[IC] F62+F77! New Kishsaver+Industrial Model F Keyboards

[atlas3686]

Look what arrived today The dot matrix printer for the packing slip included with each F62/F77-containing order! It works well, and it will work with the tractor pull green bar paper from earlier (I bought a few hundred sheets).
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Awesome! 

[scumyc]

First off, this project looks awesome! Great work so far!

I have been looking into the possibility of getting my favorite 60% layout for the 62-key and I just thought I would post it to see if anyone else was interested and wanted to help out with the up-front tooling costs (after which, boards will cost the same as any other 62-key).  Total cost is still TBD, this is just a preliminary inquiry.

Here it is:


To my knowledge, no one else likes this layout, but I figured it couldn't hurt to check.  One thing worth noting is that all these keys come in a standard winkey set (6.25 space, 1.25 mods).  However, I am not the biggest fan of the stepped 1.75.

This may also apply to anyone who is a fan of split right shift layouts, but I have ordered a 3D printed non-stepped 1.75 unit key to try out because I do not like stepped caps lock.  It won't ship until the 18th, but I hope to post a brief review when it arrives.
http://www.shapeways.com/product/YMFXWFRAK/ibm-model-m-keycap-1-75-non-stepped-v2?li=shop-results&optionId=40367442

Edit: it turns out unicomp does not do a 6.25 unit space bar.  I updated the layout for the 5.75 "small" spacebar

[ctm]

First off, this project looks awesome! Great work so far!

I have been looking into the possibility of getting my favorite 60% layout for the 62-key and I just thought I would post it to see if anyone else was interested and wanted to help out with the up-front tooling costs (after which, boards will cost the same as any other 62-key).  Total cost is still TBD, this is just a preliminary inquiry.

Here it is:
(Attachment Link)

To my knowledge, no one else likes this layout, but I figured it couldn't hurt to check.  One thing worth noting is that all these keys come in a standard winkey set (6.25 space, 1.25 mods).  However, I am not the biggest fan of the stepped 1.75.

This may also apply to anyone who is a fan of split right shift layouts, but I have ordered a 3D printed non-stepped 1.75 unit key to try out because I do not like stepped caps lock.  It won't ship until the 18th, but I hope to post a brief review when it arrives.
http://www.shapeways.com/product/YMFXWFRAK/ibm-model-m-keycap-1-75-non-stepped-v2?li=shop-results&optionId=40367442

Does F62 supports four keys on right of spacebar? I only see three barrels there.

[scumyc]

Does F62 supports four keys on right of spacebar? I only see three barrels there.

It does not, that is why there would be up-front tooling costs before the boards were available at the normal price.

[BaconEggandCheeseBagel]

Ellipse, I know there was some interest on r/mk about organizing an NYC Meet-Up. I think if you wanted to, as a sort of prototype launch party, you'd definitely have a pretty fantastic turnout. Just a thought.

[Ellipse]

Yep BaconEggandCheeseBagel there will be a Manhattan meetup within a couple weeks of opening the order form.  I'm hoping people can bring their IBM beamspring and Model F/M keyboards for comparison. 

Can anyone volunteer a venue for hosting the IBM keyboard meetup in Manhattan this month?  Even getting permission to use an office conference/meeting room would probably be fine.

And I can confirm what scumyc is proposing.  It will require extra tooling for PCB, inner foam, and top inner assembly.  It would be great if you could help scumyc with the tooling if you like his proposed layout for your F62.  This is optional - you can order his layout for no added cost once tooling has been paid for.

[Ellipse]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.

[SixtyLife]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.
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nice!!!! can't wait to see these with some caps on. congrats and looking forward to the reviews Ellipse!

[fanpeople]

Man that is sweet, this is going to be real very soon.

[iamtootallforthis]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.
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Oh man! Love em and now I want to try one.

[atlas3686]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.
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Oh that is super awesome, looking really good!

[raymogi]

Awesome packaging. This will make it safely into my country and avoid damages during shipment

[fanpeople]

Also that industrial grey colour looks awesome. I hope that stays as an option.

[naasfu]

oh wow.  these look so good.  and that styrofoam looks so fresh and crispy!

i'm still agonizing over which color to get.  grey, beige, black, grey, beige, black, grey...

[raymogi]

oh wow.  these look so good.  and that styrofoam looks so fresh and crispy!

i'm still agonizing over which color to get.  grey, beige, black, grey, beige, black, grey...

Black.

[naasfu]

oh wow.  these look so good.  and that styrofoam looks so fresh and crispy!

i'm still agonizing over which color to get.  grey, beige, black, grey, beige, black, grey...

Black.

hmm, i love black, but i already have two other black boards. 

i am leaning towards grey right now.  industrial grey always looked good in the photos i've seen.  is it a true grey, or is it kind of greenish?

edit:  one site describes the grey as a "military olive drab".

[appleonama]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.
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This is awesome I will definitely buy one.

[Elrick]

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BEAUTIFUL, this is the F77 I want so desperately  .

Can't believe this is finally happening, a real Model-F built in 2016, you've done good Ellipse..........

[fanpeople]

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BEAUTIFUL, this is the F77 I want so desperately  .

Can't believe this is finally happening, a real Model-F built in 2016, you've done ****ing amazing magic Ellipse..........

FTFY

[Elrick]

The packaging you've provided is heavy duty, it might even withstand a Nuclear Blast when the "end of days" finally arrive for all of us here, good to know at least my future F77 shall be protected  .

Best Keyboard protection anyone could of released as of yet, even registered corporations would not provide this level of security for any of their keyboard products.

[Muffinbottoms]

God damn....I could make love to these boards all night. And I really appreciate the attention to packaging detail you're making because sometimes I get stuck with a guy/girl who really just doesn't care about my package and I end up with a nice gaping hole or crunch in the box haha. Haven't had anything broken yet .

[Elrick]

God damn....I could make love to these boards all night. And I really appreciate the attention to packaging detail you're making because sometimes I get stuck with a guy/girl who really just doesn't care about my package and I end up with a nice gaping hole or crunch in the box haha. Haven't had anything broken yet .

Haha, know what you mean, even at my age seeing something so beautiful and fresh being sheaved in all heavy-duty foam, gets me all hard without any reservations - Ellipse has delivered on this venture  .

[againer]

I was pretty sure that i want  a black  one but after loocking to your pictures, a gray one could be an intressting option...

[harlw]

I can't believe it's real...I just knew it was never gonna happen; boy am I glad to be wrong! Can.not.wait.

[KetchyKech]

wow this is shapely up very nicely    Thank you for the pictures, i know they mean a lot to those that plan on ordering 

I'm still in for a custom color (to be determined) whether or not people join in to lower the tooling cost! 

can't wait 

[livingspeedbump]

i am so ready for this! cant wait to hear how you think they feel compared to the originals, and to see them with caps on and everything.

[Ellipse]

Today I ordered a sampling of Unicomp key sets for testing, in anticipation of the prototypes arriving hopefully next week!

Yes industrial grey will definitely be an option - the second picture is the prototype industrial gray color.  Once I see it in person I may change the exact type of grey a little. 

Some project draft graphics will be posted soon for your feedback!  For the project web site logo I expect to use a buckling spring animation similar to ones found online, plus a still version.  The logo will also have a description of the keyboard in the same dot matrix font that will be used on the birthday labels - something like "F62 Model F Keyboard."

[livingspeedbump]

Today I ordered a sampling of Unicomp key sets for testing, in anticipation of the prototypes arriving hopefully next week!

Yes industrial grey will definitely be an option - the second picture is the prototype industrial gray color.  Once I see it in person I may change the exact type of grey a little. 

Some project draft graphics will be posted soon for your feedback!  For the project web site logo I expect to use a buckling spring animation similar to ones found online, plus a still version.  The logo will also have a description of the keyboard in the same dot matrix font that will be used on the birthday labels - something like "F62 Model F Keyboard."

Ive had really good luck with unicomp keys thus far. They feel fine and match vintage colors perfectly.

For those interested in getting caps from them, if you are in the US they are quite quick to ship, and shipping is often only 6 bucks for 2 day shipping which is great  Never had any issues ordering from them, and I usually have 1-2 orders a month from them.

[Air tree]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

[livingspeedbump]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

[Snowdog993]

The logo will also have a description of the keyboard in the same dot matrix font that will be used on the birthday labels - something like "F62 Model F Keyboard."

Font like E29 has in his Avatar...  "F62"  Just a simple logo.  "F77"  *On the Bezel*

That's all you really need.
The back label can be the descriptive part.

[Melvang]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

Words of greater truth have never been spoken.

[Snowdog993]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

Words of greater truth have never been spoken.

"click".

[livingspeedbump]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

Words of greater truth have never been spoken.

"click".

I will actually probably be selling an SSK to fund part of this. Obviously, now nobody in this thread will want it haha

[Snowdog993]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

Words of greater truth have never been spoken.

"click".

I will actually probably be selling an SSK to fund part of this. Obviously, now nobody in this thread will want it haha

I'm sure there is quite the demand for an SSK.  I don't think you have to worry one bit.

[Air tree]

I have some money stashed away for this baby. I can't wait to be initiated in the bs cult of love.


To be honest, this will be my first Buckling spring board, capacitive or membrane. What should I expect? I've only used  topre a lot, really.

Expect for BS over Membrane to never feel "great" after using one of these suckers. You'll sadly never be wowed by an SSK or Model M.

Words of greater truth have never been spoken.

"click".

I will actually probably be selling an SSK to fund part of this. Obviously, now nobody in this thread will want it haha

I can't imagine anything better than a kishsaver, what bs board could top it?! I can think of none.

[Ellipse]

Snowdog sorry for the confusion - there will be no visible logo on the keyboard itself, besides what's on the bottom label.  On the birthday label there will be the buckling spring graphic.  The label will say F77 or F62 on it.  Attached is a sample logo without the graphic.



There will also be an internal sticker on the bottom inner assembly (at least for the early bird version, maybe for the other versions too) that will thank all those who helped the project and donated towards the early bird tooling run.

