IBM Model F 122-key terminal review (capacitive buckling springs)

Skip to 13:44 for a typing demonstration.
Orihalcon's active converters for sale: www.ebay.co.uk/...
A review of my IBM Model F "battleship". Incredibly huge and heavy, it's fantastic to type on. This video took me a lot longer to make than my other reviews; I hope you enjoy it! :)
Thanks to José and some annoying physicist for helping me on the capacitive mechanism.
Film stills and soundtrack at the start are from "2001: A Space Odyssey".
The practice sentence was: "Hello my name is Thomas and I'm typing on an IBM Model F 122-key "battleship" right now. This thing is divine to type on, and the ping is strong with this one. I'm loving it! the end".

[@RyanHDR]

I have two USB-converted Model F 122's that I bought largely because of these videos. One for home and one for the office, so no matter where I'm at, I'm typing on the best keyboard in the world (IMO). Surprisingly, I don't get too many complaints from co-workers! One of the keyboards was actually manufactured on my birthday, 4 years before I was born. I didn't even notice this when purchasing the board. It was definitely meant to be.

[@BokBarber]

Something interesting about the Model F from the Deskthority Q&A with Richard Hunter Harris, inventor of the capacitive buckling spring design, was that its inherent N-Key rollover wasn't some fluke. At that time IBM required that their switches have N-key rollover, and it was a considerable constraint on how they could implement designs. IBM also dictated that any clicky noise the switch made had to coincide exactly with the make or break of electrical contact, and no make or break of electrical contact could happen outside of these clicky noises. Without these constraints we may have never wound up with the capacitive buckling spring or Beamspring keyboard designs as we know them.

[@dhoffnun]

That's not a keyboard... it's a bludgeon. If I ever develop a first person shooter, it will take place in an 80's office building, and this will be what your character pulls out when you press the 1 key.

[@Chyrosran22]

DO ITTTTTT 8)

[@or-what]

Make a point capture mode where the team with the most controlled terminals wins

[@mikhailgorbachev3721]

David Hoffnung have them go to a server controlling nukes and place down the keyboard to blow up the planet when they type the channel name.

[@nombreapellido2211]

Perhaps there could be various lines of keyboards the player could choose from: dome-with-slider, Cherry switch, Alps switch, or IBM buckling spring. You could also introduce the concept of computers, through which the player can access various helpful programs such as security camera footage, etc. However, all of the computers are used with Sejin-Electron SKR-1032 keyboards by default, so should the player have a keyboard in his/her arsenal, he/she can use that keyboard instead to access the computer, with the speed at which the player can execute commands/programs increasing with the quality of the keyboard. Afterwards, the player can pick up both keyboards and use the crappy default keyboard as a throwing weapon.

[@madduxtroy8619]

Pro trick : you can watch movies on instaflixxer. I've been using them for watching loads of movies recently.

[@Judgment89]

Typing this comment on the Model F 122. This video inspired me to hunt one down on ebay. Been a happy owner for almost a year now. Really great purchase.

[@Happytylermovieproducction]

Judgment89 how hard is it to find a Model F122? Since Model M is Expensive enough and don't even think about finding a beamspring IBM

[@xander1052]

hard, but not impossible, found two, one for €400 and another that was probably even more, since it was new old stock, as long as you have a large wallet, its not too bad, at least it isn't a beamspring.

[@ZILtoid1991]

I want one too, but all of them have the shipping more expensive than the board itself. It's nearly impossible to hunt down a proper mechanical keyboard in my country since keyboards are the first thing people skimp out on, and most keyboards are preferred to have the Hungarian layout over any resemblance of quality, which is good for the average people to type their Facebook posts in Hungarian (as it has those heavy metal letters cool with the kids), but a nightmare to programming due to the lack of easily accessible curly brackets and shit feel. At least I can easily switch between US English and HU layout with the Win+space key combination.

[@WithTheGrain]

László Szerémi Unicomp 122

[@neokixxx]

Did you just say "Jesus tap-dancing Christ?" I learn new expressions everyday... I love your review btw.

[@DavidWonn]

This was my favorite keyboard, hooked up to an AS/400 in past jobs. Even when they moved on from the old dumb terminals, I requested to have one similar, but the knockoffs never compared.

[@BiscuitFever]

That fucking intro lmao

[@Chyrosran22]

+BiscuitFever Haha glad you liked it, I was hoping people would get the reference :) .

