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Model F F104 Full Size Keyboard Review

(1/1)

Tempest790:
Review of the New Model F Keyboard

Background and Experience
I’ve used various Cherry MX switch keyboards over the years, but the MX Reds were the only ones I truly liked for their smoothness and lightness. They’re great for both typing and gaming. Eventually, I got rid of most of my Cherry MX boards and switched to Topre Realforce keyboards for both work and home. Both are customized with BKE ultra-light domes and PBT keycaps. I’ve also spent some time with Unicomp’s Model M and even bought one for my dad, who did a lot of typing and loved it.

Transitioning to the Model F
After some daily use, the Model F keyboard has settled in as my primary home keyboard. A little research will clarify what makes the Model F unique: it uses a capacitive buckling spring mechanism, in contrast to the membrane buckling spring design of the Model M.

Setup and Build Quality
This is a partially DIY keyboard, so you’ll need to install the keycaps and stabilizers yourself. The spacebar came pre-installed but was initially sticky, which required a bit of tweaking. Since then, it has worked flawlessly. The keyboard arrived with the firmware already installed, so setup was a breeze—I just plugged it in and was good to go.

I did run into a minor issue with the numpad Enter key sticking occasionally, but Ellipse’s troubleshooting video provided a simple fix using a wiggle technique and adjusting the key guide mount. After that, everything was smooth. The build quality is outstanding, and the case is made of solid metal, which gives it a hefty and premium feel.

Key Modifications and Layout
Firmware modification is an option with the Model F, but I’m content with the default layout. One limitation is keycap choices, but I ordered color keys from Unicomp that fit the Model F nicely. I did have some initial sticking issues with the Caps Lock and Backspace keys, but troubleshooting resolved them. I had to press really hard on the Backspace key to fully seat the stabilizer insert. It feels fine now. I’m pleased with the added color keys, as they make the keyboard less monotonous.

An added bonus is Unicomp’s Caps Lock keycap design, which is partially recessed on the side facing the A key. This reduces accidental presses when typing the letter “A,” a feature I wish more manufacturers would implement. It’s a reminiscent of older keyboard designs.

Typing Experience
The typing experience on the Model F is, in a word, fantastic. The capacitive buckling spring switches are among the best tactile switches I’ve used. They’re snappy and loud, but with a sharper, airier sound compared to the Model M. The tactile feedback is leagues beyond any Cherry MX switch I’ve tried. I haven’t tested Kailh Click Bar or Zeal Clickiez switches yet, and it’s been years since I used Alps switches, so I can’t make a direct comparison there. However, the Model F’s tactile feel is almost unparalleled.

The switch weight is heavier than my Topre but not quite as much as the Model M. The keys rows are also gently sloped, making it comfortable to type on. While Cherry MX boards have different height key caps to simulate the curve, the Model F (and Model M) actually has a curved circuit board. I attached the keyboard feet to improve the keyboards angle. All of the key caps are the same height.

Coming from my Topre board, the only downside is the bottom-out, which feels harsh due to the hard plastic-on-plastic contact, particularly on the spacebar. While the Model F excels in tactile feedback, it feels slightly less refined compared to my Topre, which has a softer landing and produces a louder sound on the upstroke rather than the downstroke. I wish I could cushion the hard landings ever so slightly without sacrificing the switch feel. Make no mistake though, it's a joy to type on.

I also didn’t bother with the solenoid. I love the standard sound of the Model F as it is.

Final Thoughts
Considering that the Model F was out of production for decades, and existing units often didn’t have the standard 104 layout, I never seriously considered getting one. When I learned that new modern Model F keyboards were being manufactured, I was thrilled. Now that I finally have one, I can say it truly lives up to my expectations—it’s the dream keyboard I’ve been waiting for. I'll type on this until they pry it from my cold, dead hands.  :)


Update (2 months use): I've had the keyboard as my daily driver at home for about 2 months now and wanted to give some updated thoughts. Much as my initial review states, I still find this keyboard to absolutely fantastic. I still use my Topre with BKE ultra-lights at work, so the only main issue is the slight difference in key weight. With the Model F being slightly heavier, I do occasionally miss an actuation when using my pinky fingers on the outlying keys, but it's rare. However, because the Model F is so distinct with both the sound and tactile feel, you'll know instantly if you didn't actuate the key correctly. That's about the only negative I can think of. I love my modified Topre keyboard, but kind of wished I had gotten the BKE light domes instead of the ultra-lights. I think the weighting would have been about the same. I have no regrets getting the Model F though. It's designed to be a work horse, and it's a joy to use. Definitely worth the investment.

Stock keycaps shipped with keyboard which included the blue enter keys.


Modified with Unicomp color keycaps.

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