Customize your Brand New Model F here Over 1,000 F62 and F77 keyboards were loaded onto the shipping container, and they are finally setting sail today!

Orders are still being accepted (because I ordered extra keyboards and parts).



This means the expectation is that the keyboards arrive to me in early November! I will be doing the final quality control and dye sublimation for each keyboard so the keyboards will take months to go out - I know everyone has been waiting a while and I want to thank everyone again for their patience with the factories as they worked to produce parts worthy enough for a Brand New Model F Keyboard. This project would not have been completed the right way had we focused on deadlines over quality standards, and I am happy to see all of the continued support for this quality focus on the forums and from emails.



There's still time to place your order for any keyboard or to add on to your order with extra parts for future repairs and configurations (First Aid Kit, extra flippers/springs, inner foam, cases, etc.). They will likely ship with your original order (yes your spot in line for everything is your earliest keyboard order if you order another keyboard/accessories!).



You can also still add the low serial option (skip ~1,500 people in line and get your keyboard much earlier) and order a signature requirement option (email me for details on signature requirement or to change your shipping address). You can still upgrade your current order after the fact with the low serial upgrade store item, so that your keyboard is one of the first 200 or so to ship.



In September the Brand New Model F Keyboards were palletized for their journey across the ocean. The factory has completed assembly of most of the keyboards but is still working on finishing up mass assembly. Photos of the boxes, pallets, and shipping container loading are below. The first few photos are the finished pallets and the photos directly below that are of the factory's in-progress palletizing efforts.



To avoid having everyone wait any longer, I decided to ship most of the early bird keyboards in this shipping container; the remaining early bird keyboards will ship a month or so later. They have sent me more than enough keyboards (both compact and classic style) to keep me busy with shipments out to everyone in the mean time. Assembly Challenges :



They had expected to finish a couple months ago but ran into some trouble: Uneven assembly timing: initially I expected the factory to determine they could finish X number of keyboards per day and complete everything by the formula: total quantity/X days. But I have learned that the factories train the assembly workers to assemble one configuration of product at a time and some configs are more tricky than others for the workers doing the assembly. They started with the classic style keyboards and expected to be finished by this point but there were some unexpected assembly challenges with the ultra compact cases so assembly slowed significantly. The assemblers also made some mistakes with the classic style cases (e.g. forgot to put the 2-3 nub keys where needed) and this resulted in additional time needed. It may be quick to fix one keyboard mistake but slower to fix one mistake on hundreds of units when everything has already been boxed! A number of die cast zinc cases were lost in a factory move and their replacements only recently finished production. They had to be remade and powdercoated from scratch. The factory absorbed most (but far from all) of the cost of this problem. The Model F accessories and key sets available separately are priced a bit higher to help cover the significant cost overruns including those stemming from this issue, so please do consider ordering extra key sets, foam, and other accessories! Bottom inner assembly issue: The factory had to remake many of the bottom inner assemblies as they were out of spec (they could not bend them back to shape accurately). The stamping tool broke and took a while to fix. Production finished on these but plating (the golden color finish) has taken longer than expected from the subcontractor. After plating finished, then final assembly was able to resume (can’t assemble and easily store hundreds of inner assemblies without the bottom inner assembly). Unfortunately for the relatively low quantities of this project we do not get priority timing at the factories – the finishing factories are especially busy. While the number of completed keyboards did not increase much in July, the factory finished as much as they could without having the remaining bottom inner assemblies, including the key sheet installation (for dye sublimation) and other small item assembly (flipper+spring assembly).



In August the final parts of the project were completed and arrived at the assembly factory – the product boxes:









In one minute, how can you help the Brand New Model F Keyboards project?



As we wrap up the early bird round, I could definitely use some help from anyone reading the blog. Even if you have just one minute!



What I need help most with is getting the word out to the various people who may be interested – even if you have not yet joined the project. My goal is to be able to afford to make as many new Model F keyboards as possible.



Most people don’t know about buckling spring keyboards and many of those who do only discovered the project by chance / by a Google search!



I am sure that many of you know one or more people who might want to learn about the project but are not active in the keyboard forums and may not know about buckling spring. It would be a great help if everyone reading this could let 1-3 or more people, or other online communities/social media know about the project. Chyrosran22’s excellent YouTube review of the Model F would be a great link to send someone or post: https://youtu.be/y9Jds326gks



To help achieve more awareness of the project, I wanted to write an article to help explain some of the initial hesitations people have had about the Model F before they did some more reading and research and were convinced to become a part of the project. I think that the biggest barrier to increased adoption of the Model F is lack of awareness in the market. The best way you could help the project is to talk to others about it! Feel free to send this link which links directly to the below article: https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/misconceptions-about-the-model-f-keyboard-what-initially-scares-many-people-away/



After hearing from many of you about what drew you to the Model F project, I believe that you might have the best results letting these people know about the project: The programmer/writer/blogger. Someone who uses their keyboard a lot for typing and wants a keyboard that could last a lifetime. The computer/tech/mechanical keyboard enthusiast who wants the best featured keyboard, or someone in the market for a new dependable keyboard who wants the best one. Many users who have tried the other clicky switches end up with the Model F as their end game keyboard. The Model F/M user looking to upgrade/looking for a brand new production buckling spring keyboard/those who remember the using an IBM keyboard at school/home/work. The article is below, and additional project updates continue after the article. 12 Misconceptions about the Model F Keyboard – what initially scares many people away:



Article link

1. Am I sure that this is the best keyboard? In a word: Yes. The Model F keyboard is widely considered the best computer keyboard for typing. Many consider it to be their end game keyboard after having tried those alternative MX type, primarily plastic keyboards. IBM’s approach to developing the Model F focused on years of R&D to maximize typing performance, efficiency, usability, and comfort, and it went on to be used by millions of people in the 1980s. The Model F was built up to IBM’s engineering standards, not down to a price point. And thanks to modern advances in manufacturing, the Model F reproductions maintain IBM’s exacting standards and materials while costing about 50% less and having modern technology upgrades: an open source GUI controller, configuration software and firmware allowing for native USB and full NKRO. 2. Am I sure this will work with my computers/devices? Yes, fully functional with Mac, PC, Linux, and even Android. You do not need to install anything. Uses the standard, built in USB keyboard driver. 3. Do Model F Keyboards hold their value? Yes, and demand for these keyboards has increased in recent years. With prices for used models now closer and closer to the brand new price, for many it is no longer worth the hassle of seeking out and restoring 35 year old circuit boards and metal parts of the original Model F keyboards. Uncertain remaining life expectancy of the originals. 4. The cost is too high: The original Model F F77 keyboard sold for $925 adjusted for inflation, according to the January 1984 IBM Hardware Price List ($375 in 1984 dollars). New ones are less than half the original cost. Metal construction, extremely tight tolerances (a number of factories today could not meet IBM’s 1980s tolerances and we had to start over on a number of components-keys, springs), high price of zinc. Should last for decades. Replacement electronics (xwhatsit controller) PCB design, firmware and GUI software are all open source so can keep using your Model F even if the electronics fail. Alternative controller design (CommonSense controller by DMA) also proven working (in case chip of the xwhatsit controller is no longer available). The Model F Keyboard is fully and easily disassembled and repairable unlike the Model M and other keyboards. 5. Does it sound exactly like my specific example of Model F: No two Model F keyboards sound exactly alike! Variation of Model F sound (I have restored dozens of IBM Model F Keyboards and each one sounds noticeably different from the others), aging/oxidation of metal alloy springs. 6. Too loud: IBM spent millions of dollars in R&D to design the best keyboard ever. Key tactile and sound feedback were carefully engineered to improve typing speed and accuracy. Extended key travel and precise buckling feel and sound upon the moment of actuation are unique to buckling spring keyboards. However compared to today’s $25 keyboards these are likely less tolerated in today’s open office environments. There are ways of making it quieter though: pushing springs all the way down the base of the flipper nub, using a different type of metal alloy for the springs (after researching more than 50 different spring formulations over 2 years, I have a list of quieter spring materials and expect to offer these in limited batches as replacement parts in the future) 7. Too large/heavy, too much bezel, ugly classic case design: Ultra compact offering was added-smallest possible footprint given the design of the capacitive PCB with traces on the edges. Allows for closer mouse placement for those who prefer it. The original design is a reproduction of IBM’s original design but with a higher quality alloy than IBM used (new ones use Zinc 3 alloy and are a pound heavier than the originals). IBM designed industrial-quality business machines designed to last for decades. The IBM 4700 banking system is so well-built that a number of these systems (with their Model F keyboards) are still in use today at community banks with just a handful of branches. 8. The layout is odd, no function keys/some specific key is missing: The Model F layout is close to the standard 60% or 75% keyboards. These keyboards do have function keys, integrated into first row. Press Fn+1 for F1, etc. The project’s goal is to reproduce the extremely hard to find 60% and 75% style Model F keyboards. All of the keys of the large Model F keyboards are available through function layers that are fully customizable with the open source GUI software. I know that most people buying the brand new Model F keyboards are used to full size keyboards. It took me a little time to get used to the more efficient layout but being able to own a Brand New Model F keyboard makes it well worth the effort! Also adding extra keys would make the keyboard similar to the Model M’s on eBay that sell for well below what new production keyboards can possibly sell for. 9. I can just get an original and restore it: Yes you can do this. Many guides online will walk you through it. I have cleaned and restored many Model F and Model M keyboards over the years and my familiarity with their workings helped lead me to the reproduction project. However used Model F prices have skyrocketed in recent years and do not offer as compelling a discount compared to the originals. Those circuit boards on the original Model F keyboards are 35+ years old and they won’t last forever. The new Model F reproductions are designed to last for decades more. The brand new Model F keyboards are also native USB with NKRO and are fully customizable with function layers, macros, and the option to customize each key and layout. You can’t do any of that on an original Model F keyboard. I do hope you consider ordering a Brand New Model F Keyboard before production ends – it is well worth getting used to the more compact layout to be able to use a brand new Model F! Any questions feel free to contact me directly over email or on the forums. Example of an original – dirty – Model F typically found on eBay. You can’t see the gunk in the listing photos as it is hidden under the keys.

