Author Topic: New to the hobby - My First Model F… (Read 4333 times)

BSJunky · « **on:** Sun, 15 May 2016, 23:31:41 »

I don’t think I could be any happier with a material object than I am with the IBM Model F XT that I just got working a a few days ago. This is just an amazing piece of machinery! Will I ever even be able to enjoy “regular” (membrane) buckling springs again? What about other switch types? I have also tried Cherry MX Blues and Matias Quiet - they are very nice, but nothing like this… where do I even go from here? Am I spoiled for life?

Senior hobbyists: please advise!

-BSJ

klennkellon · « **Reply #1 on:** Sun, 15 May 2016, 23:42:54 »

Topre.

Melvang · « **Reply #2 on:** Sun, 15 May 2016, 23:43:33 »

There really isn't much more you can do. From there, I have aquired an F AT and modded it to where the number pad is a 4x5 matrix to allow full number pad functionality, along with arrows. I have also floss modded it with paracord core strands, and removed it from the case and mounted it in my desk.

After that, no, M to me doesn't feel good. I would rather type on linears with MX clear springs than M.

chyros · « **Reply #3 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 02:16:15 »

In terms of switch feel, the Model F is absolutely top-tier, it's highly unlikely you'll ever enjoy another clicky switch again. Maybe beam spring or blue Alps, but that's it pretty much xD .

The XT's layout is horrendous though, so maybe you'll want to change to an F AT or F122, both of which can be ANSI-modded if you're so inclined.

y11971alex · « **Reply #4 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 02:25:46 »

Welcome to the Model F club. :3

E TwentyNine · « **Reply #5 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 06:02:58 »

Quote from: klennkellon on Sun, 15 May 2016, 23:42:54

Topre.

)

0100010 · « **Reply #6 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 10:20:10 »

Maybe an F107 for a better layout.

1391406 · « **Reply #7 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 11:03:57 »

If you can live with the XT's layout, awesome. The next step might be Beamspring.

BSJunky · « **Reply #8 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 21:47:58 »

Many thanks for the replies...!

I'm honestly ok with the funky layout so far - remapped the big left-alt to command (for Mac OS,) enabled toggle between arrow keys / num pad and I was pretty much good to go. (Karabiner is pretty amazing!) I'm honestly wondering why people hate the layout so much - is it mainly about not being able to hit the enter key with pinky for touch-typists? Can't say that I would mind owning an example of the other models, though... Especially that enchanting F107!!

I had definitely thought about a beam spring, but just how difficult is it to get one working? (I know nothing whatsoever about electronics - got the XT working with a plug-and-play converter from orihalcon ...)

Oh and please do tell me more about Blue Alps...

--BSJ

demik · « **Reply #9 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 21:59:38 »

Quote

where do I even go from here? Am I spoiled for life?

Quote from: klennkellon on Sun, 15 May 2016, 23:42:54

Topre.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

y11971alex · « **Reply #10 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 22:34:47 »

Quote from: BSJunky on Mon, 16 May 2016, 21:47:58

Many thanks for the replies...!

I'm honestly ok with the funky layout so far - remapped the big left-alt to command (for Mac OS,) enabled toggle between arrow keys / num pad and I was pretty much good to go. (Karabiner is pretty amazing!) I'm honestly wondering why people hate the layout so much - is it mainly about not being able to hit the enter key with pinky for touch-typists? Can't say that I would mind owning an example of the other models, though... Especially that enchanting F107!!

I had definitely thought about a beam spring, but just how difficult is it to get one working? (I know nothing whatsoever about electronics - got the XT working with a plug-and-play converter from orihalcon ...)

Oh and please do tell me more about Blue Alps...

