Enhance tactility through an extra-hefty solenoid: This is an extremely popular add on, with over 1,000 sold so far. A metal plunger strikes the solenoid housing with each keypress to create a powerful typewriter-style thunk, a physical tap you can feel while typing. This optional add-on has adjustable power and can be toggled on and off by key combination. It adds extra clickiness to the keyboard. It is a click that you can feel and hear, for extra feedback when typing each character.

Remember to order both the solenoid driver and the solenoid, which are two separate store items that are not included with any keyboard (when configuring with a keyboard, they are grouped together but you can buy them individually on the solenoid product page).

About solenoids: IBM has had a long history with solenoids, dating back at least to the late 1970s with their development of the beam spring keyboard. To increase the tactility of the already-tactile beam spring keyboards and make them more in line with their clicky predecessor the IBM Selectric line of typewriters, IBM added a solenoid to various beam spring and Model F keyboards. A solenoid has a metal cylinder (or plunger) that when the surrounding coil receives a current, it moves that cylinder, which then makes contact with the metal enclosure of the solenoid, and then it springs back to its original position, so you can have an audible click and you can feel the tap of the solenoid with each keypress. That is why solenoids are a great way to have even extra feeling while typing. Most folks probably don’t want the solenoid on all the time which is fine: the firmware has a built-in key combination toggle command so that you can switch on and off the solenoid as needed, without having to unplug anything. These solenoids are also a great option as an upgrade to IBM’s original solenoids too (I’d always save the originals of course for the sake of completeness).

Custom made solenoid specifications: Why pick this solenoid over other solenoids or over IBM’s original solenoids? The new solenoids are far beefier than IBM’s originals, so your solenoid clicking will be even better! It’s a custom design that you can only order here. The specifications are 6v, 40 ohm, 0.15A, 0.9W, adjustable throw factory set to 1mm but with a user-adjustable range of about 0.5mm to 5mm (there are 2 screws that can be loosened to adjust the distance of the strike bar). The factory throw setting allows you to start using this solenoid with no modification (still need to follow xwhatsit’s solenoid installation guide to avoid damage to equipment). This solenoid has the dark blue outer covering, black and white twisted wires and 2.54mm connector like the original IBM solenoids, but with a strike bar so it won’t exactly resemble the IBM solenoid. This solenoid is not the one that’s available on eBay, though it looks similar and the voltage and resistance specs are the same. Also that other model doesn’t have the adjustable throw – you would have to spend time milling the strike bar to modify it for correct usage with the solenoid drivers. If the ebay solenoid’s throw distance isn’t changed, your solenoid will be very sluggish and won’t be able to operate at full typing speed. Also my solenoid is even larger than the eBay solenoid, the 26mm height dimension on eBay is set to be ~29-30mm on my solenoid (the solenoid goes sideways in F62/F77 so it fits) though all the solenoid specs are subject to change. With a larger metal frame, my solenoid should be a little louder than the eBay model and far louder than the original IBM! This is the largest possible solenoid that will fit inside the classic style cases.

Solenoid drivers help you add a solenoid to your keyboard. You need both a solenoid driver and a solenoid; they are not sold together. The solenoid driver does not include the solenoid but it does include the ribbon cable to connect to your controller. The solenoid would go inside your classic case new classic case keyboard, but it has to be installed outside the compact case keyboards. Controllers are not required for your Brand New Model F or Beam Spring keyboard – they are included and preinstalled. When installing the solenoid, because the screw that secures the solenoid is at the bottom of the keyboard as shown in the manual, order any of the slightly taller bumpers for the back of the keyboard (i.e., any option except the cork bumpers unless you double up and stack two of the cork bumpers, one on top of the other). So if you want to use cork, buy an extra set so it is tall enough – you may want to pick up some additional bumpers so you can add some height to the bumpers, by either putting two cork bumpers on top of each other or using one of the other bumpers which are thicker; otherwise the solenoid screw may contact your desk.

The solenoid driver and solenoid are very easy to install, fully assembled with the components factory soldered. Installation takes a few minutes, by following the step by step guide in the manual, but if you prefer for me to install this, you can order the solenoid driver and solenoid as well as 39 units of the store item $1 increments with an order note for me to install it. Do not forget the order note; if you forget it then I will not know to install the solenoid for you. You do not have to solder to install the solenoid; you are just connecting the plug-in cable on the solenoid driver to the controller, and then plugging in the solenoid cable to the solenoid driver. The only exception is the round 1 Beam Spring B104 keyboard which used an older xwhatsit controller with 30 instead of 33 pins; it did not have those 3 additional pins for LED and solenoid wiring at the same time (see the manual for details).

