The Model F Keyboard in 2025: A Timeless Classic!

[@mikepetersen2927]

The look of joy on Solenoid Wendel's face is worth the video watch time all by itself. "You know you love your buckling springs -- this needn't be said. But now, with bonus SOLENOID GOODNESS, you can get your co-workers in the accursed open-office cubefarm to put a price on your head! C'mon - you know you wanna!"

[@blakecasimir]

The start to 2025 we needed.

[@2000jago]

If a super clicky keyboard makes my mouth do the same thing whenever I use it, I think I'll pass thanks. 🤣

[@tashgordon]

1:06 a keyboard so heavy the camera shakes every time Wendell puts it down - love it

[@maliciousbugman]

And this is with them switching to aluminum for the casing. Imagine if the FSSK and F104 still went with a zinc alloy case like what the F77s and Kishsavers have had until recently.

[@nickthaskater]

I've got a 40% that weighs 2kg and a 65% that weighs 4kg. My original Model F weighs 2.9kg.

[@brunosardine1]

"ive spent thousands of dollars on their website" so what, two keyboards?

[@CoryMT]

I appreciate how Wendell opens his mouth to uses his own body as an echo chamber, making sure we get the most accurate experience, whenever he demonstrates what these keyboards sound like. But seriously, it's great seeing Wendell so excited while sharing his keyboards with us.

[@CoolSilver]

AT to PS/2 to USB A to USB C? Let's Go

[@vincei4252]

Great to see Wendell so happy playing with his keys.

[@sanyr80]

8:08 the pure joy on this man’s face

[@Veritas.0]

As someone who grew up with a TRS-80, XT, C64, and Amiga 2000 in the house... We never THUNK keyboards would ever become an enthusiast's passion.

[@DJDocsVideos]

The only thing I hated about my C64 II the keyboard was too slow.

[@mycosys]

I remember looking at the likes of the Spectrum and being very grateful for the KB on Apples, Amstrads and C64s. i was recommending and selling premium keyboards in the 90s, theres always been a lot of taste involved (and the cheapest ones were truly atrocious). The MS natural had a cult following, people had weird stuff like chorded boards. Its really no surprise people are still passionate about their input devices.

[@Veritas.0]

@@mycosys Sure, preference was always there, but in the 80s there wasn't much choice. Many computers had attached keyboards, and when they weren't, there wasn't really a second market. Only when IBM clones started appearing was there even a desire for different keyboards because many of the clones cheaped out on their keyboard compared to IBM. "Passion" as you say, or "enthusiast" as I said, didn't come until later, back then it was more of just not wanting junk, but 90% of the time you just put up with it as no big deal.

[@mycosys]

@ and now its 99% of the time. There were probably more users as a percentage with funky text entry solutions back then, just a lot less users

[@Veritas.0]

@@mycosys Pretty much going from one of those monster DECwriters to anything else was a step down. It's just the IBM XT keyboards came the closest to those terminal/mainframe keyboards.

[@blahorgaslisk7763]

Some time in the early to mid 80's I worked at a company that sold and rented IBM machines to companies and we had a rather advanced, for it's time, service management system. Every service call was logged and ended up on a stack. These were then portioned out in the order they cam in and a set of lamps showed the current status of the service orders. The customers were guaranteed support within a day, but a lot of them payed a fee for faster service at down to that a service tech should be at their place within three hours. The lamps showing the status was green yellow and red. Green meant everything was OK, yellow said that there were service orders that were within hours of going old and red was panic attack. Well I mention this company as I repaired some IBM keyboard while working there. I can't remember the model but it was using buckling springs that slapped a flapper up or down. There were no actual switches though as there was sensor measuring capacitance under each flapper, so when the flapper hit it would register as a change in the capacitance. These sensors were basically never really damaged, but the flapper could sometimes jump out of position so it wouldn't work. So you unscrewed some 20 or 30 screws, or at least it felt like that many, opened the case and you had the flappers lying in their slots under the keys attached to the upper part of the keyboard. Push the offending flapper into place and screw it all together again and test. It was a simple job anyone could do as long as they could handle a screwdriver and count to thirty, or however many those screws were. It wasn't a common problem either, but those keyboards were built like tanks. I lowed them for the feeling but in the years that came buckling springs were quickly replaced by rubber dome keyboards. And they were boldly calling them an improvement over the clunky buckling springs keyboards. And in a way they were an improvement for offices where a lot of people were busy typing and speaking on the phone. Those old buckling springs keyboards made these offices really loud and it could be rather annoying trying to talk on the phone with all that clatter. So the new impressively quiet keyboards were seen as an improvement for many. Also there are a difference between a quality keyboard with rubber domes and the cheap keyboards you see most of the time. But it's hard to motivate people to pay the same for a quiet keyboard as for a mechanical keyboard. That's why the $3 keyboards are so common when you buy a computer.