[@Chyrosran22]

Haha cool :) .

[@stevebez2767]

If only hed fucking key fanfare on the common with it the yap yak yak key tat

[@SneakyRobb]

I have several of this keyboard. I love many aspects of it. One of them being the rigidity. The amount of thick steel gives the keyboard no wobble or creak. At no point do I feel like I'm pressing the frame down when I type. I have many other boards that are amazing. but if you press a button, you feel slight distortion of the plastic mounting frames. This is the best keyboard.

[@Chyrosran22]

+SneakyRobb I agree, it is easily among my favourites. It's got size, weight, presence. It commands respect just from its looks. And the typing feel is amazing :D .

[@mike52787]

+SneakyRobb If you have several, would you be interested in selling me one? This is pretty much my dream keyboard and will definitely beat my model f pc or my model m.

[@cheeseburger7889]

can i please have one if you have any nowa days please

[@nickaa827]

4 kilos, that's as much as a small child lmao

[@abhinvra]

You gotta care for it like one xD

[@Happytylermovieproducction]

Nick Alexander it a size of an infant

[@protheu5]

Ah, the basic Imperial unit, "small child"

[@gttarus1]

I coded a lot of JCL and Cobol on one of these over twenty years ago connected to an IBM 3278 terminal. The place I worked was an IBM mainframe shop.

[@grappydingus]

All astronauts get a bit wobbly after they've had one too many at the space bar.

[@ChaoticRenny]

"Jesus tap dancing christ" I died.

[@cat-em3mj]

m 2

[@babylfsh]

Model F AT is a really unfortunate name

[@louisgarbour2737]

It's a fitting name though.. Man I love it so much

[@eppicshotgun1281]

LMAO its not THICC its F A T

[@lennydidthat]

I felt as though I was being physically assaulted during the typing demonstration. 5 stars.

[@BokBarber]

I have one of these behemoths on the way to my house right now, mostly due to your reviews. I spent months tracking listings on ebay (these things are not cheap!) and ultimately got one at an OK price by buying an entire IBM 3180 AS/400 terminal that happened to include a Model F. This was cheaper than any listing I'd seen for the keyboard alone. The high shipping cost was mitigated by the fact that the seller accepted my lowest lowball offer, and I'm hoping to recoup most of the keyboard cost by relisting the other parts of the terminal. As someone who loves the Model M and has never used a Model F, I'm really excited for this keyboard.

[@Chyrosran22]

You'll love it, I'm sure :) .

[@BokBarber]

It's five years later. Still using it, and haven't experienced a better feeling keyboard yet.

[@quadruple_negative]

I remember using one of these on the catalog terminals at the local library when I was small. I thought the plinky spring sounds were a beeper in the PS/2 style green phosphor display!

[@jackfrasiercomedy5942]

Thanks for making all htese vids. I'm looking for a mechanical keyboard and seeing all these old ones gives me the perspective on finding the feel I found in all the older keyboards I've used in my early days. I really want a nice, crispy, chunky, clicky feel and I'm really trying to find the keyboards I used to use. While the new stuff is nice, and I might end up going with a Razer (Green) or Corsair (blue switches), I really am looking for the feel of an old keyboard which none of the new ones can reproduce. The corsair doesn't even offer the blue switches in it's most high-end model for some odd reason. So, I've decided to hit up a few old recycling centers and second-hand stores to find some old switches. Thanks for making these vids! Your vids are such brilliance!

[@Chyrosran22]

Thank you :) . If you're looking for a proper, crisp keyfeel, don't buy Razer or Cherry or any MX-style switches ;p .

[@jackfrasiercomedy5942]

Well, I still like the rgb colors, macro keys, and other little features. I'm still in the research phase and open to any suggestions. I may get a high end gaming board anyway, but still find a nice keyboard I can use and modify with nice older switches.

[@Chyrosran22]

In my humble opinion, nothing on the market at the moment that has these features has great switches. You may have to decide between the two.

[@jackfrasiercomedy5942]

Yes, that's the way it's turning out. At least I can find an older keyboard and have some fun with it. I wonder if you know if the key caps on cherry mx and razer are interchangeable? I'm betting the switches from old computers are not. I was a commodore kid and am looking for some original side chips as well.

[@MarkBTomlinson]

Imposing as fuck sums this up beautifully. What a wonderful piece of engineering.

[@awhooley]

I am typing this comment with my model f :)

[@dkgreek]

Me too.