If you want to reuse your previously received solenoid driver and solenoid with your Round 2 beam spring keyboard, order the beam spring solenoid add-on kit containing additional needed parts. It should be included if your solenoid is shipping with a beam spring keyboard. If ordering a solenoid driver and solenoid in the future to use with your new beam spring keyboard, you can request these parts to be included at no extra cost if you add an order note. For this reason, the pictured bolts and other small parts included in each solenoid kit may vary and you may not receive everything pictured, so an order note will be helpful to me so I know what to send you. Here is a review of the solenoid explaining why it is highly recommended for these keyboards.

What to order to have a solenoid in your original IBM Beam Spring keyboard: Solenoid driver, solenoid, and beam spring controller. These are three separate store items so please do add all three to your cart!

Warning: you may destroy your controller, solenoid driver, and/or solenoid by not following the solenoid driver instructions as well as the other instructions in the manual at modelfkeyboards.com/manual Most important is to match the square on both sides of the ribbon cable connector, so that you connect the squares (voltage line) to each other. The position is different from what is pictured online, from other xwhatsit controllers, and from the photo below. If you install the cable the wrong way you will destroy your equipment. If unsure, do not connect it! For the solenoid drivers: see the images below for the general installation procedure of solenoid drivers inside Brand New Model F Keyboards. The solenoid driver you receive will be either the xwhatsit original design solenoid driver or the version updated by Deskthority member pandrew. Both are confirmed working fine with my solenoids and with the IBM original solenoids.

I strongly recommend ordering the First Aid Kit to enable future repairs and modifications. It has various spare parts for future maintenance and repairs once production has long shut down (thousands of kits ordered so far!). It includes 10 barrels, 10 flippers with springs, 1 horizontal and 1 vertical stabilizer insert, and spare inner foam. I hope to be able to manufacture as many First Aid Kits and spare parts as possible to keep all these great Model F keyboards running decades from now.

Kits are compatible with both ultra compact or classic style keyboards. Did you know that every 2U and larger key (backspace-sized key) and larger can be split into two keys, and the sensing pads are already there? Just add a flipper and then you can add keys! (Example splittable keys: space bar, both shift keys, backspace, enter) “Split Right Shift” refers to the HHKB-style split right shift (1.75U+1U); if you have a JIS layout or other layout with a non-HHKB split right shift (1U+1.75U) then select the “Regular” option and not the Split Right Shift option.

What's included:
1 custom machine-cut inner foam, just in case the original foam loses its elasticity while remaining in its compressed state for years on end, you’ll have a spare. Foam may not retain compressibility for decades when it’s compressed inside the keyboard but can last a while in storage (not compressed in a keyboard). The foam helps hold the barrels in place; worn out foam may result in more wobbly barrels and keys.
10 flippers with springs, in case you accidentally bend a spring out of shape when removing a key or cleaning your F62 or F77 or want to mod your layout and split a shift/backspace in the future to get an extra usable key. If one of your keys gets caught on the spring when you’re cleaning it in the future and the spring gets bent out of shape, there is no fixing the spring unfortunately (alas from my personal experience!).
10 barrels in case you spill a sugary beverage and some of the barrels become sticky.
2 Extra stabilizer inserts – in case some fail or break when trying to remove them from the barrels to change a layout
An original Industrial SSK (just kidding!)

Not included but highly recommended to keep your keyboard running in the future, long after production has shut down:

• Additional rubber bumpers for the bottom of the keyboard, available in various heights
• Additional flippers with springs beyond the included 10 of this kit
• Additional barrels beyond the included 10 of this kit
• Spare USB-C controller, in case of chip failure (rare) or accidental damage (tripping over the cord, etc.)
• Transparent relegendable keys (in case you forgot to order a key that you wanted in the future)
• Solenoid driver and solenoid (not required but great to have!)
• Extra inner foam beyond the included one piece of spare foam – avoids wobbly keys when the foam loses compression set over time while installed in the keyboard (the type of foam used for this project seems to retain its compressibility in the long term when stored outside the keyboard)
• Spare custom-made 3 meter USB-C braided cable (in recent years the cables I’ve bought from various places do not seem to last more than a few years of daily usage before requiring replacement)
• Extra space bar tabs
• Extra stabilizer inserts beyond the one of each type included in the kit (in case you damage one when trying to remove it)
• Model F wire key puller – definitely recommended if you do not have one already, for removing keys to clean them

