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

[Ellipse]

Do you have some example photos you could point to for that design?

[Ellipse]

The factory staff is getting back from Chinese New Year this week - I hope to have an update on the ultra-small cases soon.  They are definitely happening, it's a matter of when.

If anyone else is holding out for the ultra-compact case and you haven't told me already, please let me know or post here!

[ryahirv]

The factory staff is getting back from Chinese New Year this week - I hope to have an update on the ultra-small cases soon.  They are definitely happening, it's a matter of when.

If anyone else is holding out for the ultra-compact case and you haven't told me already, please let me know or post here!

Is there any possibility that would happen for the early-bird tooling people?

(I totally understand if not)

If there is a chance though...I'd prefer to go directly into a smaller case F77 from the get go

[romevi]

The factory staff is getting back from Chinese New Year this week - I hope to have an update on the ultra-small cases soon.  They are definitely happening, it's a matter of when.

If anyone else is holding out for the ultra-compact case and you haven't told me already, please let me know or post here!

Waiting to place my order until after the early bird round, and then when the small case is ready.

[Ellipse]

ryahirv I will try but then it may require me to extend the deadline a few weeks for the early birds - not sure I want to do that.  I don't think the factory can turn it around and deliver prototypes to me so quickly.

[ryahirv]

ryahirv I will try but then it may require me to extend the deadline a few weeks for the early birds - not sure I want to do that.  I don't think the factory can turn it around and deliver prototypes to me so quickly.

 Don't hold everyone up for me but thank you for thinking about it

[Ludovician]

I can't remember if I already told you, so I will say it here: I want a small case.

[fanpeople]

I can't remember if I already told you, so I will say it here: I want a small case.

Dis is good, more small case wanters 

[Ludovician]

fanpeople.

What do you say, when we get these keyboards, all of us aussies who bought them will need to have a battle royale. Last person alive gets to keep them all.

I mean, I don't like my chances of coming out on top but it's a glorious enough way to go.

[fanpeople]

fanpeople.

What do you say, when we get these keyboards, all of us aussies who bought them will need to have a battle royale. Last person alive gets to keep them all.

I mean, I don't like my chances of coming out on top but it's a glorious enough way to go.

This is a good idea, for better effects we will all travel from our various locations and meet at the centre of Australia. It shall also begin Hunger Games style. 

At least our deaths will be swift

[tassadarforaiur]

fanpeople.

What do you say, when we get these keyboards, all of us aussies who bought them will need to have a battle royale. Last person alive gets to keep them all.

I mean, I don't like my chances of coming out on top but it's a glorious enough way to go.

This is a good idea, for better effects we will all travel from our various locations and meet at the centre of Australia. It shall also begin Hunger Games style. 

At least our deaths will be swift

only if your opponent wields a full f77. someone with a compact f62 will need a few swings.

[Elrick]

fanpeople.

What do you say, when we get these keyboards, all of us aussies who bought them will need to have a battle royale. Last person alive gets to keep them all.

I mean, I don't like my chances of coming out on top but it's a glorious enough way to go.

This is a good idea, for better effects we will all travel from our various locations and meet at the centre of Australia. It shall also begin Hunger Games style. 

At least our deaths will be swift

only if your opponent wields a full f77. someone with a compact f62 will need a few swings.

Poor children, ........the ONLY real way to WIN is to sharpen a flat blade screwdriver and insert it into the chest cavity and/or base of skull, on your victim(s)  .

It's quiet and they won't even feel it, that's how you dispatch any possible opponent when it comes to grabbing this prize.

[Ellipse]

Here's the order breakdown so far for those interested (just the main accessory items' orders listed):

118 keyboards:  57 F62 and 61 F77 orders (interestingly the F77s are now in the lead!)