[@ragnarw.eliansson5299]

Damn. This one is with a 1992 M. Up for repair though, I have a pre lock indicator LED 1986 model M, heavy and of course with the metal emblem on the right, as opposed to the left plastic sticker of later models.

[@Mikotti]

Yay me too!

[@Forge5894]

Excellent review of this high quality keyboard, thank you for posting it!

[@javiclase]

1986 just happens to be the best year in history.

[@OttoVonGarfield]

Will you ever be doing a look at the Unicomp 122 keyboards for a comparison?

[@Chyrosran22]

If I ever get one xD .

[@LangleyNA]

@@Chyrosran22 Hello, Chyrosran22. I remain interested as others in your review and comparison of Unicomp PC122 model keyboard to the IBM comparables.

[@Adamsnadler214]

Michael Compton same here

[@niko1u426]

i love the 2001 refference

[@233kosta]

This is probably the last keyboard I'll ever buy for my main rig :D The only mod I think it needs are home keys from a model M (with homing bumps), it's a feature I really miss on my F-XT but I don't want to spoil that one with two-part key caps. Since the battleship already has two-part key caps I think I'll get away with using the same key stems and just replacing the top parts. Coincidentally, I happen to have a Unicomp 122-key from 2013 which I've more or less restored which I'd be willing to lend you for a week (or a few).

[@popenieafantome9527]

Maybe something like tiny rubber feet on center of key might work for homing bumps. Or for something slimmer, maybe some kind of sticker. Best to cut into an elongated oval. Rounded shape will help keep it in place as any sharp conner might get caught on your fingertips and peel off. If you don’t like it, it should be simple enough to clean off.

[@233kosta]

@@popenieafantome9527 Turns out by that point they were already making these with two-part keycaps so I went ahead and err... "borrowed" a few from a model M. Saying that, I'm pretty sure the key stems are identical too. My F122 feels a little bit lighter, but also noticeably scratchier than my F-XT. Nothing I couldn't live with, mind you, it still wipes the floor with nearly everything else I've used, it's just not quite as refined as the XT.

[@CleoKawisha-sy5xt]

this video is classic, so good

[@crazycanadian7223]

What a coincidence, I'm getting my battleship in a couple days. Needs a clean, but every key has a legend - not a single blank keycap in sight. Also, interestingly enough, it was apparently made in Don Mills, Canada, which is neat. Can't wait to give those switches a go.

[@Chyrosran22]

+Crazy Canadian You'll like them, I all but guarantee it ;) . F122s with legends on all keys are somewhat rare from what I've seen - nice! :)

[@AmitDhaduk]

Your voice is likes Hollywood's movie king

[@Saanichian]

What a racket that thing makes!

[@lucidmoses]

Man if unicomp had one of those in ANSI with a T-Nav and the windows keys in the more normal place I'd order one Today!

[@saltyroe3179]

When used with an IBM 3270 series terminal the F keys were programmable as were the blank keys. IBM developed standard functions for F1 to F12 so they added another 12 F keys. I read the book on programming the keys and decided not to do it.

[@JulianOwens]

[@Neightr0]

I've seen cash registers with ISO enters often here in North America. Maybe it's to prevent the key being pressed during important operations? Speaking of which, it would be neat for you to try reviewing a cash register keyboard sometime. Don't they come with Cherry MX Black switches pretty often?

[@ReFlectiveMan]

Up until really recently, my job had a ton of terminals with these keyboards. I wanted to keep one, but they wouldn't allow it, they all had to be destroyed for some reason.

[@VeteranJuggernog]

ugh my local canadian tire uses one of these for signing to your shift. Granted, it seemed like they were using msdos on the computer. (there where several model f's and m's piled up beside the table aswell)

[@Happytylermovieproducction]

I will be badass in front of my friend that use cherry mx. Because this one have 24 function key so that 12 macro key right there. Also M and F122 is my favorite because it look like Battleship.

[@BokBarber]

In the five years since this review, the price of these keyboards has gone way up. Even so, this is still worth considering as a summit board. Even better if you can find or afford the tenkeyless version. I've been typing on an F122 for about five years, and despite the fact that it's a monstrous desk eating tankasauraus, it's worth the sacrifice for a Model F with a near modern layout. I keep trying to replace it. I dream of having a modern looking desktop with some actual space... but the model F keys are so addicting to type on. It never winds up on the sidelines for long.

