IBM Model M 60%...maybe.

[a7hanat0s]

So ive decided to take a perfectly good IBM Model M keyboard and create a 60% keyboard... maybe, I havent decided just yet. I want to maybe add a function key row to the top of the board but I havent decided. This is what I have so far design wise.

Update: Ok, so this is how I laid everything out. Im going to be making a new membrane since the old one no longer suits my layout and im using a teensy as the microcontroller.  Im still toying with the possibility of adding  function keys. What do you guys think?

[0100010]

The bottom row modifiers doesn't look right.  I think on an M you would have this :

1.5x - 1x - 1.5x - 7x - 1.5x - 1x - 1.5x

[E TwentyNine]

You're going to have to start with a Unicomp M unless you want to try to hack barrels into a winkeyless M.

You're not going to get that uniformity of modifiers on the bottom row without some interesting keycaps modifications.

[Oobly]

You're going to have to start with a Unicomp M unless you want to try to hack barrels into a winkeyless M.

You're not going to get that uniformity of modifiers on the bottom row without some interesting keycaps modifications.

That bottom row actually fits fine,
1.25x4 = 5
1.5x2 = 3
spacebar = 7

Total = 5+3+7 = 15 units. Problem is the positioning of the barrels and stabilisers, but it is possible. You may have to do some serious membrane hacks, though.

I will be starting my own Model M 60% project soon, too

[E TwentyNine]

Didn't say it wouldn't fit.  Said it wouldn't fit without hacking some keycaps.  You wouldn't want to mess with the membrane.

You're going to need some nonstandard stem offsets.  You could do it with the bottom part of BS two-piece keycaps, and the top part of BS keys with the size you want but with the inner key mount cut out. You'd need to glue the stem piece into the key at the right place.  Those key closest to the spacebar on the right would need the stem offset all the way to the right, same but opposite for the left nearest key.

[Lastpilot]

If you haven't already I would check out The_Beast's thread on it

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44875

[dorkvader]

If you haven't already I would check out The_Beast's thread on it

http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=44875

I recommend hasu's as well.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=29483.0

He is a real inspiration with it missing the F row and all that.

[a7hanat0s]

Sorry guys lol. This is an actual physical board that I made, I did do a lot of modifications to the bottom row to allow for the three on each side. Ill be making a new key matrix for it obviously to account for the changes in key layout pretty soon.