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

[iamtootallforthis]

I may get both but I am really interested in trying the prototypes considering I am so close to NYC.

Any planned date for when there will be open testing of the prototype?

[Ellipse]

As soon as I get the keyboards and test them, I will offer them for a meet up.  Every Model F of mine sounds slightly but noticeably different, so they definitely won't sound exactly like anyone's own Model F.  Also the prototypes have had hand-drilled or otherwise hand-adjusted alterations made to them, so they will not be 100% like the final production pieces which will all be machine-made to the finalized specifications.

[iamtootallforthis]

As soon as I get the keyboards and test them, I will offer them for a meet up.  Every Model F of mine sounds slightly but noticeably different, so they definitely won't sound exactly like anyone's own Model F.  Also the prototypes have had hand-drilled or otherwise hand-adjusted alterations made to them, so they will not be 100% like the final production pieces which will all be machine-made to the finalized specifications.

I understand there will be differences but I just want to be able to see the board construction and test them out first hand.

[Ellipse]

ok great.  I think you will like them.  Do you (or anyone else in the NYC area) have an original Kishsaver or Model F you'd like to compare?  Maybe you'd like to bring it along.  It's always interesting to hear in person how different Model F keyboards sound.

The factory has done great work so far.  The prototype parts I've received are well built.

[iamtootallforthis]

ok great.  I think you will like them.  Do you (or anyone else in the NYC area) have an original Kishsaver or Model F you'd like to compare?  Maybe you'd like to bring it along.  It's always interesting to hear in person how different Model F keyboards sound.

The factory has done great work so far.  The prototype parts I've received are well built.

I don't have any IBM boards and I have never gotten to try a Model M or F, hence my anticipation for these boards.

[ctm]

After following this thread for quite a while, I finally made the right decision: I am in for a F62

[ryahirv]

Uuuu....

Smaller case sounds very very attractive!

[riotonthebay]

ok great.  I think you will like them.  Do you (or anyone else in the NYC area) have an original Kishsaver or Model F you'd like to compare?  Maybe you'd like to bring it along.  It's always interesting to hear in person how different Model F keyboards sound.

The factory has done great work so far.  The prototype parts I've received are well built.

I'm in NYC and have a Kishsaver I'd be happy to bring to a meetup. Need to fix a few keys first but it's otherwise in near perfect condition, using xwhatsits controller.

I've not been actively following this thread, so someone feel free to PM me when the meetup date is set

[keshley]

Whoops, I hadn't responded to this thread even though I'm on the list. I keep missing updates!

I'm not surprised we're seeing more interest in the F62, its a fantastic board, and not gargantuan like most of the other models.

[Ellipse]

As an update, the factory was delayed again, and prototypes are now likely to arrive the week after Christmas. 

[romevi]

As an update, the factory was delayed again, and prototypes are now likely to arrive the week after Christmas now.

More time to keep saving and spending on other things! 

[Elrick]

As an update, the factory was delayed again, and prototypes are now likely to arrive the week after Christmas now.

More time to keep saving and spending on other things! 

Love this guy, always an eternal optimist  .

[Ellipse]

The case prototypes have finally been completed!

The good news is that they seem to have gotten the "extra bumpy" powdercoating texture close to the originals - especially if you look at the first photo below:

**Please disregard the colors in the photos; they are not at all what you will get.

The colors and white balance are way off in these photos, so please take the photos with a grain of salt. The prototypes should get here in the next week or two and I will take many photos too and hopefully open up orders then

[RoastPotatoes]

Wow its surreal to finally see them

[ghostjuggernaut]

The case prototypes have finally been completed!

They sent over very low quality photos that were improperly compressed most likely - I have asked them to send the original JPGs from their DSLR, but the prototypes should get here in the next week or two and I will take many photos too and hopefully open up orders then

The colors and white balance are way off in these photos, so please take the photos with a grain of salt.

The good news is that they seem to have gotten the "extra bumpy" powdercoating texture close to the originals - especially if you look at the first photo below:

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

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It's looks amazing. Such a great piece of work, and I can't wait to see the final results. I can only imagine how much of a relief it is for you to finally see results of your hard work.