[@jackmartin6502]

I found a 2005 Unicomp one for $20 at a convention the other day. It's a weird keyboard, but it's the best deal I'll probably ever get in my life. $20 for a mechanical is insane, let alone this absolute beast.

[@smwsmwsmw]

@@jackmartin6502Unicomp never made model Fs, what you have is a model M. As of this writing, Model F Labs is making a 104/105 key model F. It's not cheap, but neither is the Battleship. And you get a standard key layout. They're also offering a 122+ key model F, with added ESC key, windows keys, and properly spaced out function keys. AND they're making beam spring keyboards as well. I've no connection with them, and don't own any of their keyboards, but I think the project is interesting.

[@jackmartin6502]

You're completely right. What I had found was a PC-122, I don't really know why I thought it was a Model M.

[@smwsmwsmw]

@@jackmartin6502 A PC-122 IS a Model M. It''s not a Model F, which is what this video was about. The only keyboard that Unicomp makes that isn't a model M is the Quiet Touch, which is currently unavailable.

[@jackmartin6502]

I meant Model F. I don't know why I thought it was a Model F, lol. A Model M has been my daily driver since July and I could immediately tell from the feel of the springs.@@smwsmwsmw

[@NLind]

Saw one of these at a Goodwill years ago that had an LCD (probably 2x40) to the right of the top F keys. But it didn't have the backplate, Still should have gotten it. I do have the Model M version but it has the 2-level legs. It sounds more like your M than the F. I'll probably pick up a true F sometime.

[@bitmapper2853]

I've never seen one like that.

[@larrymarso4492]

Would you recommend the f-122 beam spring version coming out from model f keyboards?

[@charles-vi7qb]

man this intro should have been saved for the beamspring keyboard

[@dx398]

Nice video, but had to down vote since you hit the space bar with your index finger.

[@asdf-th4jj]

Do you have a background in EE? Your understanding of the circuits was impressive!

[@Chyrosran22]

No, but I am a scientist, that does help :) .

[@johanb.7869]

If I remember the key caps on the older keyboards were bigger than today's key caps.

[@adape0884frank]

I went to a SEARS repair shop and they were still using one of these on an old MSDOS program.

[@jacobhotaling8959]

I'd get them a compatible model m intrade for the f

[@DavidWonn]

Let me guess, was it an 80- or 132-column display mostly with green text? Looks can be deceiving. What may have looked like DOS on the surface was more likely a connection to a midframe or mainframe. I’ve used this very model of keyboard connected to IBM AS/400s, generally paired to text terminal displays that resemble old CRT monitors. They’re mostly dumb terminals, but the real processing power lies in the midframe or mainframe they’re connected to.

[@olafandrea933]

bummed out that the two rows on the left don't send any signal. Would have loved to map functions to those. I guess there's still the new Unicomp one.

[@TwilightHourglass]

I actually have a 122 key model M and the left side does send scancodes. I'm not sure whether his keyboard is broken, or if the model F 122 key doesn't send the scancodes. If those keys have legends then you would think they did something right?

[@misionodisea]

Boy, I sure would LOVE to get one for my Windows 10 PC, too bad that it is a pain to get them working on a modern computer, especially if they lack a PS/2 port (Luckily, mine has one, don't know how much will it help, though). I'm quite happy right now with my USB Unicomp Model M, it's got few miles in it for the moment and it's very good overall, but I wish I can one day find AND afford THIS, the best of the best!

[@Chyrosran22]

Nah, you can buy a ready-made USB converter for them. Not cheap, though.

[@misionodisea]

Ah, true! I already checked the link you supplied and it looks tempting. But first I would need to get one of these keyboards, of course. And I understand why it isn't cheap, especially if you want to keep the keyboard as unmodified as possible.

[@Chyrosran22]

LAAATV The seller makes high-quality products, but he knows he's the only one selling the stuff he sells, and prices his wares accordingly.

[@conanyoon]

Hi, I'm really enjoying your videos. Thank you so much. Can you let me know the model name of the Acer keyboard from 5:30? It sounds also very nice.

[@Chyrosran22]

Thanks! :) That's my Acer KB-101A, my favourite keyboard :) .

[@normandolph6823]

I don't see a CAPS LOCK nor NUM LOCK Led... did anyone ever build a hardware or software widget to solve this problem?