577 extra assembled flippers+springs
370 extra barrels
20 sets of Industrial SSK blue key sets (12 keys per set)
16 sets of front-printed F1, etc. keys
14 pairs of extra steel spacebar tabs
11 extra F62/F77 cases
7 of 13 early bird tooling volunteers have paid so far (one paid more than their $100 share so we did not need anyone else!)
5 extra PCBs
4 Apple/Mac Command/Option keys
2 keyboards upgraded to DHL Express shipping from sea mail

[ryahirv]

Here's the order breakdown so far for those interested (just the main accessory items' orders listed):

118 keyboards:  57 F62 and 61 F77 orders (interestingly the F77s are now in the lead!)

577 extra assembled flippers+springs
370 extra barrels
20 sets of Industrial SSK blue key sets (12 keys per set)
16 sets of front-printed F1, etc. keys
14 pairs of extra steel spacebar tabs
11 extra F62/F77 cases
7 of 13 early bird tooling volunteers have paid so far (one paid more than their $100 share so we did not need anyone else!)
5 extra PCBs
4 Apple/Mac Command/Option keys
2 keyboards upgraded to DHL Express shipping from sea mail

Crap. I just realized I'd like an Apple set of keys for my F77 - how do I tack that on/pay for it?

[Ellipse]

If anyone wants to add accessories/extra keys to their order free to place another order and just choose free local pickup so you don't have to pay shipping twice.  Please do include your user name in the notes section.

[ryahirv]

If anyone wants to add accessories/extra keys to their order free to place another order and just choose free local pickup so you don't have to pay shipping twice.  Please do include your user name in the notes section.

Thank you - Just did an "extras order" for front print F keys & Apple Keys & no shipping w/ my username on there.
Cheers!

[Vizir]

I'm going to be ordering a f62 and a f77 before the end of the month. Narrowed it down to industrial gray for the 62 and black for the 77. What keys will go well with the industrial gray? And how do I order the brilliant white printed set with the 77? I would like to add the front printed in white, if possible.

[Ellipse]

Vizir I like the standard pearl/pebble keys most for both the Industrial Gray and off-white case colors.

For brilliant white you can order the ANSI layout and then make a note for brilliant white keys before adding that keyboard to the cart.  They are the same cost.  The front printed keys are also available in Brilliant White - same procedure for making a note of the brilliant white color and then adding it to your cart. 

[Ellipse]

As I mentioned before (in the off topic thread), I'd like to set up a public meeting for anyone who wants to try out the Brand New Kishsaver F62/Industrial F77 keyboards in person in Manhattan.  I also invited two professional tech news writers to stop by and maybe even do a quick first look review (they are interviewing me on the subject of this project).

Who would like to attend?  Which days and times would accommodate most people do you think?

I was thinking Thursdays in the early evening, so how about Thursday 2/25 at 7 PM?  I think Mondays, Fridays, and weekends are too busy for most people.

I'd also invite attendees to bring their own keyboards for comparison if interested.

[iamtootallforthis]

As I mentioned before (in the off topic thread), I'd like to set up a public meeting for anyone who wants to try out the Brand New Kishsaver F62/Industrial F77 keyboards in person in Manhattan.  I also invited two professional tech news writers to stop by and maybe even do a quick first look review (they are interviewing me on the subject of this project).

Who would like to attend?  Which days and times would accommodate most people do you think?

I was thinking Thursdays in the early evening, so how about Thursday 2/25 at 7 PM?  I think Mondays, Fridays, and weekends are too busy for most people.

I'd also invite attendees to bring their own keyboards for comparison if interested.

I couldn't do that sadly. It's a 2 hour drive from school and 1:30 from home and Thursday nights are not ideal for me. I could do Wednesday later in the day or even Tuesday.

[Ellipse]

Wednesdays would be fine with me too - how about Wednesday 2/24 for those interested?

[iamtootallforthis]

Wednesdays would be fine with me too - how about Wednesday 2/24 for those interested?

Good with me.

[riotonthebay]

Wednesday is fine for me.