[scubaste]

The case prototypes have finally been completed!

They sent over very low quality photos that were improperly compressed most likely - I have asked them to send the original JPGs from their DSLR, but the prototypes should get here in the next week or two and I will take many photos too and hopefully open up orders then

The colors and white balance are way off in these photos, so please take the photos with a grain of salt.

The good news is that they seem to have gotten the "extra bumpy" powdercoating texture close to the originals - especially if you look at the first photo below:

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

(Attachment Link)
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Looking fantastic Ellipse. Congrats!

[harlw]

*claps* Case is amazing! Great work!

[naasfu]

whoa this looks beautiful. 

i'm really looking forward to this.  still debating on what color to choose.

[tribade]

Fantastic looking case! This will be an amazing board I'm sure!

[Elrick]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

This is definitely worth waiting for, when you finally post pics of the F77's I'll be buying one straight away without haste  .

[stoic-lemon]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

straight away without haste  .

So at regular speed then.

[Elrick]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

straight away without haste  .

So at regular speed then.

As fast as Paypal can deposit the sums  .

[rowdy]

It's a weird feeling to see these new items.

Not just NIB, but really new, only just manufactured!

[Ellipse]

yes rowdy it will truly be a special day when these arrive in the mail!

I posted earlier about a small demand for a smaller style case that is less wide - an additional alternative case design. There is a lot of empty space in the original cases.

Here is a rough prototype of the alternative case. No one will get this case unless they request it!

Please note that this alternative case will not be the one offered primarily for this project, but just a low volume alternative version for those who want a smaller form factor case. It will be powdercoated off-white or gray like the originals, or any other Pantone color you specify and if you pay for tooling (could be $100 or so, not sure yet).

The bottom case is reminiscent of the stamped metal bottom case of the F122, while the top case is a curved design like that of the top of a Model M case. The bottom case includes the left and right side "walls" while the top case includes the top and bottom walls. The cases will be attached with four removable screws, like the original.

Personally I prefer the CNC milled original style case as they are bigger, heavier, and more classic looking.

Due to the lower quantities expected for the smaller case, I do not have the minimum quantities to make them with CNC milling, so unfortunately the case had to be redesigned from scratch and simplified.

No need to say you will stay with the original case - I will assume everyone wants the original unless they specify otherwise in the order form. I do welcome feedback though on this design - if you can volunteer another design that does not need to be CNC milled please do post it.

[naasfu]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

straight away without haste  .

So at regular speed then.

hahaha.

what color case is everyone getting?

[Ellipse]

You can pick the color close to the original off white, or Industrial grey, or suggest one of your own colors.

[Ellipse]

They sent the corrected prototype case photos - I have updated the post from earlier today. The white balance is still inaccurate on all photos, so the paint colors are not representative of what anyone will get.

[livingspeedbump]

The case prototypes have finally been completed!

The good news is that they seem to have gotten the "extra bumpy" powdercoating texture close to the originals - especially if you look at the first photo below:

**Please disregard the colors in the photos; they are not at all what you will get.

The colors and white balance are way off in these photos, so please take the photos with a grain of salt. The prototypes should get here in the next week or two and I will take many photos too and hopefully open up orders then

(Attachment Link)
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Wow. 

[user 18]

Looks beautiful! Excited to see the complete prototypes!

[livingspeedbump]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

straight away without haste  .

So at regular speed then.

hahaha.

what color case is everyone getting?

Definitely industrial grey.

[Bevo]

F77 prototype case photos will hopefully be forthcoming.

straight away without haste  .

So at regular speed then.

Haha i was going to say the same thing. I think i may purchase mine at regular speed as well.. Or maybe a little bit faster than regular speed

[Elrick]

Definitely industrial grey.

You lot are too picky, since my eyeballs are already sun drenched after years being in the outback, any colour would suit me.

Just as long the whole keyboard is adjusted for perfection Ellipse shall get my money no matter what.  He looks to be a realistic individual with no illusions of grandeur and looks to deliver on his promise of making and shipping Model-F keyboards for anyone that wants one.

Certainly thus far, he is head and shoulders above any Korean Fantasist Dealer  .

[romevi]

yes rowdy it will truly be a special day when these arrive in the mail!

