Questing for my new keyboard

[Vizir]

Currently I'm using a Filco Majestouch-2 TKL Otaku with Browns. For 2 years it has served me well, but now I am craving a more tactile and clicky one. I think I've settled on getting an IBM Model M or F. I have used the M in my university days but this was a while ago.

My ideal keyboard would be the F's capacitive B/S with cherry mx compatible dsa keycaps in 70% or even 60% form factor.

I'm now torn between the F and M. Here's what it all boils down to

Pros for F:
* apparently best of the clickys and feel
* could use Matt3o's cherry mod (if it works) since M and F keys are the same
Cons for F:
* harder to source
* have to find the 122 model (its closer to modern keyboards)
* soarer's mod

Pros for M:
* slightly heavier feel (i think i prefer the heavier switches)
* could use Matt3o's cherry mod
* could be cut up easier to get into a TKL form factor
* easier to source (and pre-cleaned, bolt modded etc)
Cons for M:
* not as clicky as the F
*

it looks as though the M is winning so far. Any thoughts?

edit:
How is this item for its price? http://www.ebay.com/itm/291267210647
Would Soarer's work on this model?

[0100010]

F definitely beats M as far as feel goes, but there is nothing wrong with an M.  My current daily diver is a Unicomp M - just fine in its own right but it doesn't hold a candle compared to an 87 M122 that I have (and both are a different than the 83 F that I have).

Before buying that F on ebay - I would check "The List" though.

[Hypersphere]

I was very happy for years with a full-size IBM Model M. At some point, I decided I wanted a TKL form factor, and I was lucky to find an SSK in great condition. Then I rediscovered the Model F. I found an XT for $51 on eBay. It worked with Hagstrom's converter out of the box, but I decided to refurbish it anyway. So, I sanded and repainted the barrel plate, replaced the foam layer, installed a Teensy and Soarer's converter, installed a case-mounted USB connector, cleaned the case and keycaps, and remapped the board to a hybrid ANSI/Mac/HHKB layout. To reflect the remapping, I replaced some caps with ones I had harvested from M122 boards or purchased from Unicomp. The layout still has something to be desired, but it works for me, and I much prefer typing on the XT over typing on my Model M boards.

Having said all this, I also discovered Topre switches along the way, and I have to admit that now I spend more time on my RF 87ub 55g than on any of my buckling spring keyboards.

[hwood34]

F's certainly have a sturdier, heavier feel and are a little nicer, but if you want one with a usable layout you're going to have to shell out quite a bit more than an M, but there's also nothing wrong with M's, they're both great boards

[remdell]

I wouldn't be so invested in the mx compatible keycaps just yet.  It's not in large production and is still in the alpha phase.

Although this is obvious and that you may already know this, you should also consider that the Model F's layout isn't as true to the Filco.  Like me, you may never get use to the one unit spacebar or the small enter of the Model F's.  Most 122 key model F's have the iso enter and are much larger than the form factor you desire.  If you really want a Model F, you should consider getting the 84 key model (if you can tolerate the one unit backspace) and reprogramming the numpad to be like a tenkeyless.  However, I think you'd be golden with just the Model M SSK.  It's 60%, and you can bolt mod it for stability.  This is what I recommend if you can't get your hands on a kishsaver or unsaver.

[Touch_It]

my preference on keyboard feel from "worst" to best.

IBM M

IBM M2

IBM F.

Can't go wrong either way.

[Vizir]

I do plan to get a Topre (Looking at the RF 87 55g). So thats next on my list. For now I was hoping to pick up a clean F or M.

Why do you prefer the M2 over the M, Touch_It?

[Touch_It]

I do plan to get a Topre (Looking at the RF 87 55g). So thats next on my list. For now I was hoping to pick up a clean F or M.

Why do you prefer the M2 over the M, Touch_It?

I will add as a disclaimer that I own a terminal M but have never used one in real world as mine isn't converted yet.

Few things.  I'm actually not sure on the travel distance of the keys but key caps are lower profile witch I happen to to like.

The second thing is that the key strokes feel different.  Maybe more crisp is the word?  Also the sound they make is different from the model M in a good way.  Slightly more pingy and less dull than a M, but not near as much as a F.

The last thing, witch surprises me is its size weight.  I normally like large and in charge keyboards but this is really small and light compared even to an M, witch I do like.

There are negatives though about the M2.  Capacitors on the controller are almost always bad and need replaced (mine aren't).  The stabilizers on the keys are plastic and break very easily.

The thing is a nightmare to take apart and put back together.  So much so that I had a hammer that didn't sit right on my tab key and it goes crazy.  I opted to disable the key and re-map it as opposed to opening the sucker back up.

With all that aside though it is pleasant to type on.

[terrpn]

bang for the buck try to grab a decent M..........there everywhere, parts are available, unicomp is great to deal with and offer a lot of different keycaps these days

F's, AT's, etc of course do feel better to type on, but are a little harder to source and you need the converter for an F

people are selling SSK's at reasonable prices here all the time

i'm not sure i agree with M's not being as clicky. F's, AT's are probably more crisp..........., but my M's are pretty nice and clicky. grant it i took apart and cleaned, repaired, one, my SSK came refurbed, bolt modded and my 139131 is still NIB.

there is nothing like having a big honking M sitting on your desk, typing away and hear the charm that comes from it.

bach, mozart would be jealous.......

[Vizir]

Yes, I was aware of the capacitor issue on the M2, which is why I asked.

I think at this point I'm going to find a cheap M and clean it out and use it until I find a kishaver 62 or ssk. And of course the topre 55g next. The F might remain a long term goal in case I come across a good one.

[Oobly]

Don't forget the Model M's 2KRO matrix. It may not be an issue for you if you only type with it, but if you plan to game with it it might.

[Vizir]

I keep hearing mixed things about the M's 2kro. So all M's are 2kro?

edit: so, its only the F's which have NKRO. The membranes are at best 2KRO.

[Touch_It]

For what its worth I game on my M2 with 2KRO.  Been playing Skyrim mostly splattered with a bit of BL2 and Dragon Age Origins.  No issues.  Can't comment on FPS because I haven't played any since I started using it, but unless you are super hardcore I don't think you would have any issues.

[SonOfSonOfSpock]

Have you considered an ALPS or Matias board? You mentioned a smaller form factor being ideal. Matias makes 75% boards and they have switches that are more tactile and clicky than the browns you are used to.

[Vizir]

Have you considered an ALPS or Matias board? You mentioned a smaller form factor being ideal. Matias makes 75% boards and they have switches that are more tactile and clicky than the browns you are used to.

i have. but i am not sure about alps... between matias being the only source and from what i've read having bad reviews on amazon (for unknown reasons). i was thinking of picking up a model f/m (am leaning towards f now, if i can find a decent 122), and getting a hhkb and modding it to 55g.

i might have to wait on alps/greens/blues until i'm done with these two and finally get around to making an ergodox or axiom/nexus to release and then being able to choose multiple keys based on function. i was thinking along the lines of using greens for alpha, blues for function keys (or pinky keys) and blacks/reds for shift/control/alt.

[Vizir]

just bought a hhkb pro2 white blanks from hcry4 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=64515.0). now to get a RF 55g from EK. i plan to mod the hhkb to 55g then give the 45/55g RF to my significant other. and if she doesn't like it, i might put it up for sale. any reason to choose black vs white? the only 2 models available are:
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se18t0
http://www.elitekeyboards.com/products.php?sub=topre_keyboards,rftenkeyless&pid=rf_se08t0