[@voffie]

Wendells face of joy, priceless!

[@domm6812]

Love these keyboard reviews, Wendel! Please keep it up if you can and show off any good quality ones you find. My dream is to find a well made keyboard that feels like the old Honeywell ones from the 90s. To me, they were the pinnacle. Big problem was the rubber dome key springs that just couldn't last. But I want that solid build (apart from the rubber springs), layout and key feel.

[@doxydoxdelamanca9902]

Only, W, on a Sat, releases a vid about a keyboard. You go, sir! Well done.

[@jfudge7384]

This is why I am subbed to this channel.. The sheer joy on Wendells face as he talks about a keyboard of all things is beyond inspiring.

[@Joos2000]

Another thing I didn’t know I needed and I know I will obsess over until I can have one!

[@NetizenKing]

There's nothing better than buckling spring keyboards. I have a Unicomp Model M SSK (Mini M) and I love it. Been eyeing to pick up one of these Model Fs. So nice!

[@7_of_9]

I still have a functional IBM keyboard that originally came with my Aptiva desktop PC, which had a 133 MHz processor. I received it as a $2,500 graduation gift, complete with an Epson printer, Print Artist software, and a collection of games like 3D Pitfall, Cyberia, Norton antivirus. I even played Half-Life on it when it was released. The keyboard's keys are easy to remove and clean, making it incredibly durable.

[@greggmacdonald9644]

I have fond memories of the way the original IBM XT keyboard felt and sounded like.

[@BCSpecht89]

I always loved those clickey, buckling spring IBM keyboards. It takes me back to my very first IBM PC with dual floppy disk drives. 😊

[@RetinaBurner]

A kid in a toy store would have less fun than Wendell playing with his keyboards. :P

[@Maclabhruinn]

My first programming experience was on an IBM 029 keypunch. Okay, I don't want to go back to THAT! But in my first job, I used an IBM 3278 terminal. That keyboard was the best! Ever since then, I have been trying to recapture the thrill and the joy of that keyboard. Unicomp keyboards in Lexington, KY make great keyboards - they are literally the old IBM keyboard factory, bought out by employees after IBM divested its keyboard business. But I might have to give the Model F keyboards a try ... they look great.

[@Tarbard]

I didn't know I needed a solenoid in my keyboard but now I do. I used to use the 3270 keyboard back in the green screen mainframe terminal days, they were epic, they had 24 Function keys, built in macro recording and playback and probably other things I've forgotten.

[@mycosys]

Its basically my worst nightmare, but i cant help wondering is the linear haptic motor from a phone would be as effective for those who like it - effectively the same thing, less mass but way better acceleration.

[@Tarbard]

@@mycosys That's a good idea.

[@Ben79k]

Yep, i always knew those old model M and F keyboard were popular for reasons, and were well made, but i had no idea they included solenoids in any capacity, and im glad to have learned! cool!

[@marekreznicek6075]

this makes me wanna go attic hunting to see what old parts might have stayed with us ...aaagh, shoulda kept all the PC goodies ...back then I didnt know that quality stuff becomes antique...pretty fast really ...:) enjoy yer weekend

[@jordanm2984]

I've got an MMstudio Class80 and it's got a solenoid in it as well. It quickly became my favorite mech board I own.

[@vorlonesque1830]

In terms of key feel the model F is to the model M what the model M is to a decent rubber dome keyboard...the model F is just a big step up in terms of how crisp it is. It's too much noise for me (I prefer tactile switches), but they definitely feel very nice. Edit: i should note it comes down to preference and I'm sure some folks prefer the weighting or feel of the Model M, but every Model F I've put my hands on just felt better to me

[@GregJackson-w7e]

I created an account just so I could agree with you. I went through the Model M hype years ago and figured out that I much prefer either a Cherry MX style board with metal mounting plate or the older Model F. Model M actually feels more plasticy than the Cherry MX boards and I made sure to advertise that fact on the keyboards forum I was on, especially to Chryosran, the British reviewer who is always dunking on MX Browns. Model M is very overrated but it did introduce the standard layout, and I recognize that. But, it is a very cost reduced, lightened and inferior design to the perfect Model F which should not have been compromised. I do, as well, get fatigued by the sound though. However, wearing earplugs when typing with the Model F allowed me to enjoy it a lot more.