I posted earlier about a small demand for a smaller style case that is less wide - an additional alternative case design. There is a lot of empty space in the original cases.

Here is a rough prototype of the alternative case. No one will get this case unless they request it!

Please note that this alternative case will not be the one offered primarily for this project, but just a low volume alternative version for those who want a smaller form factor case. It will be powdercoated off-white or gray like the originals, or any other Pantone color you specify and if you pay for tooling (could be $100 or so, not sure yet).

The bottom case is reminiscent of the stamped metal bottom case of the F122, while the top case is a curved design like that of the top of a Model M case. The bottom case includes the left and right side "walls" while the top case includes the top and bottom walls. The cases will be attached with four removable screws, like the original.

Personally I prefer the CNC milled original style case as they are bigger, heavier, and more classic looking.

Due to the lower quantities expected for the smaller case, I do not have the minimum quantities to make them with CNC milling, so unfortunately the case had to be redesigned from scratch and simplified.

No need to say you will stay with the original case - I will assume everyone wants the original unless they specify otherwise in the order form. I do welcome feedback though on this design - if you can volunteer another design that does not need to be CNC milled please do post it.

(Attachment Link)
(Attachment Link)

Is it possible to order the regular F77 and get the smaller form case as well?

[ctm]

I think the smaller case look great! I am debating which case to get.

[Ellipse]

Yes romevi you can order both.  you'd need to buy a new bottom inner assembly plate. Everything else would be interchangeable.

[Ir0n]

These are looking great! will we be able to buy every part? Like an extra PCB etc?

[Ellipse]

Yes Ir0n you can order any part you want individually.  So you could order a few parts to be able to switch between split right shift (HHKB style) and regular if you want.

[romevi]

Yes romevi you can order both.  you'd need to buy a new bottom inner assembly plate. Everything else would be interchangeable.

Sweet! Should we PM you to add one or will you offer them separately?

[Ellipse]

romevi I will offer them separately in the order form.

[Ellipse]

The little parts from McMaster-Carr have arrived!  A sampling of screws, foam, bumpers, nuts, washers, etc.  More will be ordered based on what's required and what people indicate in their order forms.

All of their bumpers feel very well-made and should be great for this project.  I personally prefer the cork-rubber bumpers reminiscent of the original XT keyboard.

[EppyKay]

Oh man, these is looking great. I can't wait to put in my order for an industrial F77. I'm tempted to get an F62 too, but I'm not sure if I can justify spending $700 on two keyboards.

Are you still planning on having a meetup to show off the prototypes? I'm also in NYC and would love to see the proto in person. I could bring an F-122 and XT for comparison if needed.

[Ellipse]

Yes it would be great to bring them EppyKay!  I do expect a meetup in Manhattan.

I would recommend ordering and trying out both if you can - you can always sell one after they go out of production.  I am confident these will at least hold their value in the coming years!

[Elrick]

The little parts from McMaster-Carr have arrived!  A sampling of screws, foam, bumpers, nuts, washers, etc.  More will be ordered based on what's required and what people indicate in their order forms.

All of their bumpers feel very well-made and should be great for this project.  I personally prefer the cork-rubber bumpers reminiscent of the original XT keyboard.

(Attachment Link)

Talk about keeping it authentic  .

YES, the Corkie's look great, might have to buy some for my F77.

[Ellipse]

The silver-colored labels have arrived and they look great!  Here is the first draft of the label design:

[Elrick]

The silver-colored labels have arrived and they look great!  Here is the first draft of the label design:

(Attachment Link)

This is what makes this keyboard, 100% authentic. Can't wait to see an F77 all finished and ready to be sold on your future website  .

[cooldiscretion]

The silver-colored labels have arrived and they look great!  Here is the first draft of the label design:

(Attachment Link)

I assume ID NO will increment with each keyboard or is that for revisions of the design?
I like the zero based indexing here. hehe

[Ellipse]

Yep that number goes up one per keyboard.  The zeroes are the prototype units.

[ApocalypseMaow]

Oh so good... Well done ellipse!!!

[ctm]

.

[Melvang]

Are all the parts made in China?

If not can we get country of origin on the rest of the parts?