deskthority

Update on USB keyboards output to PS/2, AT, and XT signal:

I have received a small number of requests on this topic. This open source project (also available for purchase pre-built at the second link below) notes that it converts any modern USB keyboard to work with PS/2 input on a computer, as ...

colinf, the best way to proceed is to spend an hour to read the manual beginning to end. It is more difficult to try to have someone copy and paste parts of the manual; you will end up spending more time that way because you won't understand how the keyboard works. The goal is to have everyone read ...

I recommend opening up the inner assembly and removing all dust which may be below a flipper, so you would not see it unless the inner assembly was opened up (see the videos on the modelfkeyboards.com project web site manual for details). The project web site does sell replacement non-crumbly foam ...

Here we have a great review over on reddit of the Ultra Compact FSSK!

https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1miopp4/a_thunderstorm_on_your_desk_model_f_labs_keyboard/

My comment: Thanks for your thoughtful review alifen! And for sharing a nice custom photo! It creatively addresses ...

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 ...

With permission I am posting some nice photos of the FSSK at home with a family of original IBM keyboards, including a Model F Unsaver! I like the placement of the Model F badge on the FSSK. Reminds me of the raised badge on the IBM 4704 promotional prototype photos posted a while back.

FSSK (1 ...

Container shipment update:

The 7th container shipment for this project (with the second and final batch of F122 keyboards) departed last month and has arrived at the destination port! It should be delivered to me in the next couple weeks. Then I will work on organizing and preparing the remaining ...

Hello,

When we last spoke you asked me to wait for you to submit an order for additional parts which you noted that you'd definitely be ordering, and I would be mailing you free replacements for anything that was damaged in that same shipment. I checked my emails and received no such order from you ...

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 ...

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 ...

Much earlier in the New Model F project, I said that one reason I didn't order one was that they were not available in the, now standard, enhanced layout. They did then become available in that layout, I ordered one and it has now arrived.

They keyboard itself is absolutely excellent. Very ...

With permission here are photos of another nice F122 setup that combines two different-color key sets as well as the HHKB style split right shift and split backspace layout.

I like how these days the old style keyboards are bigger and heavier than the entire computers they are used with!

IMG ...

Nice photo TheJBW! Thanks for posting it. I would focus on the spacebar wire. I've also had success bending it in the other direction. I've just updated the manual with this additional information and a new photo. See action step 4 and let me know if this helps. Added text: "Additionally, as shown ...

I wanted to share a terrific 3d printed solenoid and solenoid driver holder project from f4pv:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:7076392

This allows for secure mounting of both the solenoid driver and solenoid inside the F62 and F77 keyboards, as well as being an external solenoid holder for the ...

As a note, new Model F custom front printing can be done, but there will be a setup cost and MOQ. However, only the keycap colors shown on the project web site can be custom requested. To clarify my email reply, the set is not stocked as it would need to be special ordered from the factory at extra ...

Production update:

Today we have some more production photos, this time of the powdercoating process of the top inner assemblies and the completed bottom inner assemblies.

2025-06-19 beam spring keyboard production (1).jpg
2025-06-19 beam spring keyboard production (2).jpg
2025-06-19 beam ...

Today the (long overdue) blog update has been posted. This gathers together the many updates posted on the forum project threads.

Brand New Model F June 2025 Update: user reviews and photos, F122 and beam spring production, new design plans (Split Ortho, Planck, Preonic, F20, Kinesis, etc ...

New as of June 2025: Mac Icons+Text 6 key set

By popular request - a set combining the Mac Icons and Mac Text key sets. This is a special order set that will arrive later this year, so you'd need to wait for delivery if combining shipping with a current order, or order separate shipping.

Feel ...

Update on beam spring inner foam:

Everyone can now order an extra beam spring inner foam set at the below link, which has been updated today to add this item. Same as with the Round 1 beam spring first aid kit, extra inner foam was not a part of the kit as it was with Model F First Aid Kits, so it ...

Yes, as noted from the beginning of the project, all stepped keys are from Unicomp, including ISO enter and caps lock. Their color is slightly different from the original Model F key colors.

As a recap, the factory failed to produce these extra keys to my specifications and they did not function ...

Posting (with permission) a nice F77 setup. The photo was just sent to me today and was taken after a year of usage by a writer who is working on a novel!

This F77 has one of the most popular add-ons, the solenoid, which is installed inside the case.

Production update:

The factory has completed the lasering and bending of the B104 top and bottom inner assembly plates (shown below); the next step is the coatings to finish these parts.

After they are coated they expect to start assembly, as early as the next week or so. During the time of ...

The stems for the new relegendables were sourced from Unicomp, which did not separate their stock by color. I did request all one color like the early Model M's but they were already mixed together.

Of course the relegendables are intended to work with the paper templates that will cover all ...

Posting (with permission) another great F122 setup.

This one is special as it has an old hi-fi Pioneer badge (for a cool retro styling) and Unicomp Esc and APL keys.

Thanks for the feedback; I have noted to try to keep tighter case margins for the forthcoming Model F designs. Since the cases may be 3d printed or laser cut, this may be easier to achieve.

It seems like most folks like the case margins to go about 1mm just over the bottom of the unpressed keys ...

Great news from Rico - split communication is now working on the Leyden Jar controllers!

Please see Rico's update post here and head over to the github pages linked below:

https://www.keebtalk.com/t/the-leyden-jar-a-tentative-pcb-replacement-for-the-brand-new-model-f-keyboards/17489/45
https ...

Check the leyden diganostic tool signal level monitor - maybe a key is being registered as pressed down.

Maybe the solenoid L bar itself needs adjustment as it's getting stuck. Does the cylinder move freely by hand and not get stuck? Are you seeing 6 to 9 volts where the solenoid is plugged in ...

The solenoid should work by default without any configuration or keypress combinations. I recommend erasing the eeprom in the leyden jar tool and reflashing the firmware. Since the solenoid is able to fire, it may be an issue with your USB port (not enough power, USB hub, etc.). I recommend trying ...

With permission I am sharing the first photo of the Hebrew English key set on the new F122!

There are a couple dozen available key sets and it is nice to see photos of some of the rarer key sets.

Hebrew English.jpg

thrillscience kindly see my replies below:

1. The issue is "the horizontal gap ...

Additional transparent relegendable template:

With permission I am reposting a transparent relegendable template:

credit to geekhack member Cyber_engineer – Twitter @Mates_ENGINEER

Very nice template!