[@nikelquint]

my IBM QuiteWriter sounds exactly the same as the model F

[@jerp1367]

mine too. It is not capacitive, but is like the F, in which there are longer and thinner springs and larger flipper. Still a membrane design, but great for showing people what a model F feels and sounds like

[@mr.nobody6829]

I spot a model f without the two upper rows of function keys and it uses a serial port cable.

[@krnivoro1972]

You are wrong about the left cluster of keys. Those keys can be mapped. At least with Soarer's Converter.

[@Chyrosran22]

They don't send scan codes, though :p . And it's not just this one, another battleship I own has the same thing.

[@krnivoro1972]

Maybe I'm confusing things...If you "hid_listen" it, you have some code output, which can be remapped with the same USB Converter, like Soarer's.

[@manuelnavarrofernandez2484]

Hi Thomas ! I would like asking you the following two questions, 1) Wich is the brand of the cables/converters that you make reference to ? 2) I have understood in the video that the top Function keys cluster is fully programmable through the cable/converter but the left Function keys cluster is not programmable at all. Not even with the cable/converter or through Karabiner-Elements for Mac computers because they don' t register any keycode, right ? How is that possible ? Congrats for this wonderful video that you have the gesture of gifting to the community !!! We don' t have any other way of access this "classified" information, hahaha... THANKS ! ;-)

[@matthewhall6288]

I know I'm late, but here goes. The converter he's using is a Soarer's converter made just for these IBM terminals. Orihalcon sells them on eBay. The keys in the left-hand func cluster do send scan codes. You need a program called HID-Listen to see them though. You can then program the converter and they function just like the other keys.

[@manuelnavarrofernandez2484]

@@matthewhall6288 Thanks Matthew !!!

[@matthewhall6288]

@@manuelnavarrofernandez2484 You're welcome. Enjoy your keyboard.

[@mr.nobody6829]

The part No. is 6052141 and the lay out is different; it has additional function keys on the right side in between the Num pad and the main sector of the keyboard. You can use the part No.google out the picture if you want. I'd like to know what you think about the collectibility of the keyboard thank you.

[@Chyrosran22]

+Mr. Nobody That's the "Blue Button IBM" board. I don't have one of them myself. They're pretty funky though.

[@mr.nobody6829]

Yes, I've done some research just now; it's a IBM Model F 3104 terminal keyboard, if you like to you can check it out here deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Model_F

[@supertoasting1011]

Wow, I want one of these. I have a Model M, I can't imagine buckling springs being much better. The 2KRO is annoying in games too.

[@Chyrosran22]

+Andrew Dias NKRO is fairly overrated in games, actually, I've found. Most of the time you're fine without it. Anyway, you'll find there really is a big difference ;) .

[@supertoasting1011]

The 2KRO on the Model M actually does interfere with my gaming. In Team Fortress 2, I cannot walk forward, reload, and voice chat at the same time, it's a little frustrating sometimes since I communicate with my team frequently.

[@rich1051414]

Gaming with a model m sounds like torture. Not only wearing out your hands, but also preventing crouch while moving forward while meleeing... In my opinion, its not even usable. I love mine for typing, but absolutely TERRIBLE for gaming.

[@Spearra]

@@supertoasting1011 I like to play a rhythm game that involves up to 9 keys being pressed at the same time. Amazing keyboards those Model Ms, but outside of typing is when things start going South. Now if Unicomp started to reproduce the Model Fs (including these terminal keyboards), sign me up! Love those massive terminal old school keyboards.

[@andljoy]

How did you get one that clean in the UK ? You lucky Lucky man ! I would remap that numberpad and give yourself a tab key with the split + and move escape to the left F block along with Print Scroll Paus . you can move down arrow to get an inverted t and use the old down key for windows key

[@Chyrosran22]

+Andrew Joy ;) I've thought about remapping the middle arrow key to arrow down, but really I'm not too fussed about the layout. Part of the charm of having so many different keyboards IMO is that they all have their little unique things, so I don't mind at all them being sub-optimal in some ways. Every two-week block of testing a new keyboard is different and I always enjoy exploring those new boards and seeing what they're like - although they rarely type so nicely as this xD .

[@jacobhotaling8959]

the block on the left now dose send scan codes and i have made macros with it i maid mine ANSI and life for it is good now

[@nemanjailic9612]

I just bought a IBM Model F 122 for cheap, but the only difference from this one is that the alt and ctrl keys don't have a "bump" like the ones on this one have but rather look similar to the model M keys. Now, since it was so cheap, there are obviously some things that need repair. Now, my main quistion is: Since I've been doing a lot of reading on the internet, is there such a thing as a model M 122-key terminal keyboard or do I have the model F for sure? If I had to guess, I would say that I have the last version of the keyboard that you've mentioned (Square batch?). This is important for me because I need to get a couple of spring and plate pairs because some of the keys aren't working and they are different for the model M and model F...