[scott_squires]

I haven't followed all the development on this and have only read the modelfkeyboards.com website, so please point me to a previous answer or the right place to ask, if needed. I read in the website Q&A about a small/compact case, and am wondering if there is any more info about it (if it is happening, when it is happening)? Because I would like the small one if it is going to be available.

[Ludovician]

It's happening, but they won't be available until the second round. I believe we're currently waiting on prototypes.

There is a render of the case somewhere on this thread, I believe.

[Muffinbottoms]

More

fanpeople.

What do you say, when we get these keyboards, all of us aussies who bought them will need to have a battle royale. Last person alive gets to keep them all.

I mean, I don't like my chances of coming out on top but it's a glorious enough way to go.

This is a good idea, for better effects we will all travel from our various locations and meet at the centre of Australia. It shall also begin Hunger Games style. 

At least our deaths will be swift

only if your opponent wields a full f77. someone with a compact f62 will need a few swings.

Poor children, ........the ONLY real way to WIN is to sharpen a flat blade screwdriver and insert it into the chest cavity and/or base of skull, on your victim(s)  .

It's quiet and they won't even feel it, that's how you dispatch any possible opponent when it comes to grabbing this prize.

HAHA I love how Elrick just took this battle to the next level  ) )

[Ellipse]

8 days left to order your brand new F62 / F77 Model F keyboard for the early round!

Here are some more renderings of the Ultra Compact F62 case.  The case is designed to be as small as possible, given the requirements of the Model F inner assembly design. 

Current Ultra Compact F62 case dimensions are 316 x 149 x 23.2 mm (12.4 x 5.9 x 0.9 in).  The original F62 case is 357mm x 178mm x 29mm so you are saving about 1.5 inches in the width, an inch less in the controller area on top, and a quarter inch in height.

Please let me know your feedback - we still have time to change the case design.

My goal is a simple aluminum extruded case made of three pieces - the bezel, middle part, and bottom piece.  The renderings do not show the separated pieces but instead show them as one piece for now.  For cost reasons we unfortunately cannot "shrink" the design of the original cases and all their features.

Colors are not accurate - I haven't discussed color options for the small case with the factory but I assume they will be anodized, or done with electrophoresis.  I do not expect the small cases to be powdercoated.

You also have the option to get both original and ultra compact cases - all components are interchangeable, save the bottom inner assembly plate.

[ryahirv]

Looking great!
Any shots of F77 smaller case?

[romevi]

Looking great!
Any shots of F77 smaller case?

This. There will be one for the F77, right?
Also, no angle?

[Ellipse]

ryahirv - not just yet - it should be the same design though, but with the bezel in between the "main section" and the 15 keys on the right.

romevi the angle will be available through different sized bumpers.  The case will initially sit flat like the original F62 and F77.

[ryahirv]

ryahirv - not just yet - it should be the same design though, but with the bezel in between the "main section" and the 15 keys on the right.

romevi the angle will be available through different sized bumpers.  The case will initially sit flat like the original F62 and F77.

Cool - thx

[romevi]

ryahirv - not just yet - it should be the same design though, but with the bezel in between the "main section" and the 15 keys on the right.

romevi the angle will be available through different sized bumpers.  The case will initially sit flat like the original F62 and F77.

Oh, yeah. I do recall you saying that. Thanks!

[Techno Trousers]

Is the case the same height all around as the low portion of the front of the regular cases? For some reason in the renders the front looks really high. It's probably an optical illusion though, since it's not sloped and there are no barrels and caps in the picture.

Also is the barrel plate going to be sitting at the same angle as in the original case (assuming no back risers are used in each)?

[Elrick]

ryahirv - not just yet - it should be the same design though, but with the bezel in between the "main section" and the 15 keys on the right.

romevi the angle will be available through different sized bumpers.  The case will initially sit flat like the original F62 and F77.

We need to actually see the final "SLIM" casing for the F77 before anyone can gauge any real interest in it.

Alas I still love the ORIGINAL design due to it's true authenticity, which can never be ignored.  Still want my original F77 order despite what is released in the future.