--BSJ

I think it might be more difficult to get one yet. If you get one of the terminal models, xwhatsit's converter takes care of it for you, or so it is said.

orihalcon · « **Reply #11 on:** Mon, 16 May 2016, 23:06:31 »

The nice thing about beamsprings is that they don't require soldering as it sort of plugs into the original PCB. All you need to do is map the keys which is done through Xwhatsit's programming utility which doesn't require any knowledge of programming to do. The bad thing about beamsprings is that maybe one shows up a month, and they tend to go for around $250 to $500 on ebay. Displaywriters use a different xwhatsit controller than the rest, so keep that in mind if you decide to go for one (though I think phosphorglow may still have some of that type). Ellipse has regular beamspring Xwhatsit controllers for sale.

F107's use Xwhatsit's too, but soldering is required. I have some F107's yet with the xWhatsit controller installed if you ever do decide to go with a change of layout, just PM me

Other than the layout, the unique appeal is that the case is all metal on the F107's which make them feel even more solid. They weigh around 10lbs. They also have a piezo clicker in them as well that is unique among Model F's.

1391406 · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 00:03:47 »

Quote from: BSJunky on Mon, 16 May 2016, 21:47:58

I'm honestly wondering why people hate the layout so much

Because the numpad and the rest of the keyboard weren't separated which, in my case, lent itself to typos. I also prefer ANSI keys.

khirin · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 00:26:29 »

IBM model F XT is one of the best feel model F, better than F AT. If you like clicky switch, this is it. Topre is... best in its own league. What can you do next? get another one for parts and spares

Touch_It · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 09:32:10 »

You buy one of every kind of Model F. They are awesome. FWIW, I also like salmon alps switches. Also as other people have mentioned, you could do beampspring. I've heard they are pretty amazing, but I'd imagine ansi/iso layout still makes model f's an almost no-brainer for daily driving for most people.

supamesican · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 12:22:51 »

Personally once I've broken in my fxt and replenished my money I'm going to get an f122, alps blue, and beam spring, one at a time of course. One of those model f k77 remakes too if I can find one when I have the money.

I still enjoy my model M, but its also nothing compared to the F. Cant wait for me sorars converter to get here so I can use it for my gaming/coding build.

pr0ximity · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 13:09:13 »

Beamspring does blow Model F out of the water in terms of feel, but the ergonomics and of them is absolutrly atrocious. My 5251 can be used without a case which reduces the height by like half, but it's not a great solution.

F107 or the other kichy's are the ultimate balance in terms of construction, feeling, and modern utility.

1391406 · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 13:13:40 »

The 122-key Model F is my favorite model. It takes more work to adapt and convert to ANSI, but it's awesome.

1391406 · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 17 May 2016, 13:16:50 »

I'd be super interested in trying Beam Spring, but that layout looks to be a complete deal breaker.

acid2000 · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 10:07:23 »

Typing this on my XT Model F right now, it's my daily driver and has a Model M right next to her. The Model F is better by far.

In case anyone is interested I've attached my Soarer's converter config. It works great to work around the slightly odd layout.

E TwentyNine · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 10:36:08 »

Not my finest creation, but you can do some interesting things with an XT layout if you're willing to cut things:

I had an Enter key off a rubber dome that went over that single enter key (which I seemed to have misplaced). I suppose a repurposed left shift BS key might work better, don't think the barrel spacing was correct. The keyboard just sits in a box now, will likely use it for parts for some future project...

fohat.digs · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 11:07:44 »

I really need to build my XTant. It has been sitting in a box for months waiting on me.

supamesican · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 12:10:04 »

Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 18 May 2016, 11:07:44

I really need to build my XTant. It has been sitting in a box for months waiting on me.

What is that? I may need to get a second xt.

y11971alex · « **Reply #23 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 13:11:29 »

Quote from: supamesican on Wed, 18 May 2016, 12:10:04

Quote from: fohat.digs on Wed, 18 May 2016, 11:07:44
I really need to build my XTant. It has been sitting in a box for months waiting on me.
What is that? I may need to get a second xt.

That's a project to modify the PC/XT keyboard to a more conventional layout, involving new logic and keys.

alienman82 · « **Reply #24 on:** Wed, 18 May 2016, 13:15:07 »

removed.

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Author Topic: New to the hobby - My First Model F… (Read 4333 times)