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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: timw4mail on Tue, 30 June 2009, 09:26:44

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 30 June 2009, 09:26:44

I just want a Model F... but its really hard to find an AT version

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 30 June 2009, 10:29:08

In theory, all Unicomp would have to do is change the length of their springs and possibly elongate the hammer a bit (and obviously adjust the keyboard to accomodate) and it would feel pretty much the same since the capacitve plate doesnt add much except sound. Of course, the odds of Unicomp doing that are pretty limited.

Oh, and here's an AT (http://cgi.ebay.ie/VINTAGE-IBM-Metal-Keyboard-PC-XT-RARE_W0QQitemZ280364236325QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414702be25&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177&_trkparms=240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50#ebayphotohosting) model. It's mislabled as an XT one, but its definitely an AT one (LEDs + backwards-L enter key)

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 30 June 2009, 10:45:43

Quote from: ch_123;100161

Oh, and here's an AT (http://cgi.ebay.ie/VINTAGE-IBM-Metal-Keyboard-PC-XT-RARE_W0QQitemZ280364236325QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item414702be25&_trksid=p3286.m63.l1177&_trkparms=240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50#ebayphotohosting) model. It's mislabled as an XT one, but its definitely an AT one (LEDs + backwards-L enter key)

Oh, that's a Model F?

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 30 June 2009, 10:48:36

Yep. I assume that you were probably thinking of -

(http://www.clickykeyboard.com/2005/ibm_emr/ibm_emr-003.jpg)

Which is the more common XT only version.

(EDIT: The one I linked is a special version for medical equipment, which is why it has the large grey cable, the label saying "EMR" and CTRL and Caps in different positions to the usual Model F places)

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 30 June 2009, 10:52:37

Quote from: ch_123;100169

Yep. I assume that you were probably thinking of -

Show Image

(http://www.clickykeyboard.com/2005/ibm_emr/ibm_emr-003.jpg)

Which is the more common XT only version.

That explains a lot of my confusion. Thanks.

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: ch_123 on Tue, 30 June 2009, 10:59:20

The AT version, unlike practically every other IBM keyboard, had no info on the back of the keyboard, only a barcode and serial number. (see here for example) (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9934/subcatid/0/id/382878) The result is that most people don't know that they're Model Fs and they're more commonly just called PC/AT or AT keyboards. If you are looking for one on eBay, the best thing to search for is "IBM AT keyboard".

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Tue, 30 June 2009, 11:05:32

Quote from: ch_123;100175

The AT version, unlike practically every other IBM keyboard, had no info on the back of the keyboard, only a barcode and serial number. (see here for example) (http://www.clickykeyboards.com/index.cfm/fa/items.main/parentcat/9934/subcatid/0/id/382878) The result is that most people don't know that they're Model Fs and they're more commonly just called PC/AT or AT keyboards. If you are looking for one on eBay, the best thing to search for is "IBM AT keyboard".

Thanks for the tip :thumb:

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: Mercen_505 on Tue, 30 June 2009, 11:24:07

I gotta admit, the model F feels really nice to type on. I think I actually prefer it ever so slightly to the model M... but the XT key layout is horrible, and the AT layout lacks a set of arrow keys, which bums me out. I suppose I could remap the 5,1,2,3 on the numpad to arrows...

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: chimera15 on Wed, 01 July 2009, 16:15:06

Ah that's really interesting.  No wonder I always loved that board.

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 29 July 2009, 13:56:57

Quote from: Mercen_505;100189

I gotta admit, the model F feels really nice to type on. I think I actually prefer it ever so slightly to the model M... but the XT key layout is horrible, and the AT layout lacks a set of arrow keys, which bums me out. I suppose I could remap the 5,1,2,3 on the numpad to arrows...

Agree, the 84-key PC AT keyboard is a great keyboard except for the lack of dedicated arrow keys.

My work around was to get a iOne Scorpius-32 numeric keypad from ergogeek.com.  This is the only numeric keypad I coud find that had both mechanical key switches (Cherry MX Blues) AND a dedicated set of arrow keys in the traditional inverted T shape.

Now I can keep the Numlock engaged on my PC AT keyboard while using the number pad for the arrow keys.  An added bonus is that the number pad has an Enter key under the + key  (like on a Model M number pad).  This makes it faster to enter a long column of numbers.

The ironic thing about using the iONE Scorpius-32 next to my PC AT keyboard is that it makes me realize how much better the buckling spring capacitive contact key switches are vs. the Blue Cherry MX key switches.  They are both clicky, but that's about all they have in common.

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 29 July 2009, 14:09:03

How in the world can you find a Scorpius 32 anymore?

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: Mercen_505 on Wed, 29 July 2009, 14:30:17

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/_Sirocco/nixon_bowl.gif)

Ahh... a nice little IBM shrine. There's an XT as well as an AT F on the left side.

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: maxlugar on Wed, 29 July 2009, 14:40:23

Quote from: timw4mail;105293

How in the world can you find a Scorpius 32 anymore?

I bought two from Jerrry Chen at ergogeek.com a few weeks ago when they had 5 in stock.

I think they are currently out of stock, but he said they expect more to come in.

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: timw4mail on Wed, 29 July 2009, 14:45:28

Quote from: maxlugar;105307

I bought two from Jerrry Chen at ergogeek.com a few weeks ago when they had 5 in stock.

I think they are currently out of stock, but he said they expect more to come in.

Actually found one on ebay new, about $30 w/ shipping, so I guess I'll take that :)

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: Mercen_505 on Wed, 29 July 2009, 15:18:09

That's a ML-4100 up front. I needed something to close the gap ;)

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: Rajagra on Wed, 29 July 2009, 15:25:42

Quote from: Mercen_505;105304

Show Image

(http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b81/_Sirocco/nixon_bowl.gif)

Ahh... a nice little IBM shrine. There's an XT as well as an AT F on the left side.

I hope that's not a mirror on the wall. Keyboard bowling would be frowned upon round these parts.:smile:

Title: The Model F has the perfect key force
Post by: wellington1869 on Wed, 29 July 2009, 15:46:39

Quote from: ripster;105330

My mom still maintains he was framed.  I guess she was right.

funny guy