[@Chyrosran22]

+Nemanja Ilić Oh yeah, the M122 is definitely a thing. They're quite common in fact. Sometimes hard to distinguish off pictures, but easy to distinguish in person. The biggest giveaway is that the Model F has a black, metal back panel rather than a beige, plastic one. Of course they also both have model stickers that specify the model type. If the keyboard has small feet or an oval badge, it's ALWAYS an M. To my knowledge, both could have non-stepped modifiers, though.

[@nemanjailic9612]

+Chyrosran22 Thank you so much for the quick reply! Yeah, it looks like I have a model M then. Oval badge and a plastic back but I can't, for the life of me, find it via the part no. It's a shame that I won't experience that key feel from the model F once I get it back up and running, but still a nice find. At least the up side is that I will have a much easier time finding parts for it. Could you, by any chance, send me a link to that third keyboard you've mentioned, just to be sure what I have? I know I will know for sure what I have once I open it up, but this will be a summer project so I won't be touching it 'till then but I would like to have all the parts here before starting.

[@Chyrosran22]

+Nemanja Ilić The F terminal keyboard is the one in this video. Of the two M terminals, one looks exactly like the F except it has a plastic back panel, and the third is the more modern one, with an oval badge instead of a square one and a much smaller top section. Sounds like yours is the latter type, which looks like this: tinyurl.com/pb76k6e .

[@nemanjailic9612]

+Chyrosran22 Yup, looks exactly like that keyboard, except that the part of the plastic where the inicator lights would be is fully flat. I've inspected the spring and plates as well and the plates are gray so now I'm certain that it's a model M. Thank you so much for your time, you've helped me a lot.

[@justjoeblow420]

Sadly my 122 key monster is the Model M based variant. Still types like a dream though.

[@kausalitasdesign7090]

Does "field exit" can be used for "enter" functions?

[@AntonDant]

love the intro

[@EllipticGeometry]

I noticed there don't seem to be any bumps to help you find your position on the beast. Are they too subtle to be picked up by the camera or are they just not there? I did notice a small bump on one of the blank keys on top of the numpad.

[@Chyrosran22]

No, they're just not there. None of the keys have bumps on them.

[@EllipticGeometry]

Thanks. Checking the video again, it looks like the thing I saw was a dust mote. It was on the key serving as num lock. Hitting escape blew it away. At least I wasn't imagining the thing entirely. Besides speed, you can tell you're chatting with a touch typist when they're off by one letter with one hand for a short while. I guess that will be more common with this keyboard. Have you ever considered learning to touch type? It's really nice once you get it to work for you.

[@Dr_Dude]

the music at the beginning of the video creeped the sh*t out of me, it is night and quiet and suddenly the volume is high on my PC (I was watching with high volume and forgot to turn it down). Creepier than the keyboard, honestly.

[@tankermottind]

Are the upper keycaps compatible with IBM Model M keycap uppers? This keyboard is kind of my holy grail, but I'd want to replace many of the key legends.

[@nin_ocho]

A year later, but yes, they are. I've got homing bumps, non hat ctrl, alt, etc, the whole works. It's a beautiful keyboard and is customizable to a T

[@RockeyDAproductions]

Jesus, your typing sounds like the syllables of me fast flowing.

[@gencreeper6476]

why exactly did they need this weird layout? is it because there were no mice readily available yet? what sort of places would you normally see this type of keyboard? are there any "normal layout" keyboards they produced based on this mechanism? its almost a wonder with the new craze for mechanical keyboards that nobody has made a switch based on buckling springs

[@Chyrosran22]

+gencreeper You're viewing this from a modern-day perspective, but the current Model M-based layout hadn't been invented yet. If you look at the Model F AT and especially F XT, you'll find this is layout is actually much more like a modern-day layout than they are xD . Ellipse recently completed the immense task of reproducing Kishsavers - brand-new 60% keyboards with this switch mechanism. He invested tens of thousands of dollars into it. Check out the website: www.modelfkeyboards.com/

[@y11971alex]

This keyboard was actually attached to a computer terminal, not a computer directly. Terminals had more limited functions than computers, so the keyboards that went with them were best described as typewriter replacements; in fact, IBM called these keyboards "typewriter keyboards".

