New, Compact Model F: Thoghts and Tilting the Keyboard

[Coeus]

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 helpfully, it came with the ISO enter key and space bar installed, I followed the instruction to fit the remaining keys with the keyboard on edge, space bar uppermost and, contrary to the expectation set in the instructions, all they keys worked first time. The feel is very light and positive and very good to type on, very similar, of course, to an original XT Model F that I also have.

I opted for the compact case. The finish is really good, despite the warning that blemishes are to be expected. What I was not expecting was that the top surface of the case would be flat while the keyboard inside is curved, so the keys at the top and bottom of the keyboard protrude from the case by almost the full height of the key cap whereas the numbers and QWERTY rows are almost flush to the case.

The original XT Model F I have has feet to enable the keyboard to be tilted towards the typist and there are no such feet on this compact case, only four stick-on rubber feet which are all the same height.

Does anyone else prefer the keyboard in the tilted position and, if so, what have you used to achieve that? At the moment, I have the edge furthest from me stood on some CD cases but that is not really a long term solution, especially if it needs to be moved.

[Ellipse]

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 helpfully, it came with the ISO enter key and space bar installed, I followed the instruction to fit the remaining keys with the keyboard on edge, space bar uppermost and, contrary to the expectation set in the instructions, all they keys worked first time. The feel is very light and positive and very good to type on, very similar, of course, to an original XT Model F that I also have.

I opted for the compact case. The finish is really good, despite the warning that blemishes are to be expected. What I was not expecting was that the top surface of the case would be flat while the keyboard inside is curved, so the keys at the top and bottom of the keyboard protrude from the case by almost the full height of the key cap whereas the numbers and QWERTY rows are almost flush to the case.

The original XT Model F I have has feet to enable the keyboard to be tilted towards the typist and there are no such feet on this compact case, only four stick-on rubber feet which are all the same height.

Does anyone else prefer the keyboard in the tilted position and, if so, what have you used to achieve that? At the moment, I have the edge furthest from me stood on some CD cases but that is not really a long term solution, especially if it needs to be moved.

Thanks for your review and feedback Coeus!

For tilting the keyboards, feel free to check out the store item "bumpers" which allow various angles through the use of bumpers varying from almost no height to bumpers with 1 inch height.

[Green Maned Lion]

I wish to point out that my preference in keyboards is the Model M 122 "Type I" or the Model F 122 (same basic design), with its tilting feet in the most extended position. I am clearly in the minority for this preference, as practically no other keyboard was build with this level of tilt being available. I have ordered Joe's 24-function "122" configuration of beam spring, and the large 1" feet he mentions in the post above. I am hopeful this will be adequate in the regard of keyboard tilt. Actually, I'm nervous about the entire purchase because of the uncertain timeline, the fact I've never touched a beamspring keyboard to my knowledge, and the fact that I've spent over $600 on this purchase (I selected quite a few options).

But that is the nature of buying such a specialised device manufactured in such a small run. I take it overall, you are impressed with your New Model F?