[@danfairfw]

3 IBM keyboards from the early 1990's here. The one on my desk probably needs an alcohol bath which sometimes takes nearly an hour, but still clicking after all these years.

[@BSP-71]

Same over here with makes from 1994 to 1997, using them at work and at home since the early 2000's. 😎 I'm so used to the clicking that i hear when i make a typo while typing blind, looking to my gf and talking with her.

[@nickthaskater]

Alcohol bath..? For what?

[@BSP-71]

@@nickthaskater Cleaning after spills like coffee or soft drinks which may make some keys defunct because of shorts on the pcb contacts. I do the cleaning with hot water and 2-3 drops of dish cleaner, a small round painter brush and rinsing afterwards with tons of water. Drying with a hair dryer. The caps will get pristine in the dish washer when you put them into women’s underwear washing bags. Isopropyl alcohol for cleaning is a quick and chemical way to do this. The alcohol will evaporate, so there's no need for a hair dryer. There are some other chemical versions like pcb cleaners as well. My version takes longer but is cheaper and doesn't use chemicals. Who thinks this isn't worth it for a 30 year old keyboard: Have a look at the prices for the new rebuilds...

[@nickthaskater]

@BSP-71 I just disassemble my F and clean it if needed. An "alcohol bath" sounded excessive, lol.

[@BSP-71]

@@nickthaskater Depends on the spill. Had to clean DJ mixers several times throughout the years in my first job as technician. The worst were drinks with alcohol and sugar like coke or fruit juices. Normal cleaning will not help in this cases. Depending on the alcohol in the long drink, cleaning with alcohol gives the best results, liquors can be beasts. Soft drinks, Coffee or tea with or without sugar and milk may go away with hot water as they are water dissolvable but the pcb needs to be rinsed afterwards to remove all remains and dried with hot air.

[@TheDJ3520]

Oh my god I kinda want a solenoid keyboard. I might get kicked out of my apartment for a noise complaint but just look at how happy it makes you!

[@B00jums]

The solenoid is pretty cool. My dad always says the keyboards these days are quiet compared to what they had when he was younger. I think this might live up to his expectations. When I do get a modern upgrade for the original model M that I own I am getting something with a solenoid.

[@AzureFlash]

There's talks of a solenoid mod on the discord channel for the Hyper 7 R4 group buy... can you imagine a solenoid on a 10kg keyboard housed in a stainless steel body, almost 60cm wide?

[@T.Cun.]

I remember the wall of sound that was the old mechanical typing pool... Then the few years of quiet with electronic typewriters and return to cacophony of the wall of dot matrix printers....👌

[@DaxHamel]

A lot of fun. I really shouldn't be quite this entertained by vintage keyboards.

[@lindsaybruce1396]

Video intro: That's what FedEx do to all my parcels right before kick-dropping them onto my porch.

[@maighstir3003]

Order a solid enough keyboard, they'll learn their lesson as their foot takes more damage than the package.

[@DodgeHooker641]

I didn't know that I needed this keyboard, until I saw Wendell's video!

[@copper4eva]

Thoughts on how the new model F feels vs an IBM model F? I had a repo F for a short while, ended up trading it. I found the actuation force to be noticeably lighter than an IBM board. And the original model F's are already fairly light. Just curious your thoughts on this. Thinking of getting one of his new 122 F's.

[@High_Alpha]

I can foresee a Pulp Fiction style scene in an office where someone uses the solenoid... "Type 'what' again"... 🤣

[@evilflame2]

So close to the FSCK edition!

[@45KevinR]

My first computing, from school to a timesharing service used an ASR33 teletype, which I assume is the kind of device IBM wanted them to sound and feel like. It also had a paper tape unit for offline storage! I've always described them as being like a steam powered device. Every keystroke was STUM, STUM, STUM.

[@Ottetal]

That is so absurdly cool. I'm working on an SSK model M myself - I've never seen a model F here en europe

[@dosmaiz7361]

All it needs is a plastic keyboard protector...and an adjacent tower with a turbo button.

[@richardhoard5951]

I want the keycaps from the pictured teletype keyboards!! Those in a modern keycap set with shine through legends would be heaven.

[@raulsaavedra709]

There was a tack that fired on its own at 8:59 (same as at 7:50), before pressing any key, so after connecting the power. Skeptics would claim Wendell faked the whole thing just using an audio overlay with a normal sounding keyboard ;)

[@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards]

The solenoid fires one time after the USB cable is connected, if the solenoid is enabled in the firmware.