10. Case paint chips, key tops wear down over time: Yes, this is true just like it is with the originals. The PBT used in buckling spring keycaps resists wear significantly better than ABS keycaps. Extra key sets can be ordered if you prefer no wear in a decade or so from now). Paint also chips during shipping so there may be minor but noticeable imperfections with the paint finish even on a Brand New Model F Keyboard. 11. No drainage channels: Yes: a sticky/sugary beverage will wreak havoc. May need Goo Gone and rubbing alcohol to refurbish. A Model F First Aid Kit is available with spare parts for future keyboard repairs (flippers, springs, inside foam, barrels, keyboard bumpers) especially if a part is too sticky to save. 12. This is a limited production run project with no plans for continuous production – future spare parts availability? Valid point. To counter this I have ordered tens of thousands of spare parts and encourage people to buy extra parts and First Aid Kits of extra parts for future repairs long after production has shut down. New barrels, flippers, springs, and key sets are fully compatible with the IBM originals so extra parts can also be used to fix the originals. In one minute how would you summarize the benefits/highlights of the Model F reproduction project: An exact reproduction of the Model F, updated for the modern age

Over $800,000 raised so far. Still some time to get one

The Model F is the best keyboard ever

Best for long-term typing

Excellent build quality and long track record of continued full functionality of the originals

Fully open source electronics and fully customizable through a GUI

Sufficient key travel unlike the latest MacBook pro (!)

Full NKRO

Native USB

Removable and replaceable USB cable Check out this great overview of Model F Keyboards by Chyrosran22 (below): Chyrosran22 Ultimate IBM Model F review (capacitive buckling springs) More information on the individual keyboard packaging:



I will probably wrap the boxes in a plastic type gray wrap. No double boxing unless extra large stuff is ordered.



Some more photos of the boxes: below are some detailed photos of the double walled box edges. The fold is designed to resemble that of the Model M 1391401 box but with double walled box construction so the product box would double as a shipping box (wrapped with gray wrap to avoid stickers on the box).



I have ordered fiber reinforced tape for the classic style keyboard foam packaging (similar to what IBM used) and I have a gummed paper tape machine for sealing all the boxes (will be using 72mm wide reinforced paper tape)



Seeing the previous mailing list email:



If you are interested please see this link to view my previous update. The June update described all of the keyboard assembly details (lots of photos, videos, and custom built machines!).

https://mailchi.mp/63611a4b8c82/brand-new-model-f-keyboards-update-mass-assembly-finishing-first-round-closing Below are a few previously shared short videos of various machines used in the keyboard assembly process. Custom-built machine to attach bottom inner assembly Pneumatic spring attacher, final approved version Pneumatic spring attacher, earlier test version Below are some updates copied directly from the end of June update that I thought are worth a look if you have not caught up recently with the project's happenings. I hope to have more of an update on the dye sublimation in the coming weeks as I have significantly upgraded parts of the dye sublimation system.



Key Dye sublimation update: I have spent the past couple months fine tuning the custom built dye sublimation setup and will hopefully post some more results soon.

Below are photos of sublimation test # 7. The new equipment is producing good test results. There is a bit too much bleed ("dye migration") but it is within IBM tolerances it seems (new and original sublimated Model F keys below). Sorry the photos are not in perfect focus.

Of the dozens of IBM Model F and M keyboards I've restored over the past 5 years, many legends (even from as early as 1989!) are fuzzy and/or brown. I am aiming for the XT quality deep black, bold Model F legends circa 1984.

As a note the key legends were hand placed for the test and the alignment and quality of the below images are not representative of the final product!

More testing will be done to optimize all the variables before mass dye sublimation begins.

Can you tell which one is the original Model F and which one is the new Model F? Check the Deskthority and GeekHack forum threads for the answer!













First Aid Kit Reminder: If you have not done so already I strongly recommend the new First Aid Kits for decades from now when production has long ended.

The more parts out there, the greater number of these keyboards will be up and running in the decades to come.

You can order additional inner foam mats and other accessories (or even full keyboards) and they will ship together with your earliest Model F order.

Model F Kickstarter - any crowdfunding experts out there willing to offer some advice? As noted earlier I am planning on a Kickstarter campaign as part of the final production run.

In the coming months (after the early bird orders are shipped to everyone) I'll be making a video about the Model F's including clips of people using the keyboards in NYC.

If anyone wants to be in the video, or can help by volunteering a nice looking venue for filming (or if you have any recommendations), please let me know.

And please do offer me any advice you may have if you are a Kickstarter campaign expert.

Book on the Model F project and adventures in overseas manufacturing - lessons learned (and some learned the hard way!): Hope to write this book after the orders ship. On the one hand it is a great honor to bring back The Best Keyboard Ever, but on the other hand I can see why such a level of task is usually handled by entire R&D departments! Lots of coordination, hassle and delays as many of you know all too well! Please do reply if you are interested in ordering a copy and I'll let you know when it's finished.

Check out my prior update from April for a few paragraphs on lessons learned so far with my adventures in manufacturing (I can send to you if needed).