Important terms: All foam is considered to have cosmetic defects not limited to creases, scuffs, indentations, folds, lines, and overly compressed parts. Assume your foam will have these issues and that you won't get a replacement. The foam comes from the foam factory in sheets of a pre-made size. To minimize the waste of foam, the factory sometimes glues together the foam. In no way does any of this affect operation or longevity of the foam as the barrels actually secure the foam in place. The tooling for this foam was custom made and I am the only seller of Model F factory cut foam. The foam for the compact and classic keyboards is considered to be interchangeable, even though there are slight differences in the shape between compact and classic F104/FSSK for example (again, keep your scissors/cutter/craft knife handy since you may need to make some cuts to your foam to adapt it to your keyboard model); they are the same functionally to hold the barrels in place and you can’t request one or the other even if you purchased one design and received the other design foam.

Add-on keys are a great way to get the required custom keys for your computer (Apple/Mac, HHKB, etc.) and also to personalize your keyboard with useful legends that will maximize your productivity, fun legends like novelty keys, historical or universal legends like icons, and those from terminal keyboards of the past 50 years of computing. Most individual keys are $3 each, while some are $7.

What's available: Hundreds of custom legend key sets are currently available both individually and as part of various themed sets.

Can I order keys individually or must I buy the whole set? You can order keys individually through the "Individual Keys" category in the shop and on the keyboard configurator pages, but many people end up buying the complete set which is often a better value.

Where do I find the various keys and how are they organized?
There are key sets of various custom legend groupings such as those for the IBM 4704, Apple/Mac F1 to F15 and 6 Key Mac Text/Icons, Colemak, Dvorak, Ergodox, Extras, F13-F24, HHKB Front Print, Icons, Industrial SSK 12 Key Set, Media Icons, Media Text, Mopar Blue, Buckling spring logo and other novelties, Ortholinear, Scumnc, SSK Num Pad, and Terminal. The images of the key sets show the keys in their default color offerings only, though they are usually available in other options by changing the color drop down menu.

For ease of organization in the shop, the Key Sets product category offers all the above-listed sets in one "Add-on Key Sets" product. There are separate product listings where you can buy all of the various other groups of key sets: Base Key Sets (the usual full ~104 key sets), Front Print F Row (the 12 number row keys populated with F1-F12 front printing (great for F62/F77 and for those who want function key access for example by pressing Fn+1 to get F1, etc.), HHKB 6 Key Sets (international language variants and icon variants also available), Pad Printed White Text Model F Key Sets, and Right Side Blocks.

The red boxes around the keys: You'll see most keys have a box around the image; these boxes are not printed on the keys but are just there to show the placement of the legend on the key and the size of the key. The size is 1U unless otherwise noted. When something is shown below the box, that indicates what will be front printed on the keycap.

Two main ways to buy extra keys: This recently updated project site allows everyone to purchase add-ons including key sets directly while configuring a keyboard, and also they can purchase them separately by going to the various product pages in the shop page. The keyboard configurator pages also have links to purchase individual keys, which open up in a new window (too complex to offer them while on the keyboard configurator pages). Additionally, you can purchase individual keys (including blank unprinted keys and transparent relegendable keys) directly through items in the "Keys" product category on the shop page. Almost every key has an image showing the legend of the key.

Can I edit my order before submitting it? Yes. Regardless of whether you order them with the keyboard configurator or separately, you can adjust the quantity and add or remove them from the cart without having to remove everything and start over. Each item is added to the cart as a separate item even if you order it on the keyboard configurator page.

The most popular recommendation is the Industrial SSK 12 key set: this gets your keyboard looking like the ultra-rare IBM Industrial SSK and its custom-made legends. A nice and popular touch for these great old style keyboards.