[@raulsaavedra709]

@@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards Thanks for the clarification, really meant it just jokingly. Precisely because it happened both times, it indeed seemed like configured to operate that way, as if to signal that the solenoid is going to join the action.

[@michaelhillpot]

Ugh, the feels....I miss my XT. That was my first x86

[@johndeluca8372]

The solenoid sounds decent in the FSSK case. Depending on the case, the solenoid can have more or less fullness/bass. In smaller cases it can have too much metallic/ping for everyday typing.

[@MPAtk03]

I've been using an F122 for years, this might give it a run for its money.

[@conza1989]

This is too cool of a thing, I am so glad I learnt about this. Also glad I watched the whole video, because I was going to comment 'hey it might be a good idea to teach some of us n00bs about what the solenoid does', but as usual Wendell is 1 step ahead. AND ITS SO COOL ACTUALLY, wow I want a keyboard that does this now.

[@rsb3609]

Your opening 8 seconds scared the beejezus out my 18 mth old ,he put his blanket over his face....to be honest you kinda freaked me out as well!

[@nickthaskater]

Glad to hear they moved to VIAL out of the box. I use a TinkerBOY USB adapter with my original Model F which gives it plug and play VIAL programmability. I can't go back from that UX.

[@RichardEricCollins]

Wendell is as happy as a 5 year old on Christmas morning. Love it. People in the office, not so. Ha ha

[@Kluneberg]

Unrelated question, what's the thing with multiple blinking red lights in the background(next to the yellow Geiger counter)?

[@middle_pickup]

I'm happy with my HHKB, but happy for you now as well.

[@helmanfrow]

I was a young tech nerd when Modesl F and M were in their heydays. I definitely do not remember the solenoid!

[@NatesRandomVideo]

With a hand disability I love trackpoints! I’m sad everybody seems to hate them. So efficient!

[@marksnethkamp8633]

If they had an 1800 layout model F i would have 5 of them.

[@spamcan9208]

It's the bubble wrap of keyboards lol. I think it's really interesting IBM went to the lengths it did to mimic teletypes. I never knew that, thanks for the history lesson.

[@RyanCribari]

I still use an original model M from 39 years ago. I did replace the wasd keys with red keycaps.

[@kevin-e5h5t]

Many typists have praise the IBM golfball typewriter. It has a upward curving patten where the "reach" of you fingers is much easier.

[@stevengcarson]

Have you heard of Unicomp keyboards? They were apparently spun off from IBM decades ago and they "inherited" the IP and tooling for the original IBM-PC buckling spring keyboards. I bought one about 15 years ago and it lives up to its rep.

[@peterboil4064]

Mine broke after half a year and the contact with the company was underwhelming.

[@stevengcarson]

@@peterboil4064 Admittedly it was 15-20 years ago that I purchased from them. Things may have changed. But I was overjoyed to find them back then because I so missed my IBM-PC keyboard - they looked and felt like they could have been designed for the Apollo Command Module! Glad buckling spring technology still exists.

[@BlakLanner]

@@peterboil4064 Agreed. The USB controllers on them weren't great. I have seen sever die within the first year.

[@papal1ef]

We love you Wendell. And I think I have the keyboard virus to :)

[@pennypunch]

Ok, thats bonkers! How did I not know about this?

[@danielalexander8402]

As someone who works with solenoids every day the idea of putting them in keyboards intrigues me. I want to know more!

[@amad-os8rp]

Great video, as soon as I have disposable income I am buying it.

[@asknight]

When I think about how many perfectly good keyboards I've thrown away since 1995... I cry.

[@Monarchias]

How am I going to move forward with AM5 or other platforms when PS/2 ports starting to be missed out from the board? That was the last way for me of connecting to my computer with DB connector to PS/2! It's a fairly newer model with win buttons included. But maan, the typing feeling on this is awesome. So, with 2025 computers I am in a little bit of trouble being able to use it.

[@hamesparde9888]

So do you think the model f feels better than beam spring keyboards?

[@klfjoat]

It's always so great when someone can out-old-timer me. 😂

[@Toneychaplin]

im rebuilding my rukia and this video was a great watch love these keyboards

[@subho1766]

Rukia R2? 😂

[@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards]

Thanks Wendell for a great video on the Brand New Model F keyboard! I especially liked your explanation of the solenoid and what it does. A number of folks have told me that they didn't really understand what the solenoid did for these old style keyboards and why it was such a popular add on. At a recent keyboard meetup I had the keyboard with installed solenoid connected to my laptop so that folks could see the solenoid in action as they tested the new reproduction keyboards - there was a lot of attention on the solenoid specifically!