[@andrewyork3869]

I want a unicomp for typing long bits while coding, I get annoyed by my cheap USB keyboard, and have to use my built in on on my laptop.

[@ragnarw.eliansson5299]

You say "The Dawn of Man 1986" seemingly implying that this was released in '86. I could be wrong though. Just some thoughts, as I have an F from august 1984.

[@Chyrosran22]

Ragnar W. Eliansson yeah it was, I think.I even showed the label, no?

[@ragnarw.eliansson5299]

Oh sure. Your particular model was in deed from '86 but the actual model is older.

[@BastiaanvandeWerk]

Please do the new modelfkeyboards! I love this shit.

[@dalriada842]

Is it possible to put the Model M springs in the Model F keyboard? It would be interesting to know if the feel/sound experience was better, or worse, than the original Model F. I like the deeper sound of the Model M.

[@Chyrosran22]

+dalriada842 Nope, pretty sure that will not go down well xD . Remember that a Model M assembly is just a hammer, whereas the F one serves as a variable capacitive element ;) .

[@dalriada842]

Chyrosran22 From what I've seen, they both have a levered hammer assembly at the base, though they are of different sizes. The membrane versus capacitive approach, relates to the way the key-presses are detected. I was thinking of the Matias video you made, where you swapped switch elements. BTW Would you consider selling your mint Acer keyboard, with the complicated blue Alps switches? :P

[@Chyrosran22]

+dalriada842 The F flipper has a much flatter bottom and thus much, MUCH more surface contact with the capacitive plate, whereas the M flipper has a raised bar in the middle to hammer with, so it has very little contact. You might be able to swap the springs, but the IBM buckling spring design actually has very strict tolerances to operate correctly so they might not. This is why Alps' design went for a quite different approach, so that these precise manufacturing standards were no longer necessary. As for the Acer; No. :P

[@dalriada842]

Chyrosran22 Pity, I'd dearly love that Acer keyboard! :'( There surely has to be a place for faithfully reverse-engineered, complicated blue Alps switches, in the mechanical keyboard market. I can't be the only one who'd pay a premium for something so pornographic in sound and feel.

[@Chyrosran22]

+dalriada842 You're not, in fact a KB-101AS went for $755 yesterday xD .

[@dannyz955]

I thought the 10 keys in the far left do send scancodes. I mapped the top left key to ESC and others for things like volume control and windows.

[@Chyrosran22]

+danny z They don't on mine, or at least on my setup. There are different models of F122 though, including ones made for different companies, so maybe that's why.

[@dannyz955]

Chyrosran22 You could try something, add a remapping to your Soarers converter's configuration. EXTRA_F1 ESC This should remap the top left key to ESC. Despite model number differences, all these 122 key keyboards should be electrically identical, so that's why I'm asking. These keys are referred to as EXTRA_F1 to EXTRA_F10 according to Soarers converter's documentation.

[@Chyrosran22]

+danny z Fair enough, I suppose it's a programming thing then :) .

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

Are those complicated ALPS?

[@Chyrosran22]

+TheMstwntdLMSV On the Acer, yes. I've got a review of that keyboard as well, check it out if you haven't yet :) .

[@TheMstwntdLMSV123]

Watching it now ;D

[@aunabreslingaming3279]

“Cling cling” sound

[@Lb8068]

Where oh where oh WHERE can I GET ONE OF THESE.

[@therougecastaway7267]

did you use a converter to get this terminal keyboard to work on a pc? does it have a ps/2 port?

[@Chyrosran22]

+TheRougeCastaway It comes with a 240 degree DIN connector, check the video for info on how to get this to work.

[@therougecastaway7267]

+Chyrosran22 ok, I have a televideo model 924 terminal keyboard which has a rj45 connector, and I was wondering if I could just use a USB converter to use this on my pc

[@StampStories]

Nice 2001 intro :)

[@Chyrosran22]

Thanks, glad you got the reference :) .

[@StampStories]

+Chyrosran22 my all time favourite movie, how could I miss it! Good job on these reviews too, I enjoy them.

[@-taz-]

Hmm, why would you ever need a key with the word "Roll" and two up arrows?

[@Chyrosran22]

To roll up!