Important Terms:
Only the listed options, sizes, and colors are available; no other custom legends. You can buy almost every single key individually, with the exception of the following keys only sold as part of the full set: Industrial SSK 12 key legends, Apple/Mac, Front Printed F Row, F13-F24, Mac, and the Right Side Block key sets. If you are replacing a damaged key or need an exception, I have some extras of those sets so just email me, but pricing may be higher ($4 to $7 instead of $3). As a note key legends are not finalized and are subject to change. The HHKB set legend is Ctrl and not spelled out Control, though you can purchase an extra 1.75U control key (no substitutions are allowed though).

Just about every key is available in every color except black which does not offer any printed keys, and except for pearl modifiers, which are not offered (also many pebble keys are not available in pearl and vice versa; if you order a key in pearl that is not available or if you specify All Pearl or All Pebble, you agree to receive a pebble key or a key in the normal color instead of your requested color). For pearl/pebble key sets they come as pictured; you can’t change some keys to pebble and others to pearl for example; however your key may come in pearl or pebble if you request pearl/pebble, based on current stock availability (you are not guaranteed to receive the color that is pictured below). Other examples of keys not available in All Pearl or All Pebble are full key sets, F13-F24, and other sets with many keys; if you specify All one color you agree to receive the default colors. Some key sets are offered only in All Pearl or All Pebble (examples: media keys and Novelties); if you pick Pearl/Pebble you agree to receive the set in all pearl or all pebble, my choice based on available stock. Another example, Mopar Blue is only available in blue and dark gray. In other words, by ordering from this page you are not guaranteed to receive keys in a requested color that is different from the stocked color options; your keys may differ in color from the colors and legends pictured. Your key request must match the size in the images below. I cannot provide a key in a different size.

The shorter spacebar is a tight fit with a 1.5U key; you could use a 1.25U key instead but there would be a 1-2mm gap between space bar and the new key.

You are responsible for updating the Vial firmware GUI if you choose custom keycaps or custom right side blocks; this is not done for you if you just purchase an extra right side block set, for example.

Key colors (from left to right: Pebble, Pearl, Black, Industrial SSK Blue, 60% Dark Gray):

I came across some old files describing some of the IBM Key legends and key descriptions for the key functions on their keyboards – hope it might be of interest. I had no idea what many of these keys actually did on the old terminals! Copied below are pages from the IBM 3179 (F122 keyboard). Please note that if you only see the key below and not in the above list, you cannot order the key.

Click to View Images

Add-on keys are a great way to get the required custom keys for your computer (Apple/Mac, HHKB, etc.) and also to personalize your keyboard with useful legends that will maximize your productivity, fun legends like novelty keys, historical or universal legends like icons, and those from terminal keyboards of the past 50 years of computing. Most individual keys are $3 each, while some are $7.

What's available: Hundreds of custom legend key sets are currently available both individually and as part of various themed sets.

Can I order keys individually or must I buy the whole set? You can order keys individually through the "Individual Keys" category in the shop and on the keyboard configurator pages, but many people end up buying the complete set which is often a better value.

Where do I find the various keys and how are they organized?
There are key sets of various custom legend groupings such as those for the IBM 4704, Apple/Mac F1 to F15 and 6 Key Mac Text/Icons, Colemak, Dvorak, Ergodox, Extras, F13-F24, HHKB Front Print, Icons, Industrial SSK 12 Key Set, Media Icons, Media Text, Mopar Blue, Buckling spring logo and other novelties, Ortholinear, Scumnc, SSK Num Pad, and Terminal. The images of the key sets show the keys in their default color offerings only, though they are usually available in other options by changing the color drop down menu.

For ease of organization in the shop, the Key Sets product category offers all the above-listed sets in one "Add-on Key Sets" product. There are separate product listings where you can buy all of the various other groups of key sets: Base Key Sets (the usual full ~104 key sets), Front Print F Row (the 12 number row keys populated with F1-F12 front printing (great for F62/F77 and for those who want function key access for example by pressing Fn+1 to get F1, etc.), HHKB 6 Key Sets (international language variants and icon variants also available), Pad Printed White Text Model F Key Sets, and Right Side Blocks.

The red boxes around the keys: You'll see most keys have a box around the image; these boxes are not printed on the keys but are just there to show the placement of the legend on the key and the size of the key. The size is 1U unless otherwise noted. When something is shown below the box, that indicates what will be front printed on the keycap.