[@SasquatchsCousin33]

I need a new keyboard for work.....but i think my cubicle mates would kill me

[@bbrixon]

That brings me back to high school in the late '90s.

[@TVperson1]

Wendel is like a kid on Christmas with that thing 😅 look at him

[@philharris9631]

I didn’t realise how much I loved my Model M until I damaged it and had to use a different keyboard … I have what should be a decent Keychron but I hated it … I now have my Model M fixed and enough spares to hopefully keep it going til I kick the bucket…

[@GrumpiestKevin]

I had a model m with buckling springs in the office and it was banned by my coworkers because it was really, really loud.

[@BRUMMS]

OMG You're right, I want one for work...

[@dcoolmech]

What make and model is the keyboard on the desk that is in front of the monitor?

[@louisharkna9464]

AAAH! Now I must spend too much money on a keyboard that's SO MUCH more radical than the common mechanical keyboards the kids are throwing together these days...and can be used for home defence if needed!

[@RealWaffles]

i ended up giving my old model m to a friend and got a unicomp m for my daily after so many of my mechs have failed if i had a lot of money to burn i'd get an f repro but it costs like twice as much as a model m

[@jtfernandez5594]

I daily my red aluminum model-f ssk. Love it so much.

[@ucmRich]

awwwwwww now i need itt!!!! >_< thanks bro!

[@greyareaRK1]

Has anyone experimented with different materials for the solenoid to strike? I think it has possibilities.

[@andljoy]

I need an FSSK !

[@Scuttlebug1]

what's next, an amber monochrome LCD shaped like a CRT bucket?

[@hamesparde9888]

I got a solenoid witn my model f. I wanted modify the firmware to be able to toggle it on and off, but I could never be bothered. I did design a nice 3D printed holder for the solenoid though, as there isn't a good way to mount it.

[@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards]

The new Model F keyboards have a key combination factory set to toggle the solenoid - feel free to check the manual on the project web site to see all the built in functions.

[@hamesparde9888]

@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards is this true for even much earlier ones. I got mine quite a while ago?

[@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards]

@@hamesparde9888 Yes I believe so, but to be sure there is new firmware for each of the older and newer reproduction keyboards that has these shortcuts. As always, take a look at the manual to flash the firmware as there are a number of steps.

[@bokami3445]

I LOVE My model M, it's been a true and faithful since '92. Unfortunately my neighbor does not share my love and so I have had to trier my trustly model M. Now I use a custom RK Royal Kludge 75% keyboard . I dare you to take that keyboard to an office environment with the solenoid active... (and get out alive)

[@rick33333]

Oh no, the solenoid gave me several ideas. Love model M's.

[@runneypo]

another model f/m video 😂 you love these keyboards

[@myleft9397]

Hold it up and show the keyboard layout!

[@skye7690]

I so miss using this keyboard, how can I get one?

[@Brand_New_Model_F_Keyboards]

Feel free to do an online search for Brand New Model F Keyboards to customize your keyboard!

[@michieljansen648]

Still have a keyboard from my dad's old IBM 286😊

[@bthjf12003]

binned 100 of them years ago from a storage room I used to work ;-)

[@joeykeilholz925]

Bruh

[@HerbaMachina]

​@@joeykeilholz925 the winky face implies he "binned" them ;)

[@piked86]

There are already enough computer noises in my house. When it's quiet you can hear server fans and hard drive read writes. My wife tolerates that. If i started typing on that at one in the morning she would file for divorce.

[@hamesparde9888]

Man I might have to get this. I already have one, but it doesn't have function keys (which is annoying.)

[@Roarasaurus-]

That's glorious!

[@socalk1d262]

Where can I buy one?

[@crypto4423]

Google new model f

[@BrentB-Ohio]

I’ve been using my IBM model M keyboard for the past 25+ years. I have a bunch of spares that will last me the rest of my life. lol

[@lifefromscratch2818]

Most unique way of saying solenoid that I've heard.

[@Phynellius]

No Wendell, I can’t afford another model f from their sit right now

[@wanderinguser7665]

Can't wait to get my F122!

[@jacebeleren429]

You deserve a Seneca.

[@DJDocsVideos]

It's fine Wendel we all have our fetishes. I take a nice Cherry keyboard over every IBM one any day but to each there own 🙂

[@bain19]

solenoid enabled is just ICQ mode :P