[Snowdog993]

Snowdog sorry for the confusion - there will be no visible logo on the keyboard itself, besides what's on the bottom label.  On the birthday label there will be the buckling spring graphic.  The label will say F77 or F62 on it.  Attached is a sample logo without the graphic.

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There will also be an internal sticker on the bottom inner assembly (at least for the early bird version, maybe for the other versions too) that will thank all those who helped the project and donated towards the early bird tooling run.

Okay that makes sense. 

[livingspeedbump]

I really hope this does well. All of the recent pictures seem to be proof that this is moving along quite nicely and is shaping up to be as good as promised, if not better 

I feel like quite a few newcomers may miss out on this sale and opt to get in on flashier customs or keyboards while this is happening. I'm surely not blaming them, "old" keyboards aren't the most enticing in appearance (at first), and shelling out $325 for this when you can get a flashy GoN with nutty lighting and acrylic casing for the same ballpark price may lead many asking "why is this so special?" Model F's arent all that common, and many simply don't understand the magic they posses. Even Model M users that have never used an F don't know what they are missing, the F wins out over the M's any day of the week. Trust me, if you are reading this and considering another buy, put that on hold and get on this. There is always a fantastic looking full aluminum custom buy right around the corner 

[Elrick]

I feel like quite a few newcomers may miss out on this sale and opt to get in on flashier customs or keyboards while this is happening. I'm surely not blaming them, "old" keyboards aren't the most enticing in appearance (at first), and shelling out $325 for this when you can get a flashy GoN with nutty lighting and acrylic casing for the same ballpark price may lead many asking "why is this so special?"

This area isn't for the newbs because they are more attracted to lights like ignorant moths  .

Can't change that because all youngsters care about today is that their keyboards all look like their iPhones with stupid colours and graphics.  When they get older you'll see the look of failure upon their faces when asked what they did when this Model-F was released all those years ago.  Whilst some of us shall be rejoicing on our purchases you'll have the losers lamenting their choice of keyboard, decomposing on their desks.

Some people have to learn the hard way in life, miss out on the important purchases that really matter..........

[3K]

When you try stash away money for this buy, but there are artisan sales everywhere... 

[ryahirv]

I haven't missed any pictures with keycaps on have I?

[Air tree]

When you try stash away money for this buy, but there are artisan sales everywhere... 

Life has become a lot simpler now that I have lost interest in the artisan scene. Much less stressful. 

[livingspeedbump]

When you try stash away money for this buy, but there are artisan sales everywhere... 

Life has become a lot simpler now that I have lost interest in the artisan scene. Much less stressful. 

right? I like keeping caps friends give me, but that is about it. I'm in this hobby for the keyboards anyways. The day I don't buy an epic keyboard because I bought too many keycaps is the day I bow out of this hobby all together.

[dustinhxc]

The prototypes and foam have been completed! They will be on their way to me this week via expedited shipping! Please note that the foam prototypes in the photos were adjusted/made with hand tools so they still have some rough areas and markings, but these will not be on the production styrofoam pieces.

Also the boxes in the photos are the correct double walled specification but will be opening from the side with the production boxes instead of on top like in the prototype boxes shown in the photos.

Also a reminder that the powdercoated case colors are prototype colors and may not be the final colors.

I wonder if I am overprotecting these keyboards - all this extra packaging is going to run up a hefty shipping bill from China.

Once production finishes (production takes 1-2 months), then it will take a few weeks for sea mail from China. I was thinking of offering the option to pay for DHL or other expedited shipping options where it goes DHL Express, etc. to me and then I test it and send it out expedited shipping. This might enable you to get the keyboard a few weeks faster than expected.
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Holy ****.... That kish... So sexy man! 

[againer]

Im here for the typing expirience. Not for some pretty loocking  caps.
So I dont have that problem.
But anyway this project is probably you only chance to type on a brand new f62 ever so dont miss it.
 

[Elrick]

When you try stash away money for this buy, but there are artisan sales everywhere... 

Life has become a lot simpler now that I have lost interest in the artisan scene. Much less stressful. 

Yep it's true once the insidious "Artisan" disease leaves you, everything is much clearer and calm.

Key-caps are no longer my reason to empty my bank accounts anymore, as it is to own a piece of historical significance such as an F77 Ellipse Keyboard.  I only have eyes for this keyboard now everything else is now fading in the rear view mirror because I'm heading towards Model-F town where perfection resides.

Already made room on my desk for this wondrous keyboard now have to wait like everyone else for their availability    .

[Ellipse]

One of the forum members generously helped design some really nice logos and a buckling spring animation for the project.  They are similar to some of the buckling spring animations floating around different web sites. 

These renderings show the graphics as they would appear on a box.  I'm not sure where they will end up:  on the box, the web site, the manual, etc.  I'm going to look into adding one of these graphics to the boxes.

[Techno Trousers]

I like the second from the bottom. Large font, in blue

[romevi]

We all know how famous that design is and how phallic it can be, but I'm not sure I want it on a box that huge!
That said, I really like the design of the second/third/fourth set.