[GB] F104+SSK+122+62+77+50+Ergo orders now open! Kishsaver+Industrial Model F

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Bluetooth wireless Model F update:

Is anyone interested in making their Model F wireless?

I recently saw a post on this, for the Model M:  https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=29368

Maybe it can be an update or add-on PCB to Rico's Leyden Jar controller or the xwhatsit controller, or a new controller entirely (less convenient as it would require everyone to desolder their current controller). 

The Leyden Jar RP2040-based controller does accept power and signal on its header extension, so something like the Supermini NRF52840 used for the above project may be able to work with a battery.  Ideally, if a PCB is needed it could be designed to be manufacturable by JLCPCB.  If it is powered off the header extension, it might also be helpful to have an extension header on the add-on PCB for a solenoid driver and solenoid (though the battery won't last as long).  The Leyden Jar currently allows one controller to communicate with and power another:  https://github.com/mymakercorner/Leyden_Jar

There are other projects not specific to the Model F that may work but are currently not tested with the Model F:

https://handheldsci.com/kb/
https://sterling-key.com/

https://www.wscome.com/product/wired-keyboard-converted-to-wireless-keyboard-diy-kit/
https://www.wscome.com/product/convert-a-wired-keyboard-to-wireless-keyboard-wbt-v2-wbt2-v4/
https://git.kkozai.com/kenji/pico_ble_hid/
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/1d7c5dc/sterlingkey_a_bluetooth_adapter_to_turn_your/
https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb/comments/sby7k6/diy_bluetooth_qmk_microcontroller/


My guess is that the Model F would require a much larger battery to be able to run for several weeks (15000mah?).  Maybe one of those Lithium iron phosphate batteries of that size could be used. 

[callllll]

Hey all! Recieved my model F122, it's wonderful. Super well built and it looks stunning.

I do have one small issue - compared to either of my model M's, the keys are a bit scratchy, and even the 1U keys can be inconsistent/bind slightly with off-center key presses. I did not find any information in the manual regarding this behavior. I believe this is caused by the keycaps, as I do not have this issue if I install an original Model M key.

Any advice would be appreciated!

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No, I would not characterize Model F keys as scratchier than Model M keys.  Your old keyboard is probably decades old and may be quite smooth after so much usage.

[callllll]

No, I would not characterize Model F keys as scratchier than Model M keys.  Your old keyboard is probably decades old and may be quite smooth after so much usage.

That makes sense. Primary concern is binding with off-center presses. It isn't major, and I'll see if that resolves with continued use!

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For those who have received and started using the new F122 keyboards:

Please email me with feedback on how things are going.  As always, make sure you're running the latest firmware (I think 5/19/25 is the latest?) which fixes potential issues with key ghosting, etc.

Is the F122's RP2040-based Leyden Jar controller better able to handle KVM switches, USB hubs, USB extension cables, etc.?  I recall that these caused issues for some xwhatsit controller-powered keyboards.

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Here's a nice article on the 40th anniversary of the Model M keyboard this year:  https://www.pcgamer.com/hardware/gaming-keyboards/the-keyboard-that-all-other-keyboards-copied-turns-40-this-year-heres-how-the-ibm-model-ms-legacy-lives-on-today/

And here is the latest update from someone who got Bluetooth working with their new Model F keyboard, which uses Rico's RP2040-based Leyden Jar controller:

"I was able to get this https://www.amazon.com/Ruitutedianzi-Bluetooth-Converter-Keyboard-Wireless/dp/B0DP6WTZY4/ Bluetooth adapter to work on this Leyden Jar board, whereas my xwhatsit based restored IBM F122 does not register any keypresses with it. The Handheld Scientific BT-500 does not work with either controller, but does at least register double keypresses with the Leyden Jar. I don’t have their updated BT-600 to test with.  According to my in-line USB meter, the BT adapter and keyboard idles at 26mA (with all LEDs on, each consuming ~1mA). With the solenoid at factory settings, I’ve seen it peak at 189mA – but the ~1s sampling rate makes this a very rough estimate.

Using an average 2000mAh 18650 Li-ion cell, I would guess we’d get ~76 hours (or as little as 10 with the solenoid and constant firing)."  In other words, one month of battery life with a 20000mah battery.

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Now that the backlog of F122's is done and we are just waiting on boards with orders in August and Everything After (!) (as well as the Round 2 beam spring boards), I will be proceeding with the pad printed Model F PBT keycap project.  Due to poor quality I had to switch factories.  Below is the new factory sample.  This company is one of the largest keyboard manufacturers in the world.

Based on feedback with a focus on durability instead of authenticity to original standards, these keycaps will be using the highest quality abrasion-resistant inks offered by a major manufacturer, as well as a protective coating on top of each legend, with a slight margin of safety.  The original IBM M13 boards were known to wear more quickly as they had no protective coating.  While this reduces originality it should greatly increase durability.

Please disregard the lack of alignment for these test prints; the production keys will have normal alignment.


Below is a photo from the first batch of combined Apple/Mac Text and Icon keys, which are now in stock and available to order. 


Apologies that both photos are slightly out of focus for parts of the image. 

As always please sign the following interest forms if interested and if you have not done so already:

Pad Printed keys interest form:  https://forms.gle/Md7p5oA8zySy6pkG7

2025 Model F Project Interest Form for new designs:  https://forms.gle/c9cSCCmsDhZk4ZDR6

ISO Black, Industrial SSK Blue, Dark Gray Key Sets, Big Enter Keys, Code Keys Interest Form:  https://forms.gle/cDDypmZii6ihxgDY8

And with permission I am sharing a nice image of the Quebec CSA key set: