me to use for any prolonged time. The new Models F are much nicer to type on for me due to the lighter weighting. I have never tried a beamspring keyboard but look forward to getting my reproduction and hope it will be similar enough to the real thing (I'm under the impression that they are).

I hope so, too. I have an F77, and it's a nice keyboard, but I need the extra keys way too badly to use it.

Indeed you are. And many thanks for your great work.

You're quite welcome, though there are a lot of other folks who have put as much or more effort into it.

[dodddummy]

Indeed you are. And many thanks for your great work.

You're quite welcome, though there are a lot of other folks who have put as much or more effort into it.

Was referring to your general mainframe work that has help me so much. Hercules is amazing, too.

[genericusername57]

I hope so, too. I have an F77, and it's a nice keyboard, but I need the extra keys way too badly to use it.

For me the F77 has too many keys actually. I have one at work and a F62 at home. The only thing I really miss is an actual numpad but as my F77 doesn't have a double sized 0-key it still doesn't cut it. I never miss F-keys or the delete-home-end-cluster so I kinda regret getting the BSSK version of the beamspring but I figured why not,

[jmaynard]

I never miss F-keys or the delete-home-end-cluster

Yeah, and my mainframe work needs all 24 F-keys...and the delete, end, PgUp, and PgDn keys are ones I use all the time.

[Muirium]

Different people like different things. Shocker.

I prefer 60% and do in fact use the Home through Page Down cluster constantly. I like them right there in the alpha block with a function key. I even reach for them, HHKB style, on TKL and full-size boards. Muscle memory wins.

[dodddummy]

It's midway through January. I figure it's time for another update on round two.

[dodddummy]

Yeah, and my mainframe work needs all 24 F-keys...and the delete, end, PgUp, and PgDn keys are ones I use all the time.

As a fellow mainframer I agree. I also need the 10 f-keys on the side. Given the massive amount of "keyboard" space my monitors create. and the hassle of layers, I simply can't get my head around the push for keyboards with fewer and fewer keys.

But to each his own. I have no hate for those inching towards the fabled 1%.

[Muirium]

I’ve no aim to go smaller than 60%. Besides, where’s the Fn layer on that thing?

60% really speaks to me because the alpha block is by far the biggest part of a keyboard, even for 120+ key battleships. Layer it and you’ve got an enormous palette for placing your extended functions. All in a neat, portable and symmetrical package.

It’s not about chopping off functionality. It’s about where you put it.

[jmaynard]

60% really speaks to me because the alpha block is by far the biggest part of a keyboard, even for 120+ key battleships. Layer it and you’ve got an enormous palette for placing your extended functions. All in a neat, portable and symmetrical package.

The problem to me - aside from the fact that my fingers know where to find the F-key to do all sorts of things in a mainframe application on a 122-key keyboard without my having to think about it - is that you wind up playing unnatural chords to get to some things I use often. How many keys do you have to hold to get to alt-PgDn? Or shift-keypad enter?

[Muirium]

Three keys each. Alt Fn . for the first and Shift Fn Return for the second.