What's easier to find/mod, a Model M or a Model F?

[The_Beast]

I had an idea, but I don't want to drop a ton of cash on it. So what's easier to find and mod, a model M or a model F? Or should I start with parts from unicomp?


Keep in mind, I can solder but I cannot code for the life of me.

[Krogenar]

I see Model M's all over eBay -- some busted, some in great condition. You could get one pretty easily. I don't see a lot of Model F's, however. Depending on what you plan to do, if you need lots of space I would say use a terminal Model M, the ones with the 122 keys -- lots of space in that case.

So... what's your plan? 

EDIT: Unicomp is usually very good with ordering extra parts. I ordered an entire set of keycaps from them and they fit fine. Well, one key was a little deformed, but overall they were fine.

[wcass]

even Unicomp can not get you most model F parts, so M is much easier and less expensive to mod.
 
i have a fair amout of experience modding both - if i knew more about what you were trying to do i might be able to give specific advice.

[Krogenar]

if i knew more about what you were trying to do i might be able to give specific advice.

... and it would be a lot easier for us to steal your idea, too!

Just joking. Seriously, what do you plan on doing? My own dream is to put some sort of laser light projector inside the case of a 122 key Model M keyboard and use it to project a very minimalist green-light command line display. It will never work, but I can dream.

[The_Beast]

60% BS board. I've seen it done and it was mentioned earlier today got me thinking

[Computer-Lab in Basement]

60% BS board. I've seen it done and it was mentioned earlier today got me thinking

Ooh, that's a good idea... although I've never heard of anyone making a 60% BS board before.  I've only heard of people modding Model Ms to turn them into "ghetto" SSKs.

[rknize]

If you are modding the hardware, then you want to go with M.  Lots of boards and parts available.

[dorkvader]

Keep in mind that model F's have individual barrels in a metal plate, so they're easier to change the layouts, etc. in. IN a model M, you're stuck with cutting the barrel plate to size and keeping the keyspacing. just something to consider. Still, model F PCB's operate on black magic, so maybe it's best to go with the M on this one (but putting M guts and F barres together can be the best, perhaps.

[The_Beast]

Keep in mind that model F's have individual barrels in a metal plate, so they're easier to change the layouts, etc. in. IN a model M, you're stuck with cutting the barrel plate to size and keeping the keyspacing. just something to consider. Still, model F PCB's operate on black magic, so maybe it's best to go with the M on this one (but putting M guts and F barres together can be the best, perhaps.

I wasn't going to change layout, I was going to keep it pretty much stock...


cept in 60% form

[fohat.digs]

For a long time, I thought that my dream was to have a dead-stock ANSI Model M except with Model F switches.

After using an F-122 for a year, I am totally in love with function keys on the left, so what else is there? Slice off that top row of function keys (F13-F24) that I use for media keys, windows, etc? And I would also now have trouble loving a keyboard that weighed less than a 6-pack of beer.

Although swapping springs and barrels on a Model F is easy, the availability of everything Model M makes that the obvious choice.