[@DavidWonn]

Roll Up was the functional equivalent to Page Down while Roll Down was the equivalent to Page Up on mainframes and midframes. The concept was that you were "rolling up" the screen to access the next screen, which explains the terminology they used.

[@anziety1983]

Where can I buy one??

[@MickehPuppeh]

Geez, I really need one of these. Any idea on where I could pick one up in good condition?

[@Chyrosran22]

+Mickehd00d Be patient, you might find one on eBay ;) .

[@MickehPuppeh]

I'll be keeping an eye out for 'em! Unfortunately, a lot of sellers offer absolutely no warranty, then say they don't know whether it works or not. I might go thrift shop hunting as well.

[@Chyrosran22]

+Mickehd00d One just sold on eBay! Btw, you don't need to worry too much about whether it will work or not. These are so reliable it's highly unlikely that they're faulty.

[@symplesy2056]

that spacebar rattle is such a shame. holy shit is it a beast though. I have the chance to buy a model f for about 130 usd, what do you ( anyone reading this) think about that price?

[@Chyrosran22]

The rattle is now gone; someone sent me some replacement stabiliser clips. Anyway, 130 is a little steep for an F122, especially because the converter for it isn't cheap either. But it's an amazing keyboard.

[@roguesentinel7790]

This keyboard is perfectly tailored to those who decide to drive a V12 diesel semi truck as their daily grocery better.

[@Zillamp3z]

feels like the XT? Or moreso the AT?

[@Chyrosran22]

+Leoxn No idea, I don't have either yet :) .

[@apolotary]

Can you make a channel where you just read things? Or read and type!

[@Chyrosran22]

+apolotary HAHAHA thanks mate, I'm looking to do some voice work actually xD .

[@heberthsarmiento6925]

El modelo F tiene mas teclas que el M. Pero igual esta buenazo

[@RockeyDAproductions]

Jesus christe its almost 9lbs... must have a lead plate in it! also i blew out the controler on my 5155's model F trying to make it work on a ps/2 computer.... if only they made replacements that were ps/2 compatible.

[@tombert512]

Howdy; how did you manage to remap the keys?

[@Chyrosran22]

Change the configuration file and upload to the converter.

[@Cectoplasma]

How do you upload it to the converter? Do you need a teensy for that?

[@Chyrosran22]

Christoffer Rasmussen You can download tools for it that you can use for uploading it :) .

[@Cectoplasma]

So a Orihalcon's active converter and a old IBM model m/f keyboard is all I need to upload it? Even if I don't have a teensy?

[@Chyrosran22]

Christoffer Rasmussen Yeah, the Orihalcon's already contains a chip.

[@protocetid]

What do you think about Unicomp's offerings?

[@Chyrosran22]

I have 9 Unicomps but they're all rubber dome xD . So I wouldn't know until I got one, really.

[@protocetid]

Chyrosran22 Do you think you will ever do a video on Unicomp's buckling spring KBs? Have you seen those unrelated Model F clones that are coming out at the end of the year? They're being made in small numbers in China somewhere, lots of people on Reddit seem excited.

[@Chyrosran22]

protocetid I know of Ellipse's Model F clones, not any Chinese ones. I would do a review on a Unicomp if I ever got one :) .

[@protocetid]

Chyrosran22 I didn't know the person's name, but those are the ones I'm speaking about. According to his site they're being made there. Do you think they will be any good?

[@Chyrosran22]

I've seen the way Ellipse has them made. They're expensive, but I'm quite sure they'll be solid. He spared no expense in order to get an as accurate as possible recreation of the Kishsaver.

[@quodpipax]

I really should stop watching your videos, because I just ordered another one from ebay, - thank to your video, from Russia.

[@purpleravenstar]

Evgeny Bogatsky No wonder why the prices for Model F's have gone up past 100 USD now. Cant find one for cheap, lmao

[@233kosta]

This is my zombie killing keyboard :D

[@misterfilthy1]

1981 Model F checking in. And speaking of "Jesus tap dancing Christ", how about that spacebar feel?

[@mynameisshinee]

you made me 480€ poorer because of this video

[@RBLevin]

Imposing as f@$& indeed!

[@森麻也-k9n]

キーボード重すぎ！

[@Chyrosran22]

+森麻也 No such thing as a keyboard that's too heavy! It just means it's better for self-defence! xD

[@chakalaka3960]

USE YOUR THUMBS

[@tacconelli]

You use your index finger for space bar....GROSS!!!

[@dumbr2098]

DerekTac stfu