[raymogi]

I actually kinda like the look of the original case. It looks different.

So do we have options on which case to choose? Or will the ultra compact one be the final design?

[riotonthebay]

I actually kinda like the look of the original case. It looks different.

So do we have options on which case to choose? Or will the ultra compact one be the final design?

The original is what everyone will get. The slim case is an alt add-on.

[raymogi]

I actually kinda like the look of the original case. It looks different.

So do we have options on which case to choose? Or will the ultra compact one be the final design?

The original is what everyone will get. The slim case is an alt add-on.

Glad to hear that

Oh so we can add that to our order? I might be interested in that.

[KetchyKech]

Same, I think I'd want to add a compact f62 case to my order...those look great

[Photoelectric]

Is the slim version of F77 going to be only available only an add-on case?  Or can it be ordered directly as a slim version eventually?  Curious about pricing for that too.  That'd be the one I'd be interested in the most, I think.

How will the typing angle be varied with this case?  With rubber stick-on feet of different sizes or in some other way (like two metal feet on the back)?

[Ellipse]

Photoelectric you can order a fully assembled Ultra Compact F62 or F77 case, or order one as an add on (all parts are interchangeable with the original cases except the bottom inner assembly).

Yes you can vary the angle with stick on feet in different sizes and probably screw-on bumpers as well (not sure yet).

Techno it is an optical illusion - the case is rectangular and not sloped.  And yes it should be the same plate positioning so the keys are at the same angle without having to raise or lower the keyboard.

[Techno Trousers]

Cool, thanks! I'll check out how the round one units look all assembled and make my decision on the case type

[Ludovician]

Ellipse, will we be able to get extra bumpers with our small case? Or order them separately?

Would it be possible to get a render of the board with the small case, laying flat, with keys on it? I'm wondering what kind of angle it will be at with the curved backplate and the uniform caps, to determine whether I will need to get feet.

[CoolGrayAJ]

Posting in here for visibility (sorry for the double post from the GB thread) -- Would Tiffany Blue or a Pastel Pink be an option for color?

[Ludovician]

Yes you can get a custom color for about $100 extra for tooling.  Just specify the Pantone color.

[CoolGrayAJ]

Just saw it. Thanks!

[Ellipse]

Ludovician - yes you can order extra bumpers with either case.  Sorry I don't have the CAD files for the IBM keycaps - if anyone has them I can try to do something.  These F62/F77 keyboards with both original and ultra compact cases will be at the same angle as the original (photo below of my original F77 "flat" with the original even bumpers).

[Elrick]

(Attachment Link)

Every time you post that pic I get a warm feeling down there, in fact only the Mrs can relieve the pressure and I always look forward to that with such glee  .

You Sir have done a vital Group Buy here and am counting down the days until I finally get my HOT F77 in my ape-like hands, this is the GB of the year here and nothing has come close to this awe-inspiring interpretation.

[Ellipse]

Thanks Elrick!  I am hoping everything stays on time for the early bird round, but if there is a problem with the quality of the production units I will definitely send bad parts back to be re-made - I want these keyboards to be excellent!

I received a message from the mods today and need to remind everyone to minimize cross-posting on the GB and IC threads, though I know I am cross-posting on both threads for this update

I am keeping the IC thread open for ongoing discussion of Model F production, including the small case designs and renderings.

Please put all other questions related to the group buy in the GB thread, including discussion about order options, colors, bumpers, shipping, etc.

[romevi]

I think it'd be easier to have the IC closed and everything discussed in the GB. Maybe even open a new thread to discuss the small case design?

Just a thought.

[ika]

Just a thought - wouldn't bumpers increase the noise factor of the keyboard by creating a sort of echo chamber below the keyboard? I imagine an angle built into the case would be better for this regard. I'm sure this keyboard is noisy enough. Not sure how big of a difference the bumpers would make. Just something to mull over.