Two main ways to buy extra keys: This recently updated project site allows everyone to purchase add-ons including key sets directly while configuring a keyboard, and also they can purchase them separately by going to the various product pages in the shop page. The keyboard configurator pages also have links to purchase individual keys, which open up in a new window (too complex to offer them while on the keyboard configurator pages). Additionally, you can purchase individual keys (including blank unprinted keys and transparent relegendable keys) directly through items in the "Keys" product category on the shop page. Almost every key has an image showing the legend of the key.

Can I edit my order before submitting it? Yes. Regardless of whether you order them with the keyboard configurator or separately, you can adjust the quantity and add or remove them from the cart without having to remove everything and start over. Each item is added to the cart as a separate item even if you order it on the keyboard configurator page.

The most popular recommendation is the Industrial SSK 12 key set: this gets your keyboard looking like the ultra-rare IBM Industrial SSK and its custom-made legends. A nice and popular touch for these great old style keyboards.

Important Terms:
Only the listed options, sizes, and colors are available; no other custom legends. You can buy almost every single key individually, with the exception of the following keys only sold as part of the full set: Industrial SSK 12 key legends, Apple/Mac, Front Printed F Row, F13-F24, Mac, and the Right Side Block key sets. If you are replacing a damaged key or need an exception, I have some extras of those sets so just email me, but pricing may be higher ($4 to $7 instead of $3). As a note key legends are not finalized and are subject to change. The HHKB set legend is Ctrl and not spelled out Control, though you can purchase an extra 1.75U control key (no substitutions are allowed though).

Just about every key is available in every color except black which does not offer any printed keys, and except for pearl modifiers, which are not offered (also many pebble keys are not available in pearl and vice versa; if you order a key in pearl that is not available or if you specify All Pearl or All Pebble, you agree to receive a pebble key or a key in the normal color instead of your requested color). For pearl/pebble key sets they come as pictured; you can’t change some keys to pebble and others to pearl for example; however your key may come in pearl or pebble if you request pearl/pebble, based on current stock availability (you are not guaranteed to receive the color that is pictured below). Other examples of keys not available in All Pearl or All Pebble are full key sets, F13-F24, and other sets with many keys; if you specify All one color you agree to receive the default colors. Some key sets are offered only in All Pearl or All Pebble (examples: media keys and Novelties); if you pick Pearl/Pebble you agree to receive the set in all pearl or all pebble, my choice based on available stock. Another example, Mopar Blue is only available in blue and dark gray. In other words, by ordering from this page you are not guaranteed to receive keys in a requested color that is different from the stocked color options; your keys may differ in color from the colors and legends pictured. Your key request must match the size in the images below. I cannot provide a key in a different size.

The shorter spacebar is a tight fit with a 1.5U key; you could use a 1.25U key instead but there would be a 1-2mm gap between space bar and the new key.

You are responsible for updating the Vial firmware GUI if you choose custom keycaps or custom right side blocks; this is not done for you if you just purchase an extra right side block set, for example.

Key colors (from left to right: Pebble, Pearl, Black, Industrial SSK Blue, 60% Dark Gray):

I came across some old files describing some of the IBM Key legends and key descriptions for the key functions on their keyboards – hope it might be of interest. I had no idea what many of these keys actually did on the old terminals! Copied below are pages from the IBM 3179 (F122 keyboard). Please note that if you only see the key below and not in the above list, you cannot order the key.

Click to View Images

Spare controllers are one of the most popular extras. The controllers contain all of the custom electronics in the keyboard, so if the keyboard stops working long after the project has shut down and spare parts are no longer available, you can switch it out with the spare so your keyboard will continue working. No need to pick the controller; you’ll get the one that works with your keyboard unless you specify otherwise.

Pick "Leyden Jar" if you have a B122, B104, or F122. Pick "xwhatsit USB-C" if you have any other new Model F or Beam Spring keyboard.

To choose the correct option that you need, please see below. Note: All controllers offered here have USB-C! This is the only place to purchase all of these controllers as no one else manufactures them. When on the keyboard configurator page, the correct controller option compatible with your keyboard will be the only available choice.

Controller models available for the new production keyboards: There are two main offerings: xwhatsit USB-C and the Leyden Jar controller.
xwhatsit USB-C is used for many new Model F and new Beam Spring keyboards, other than the models below which use the Leyden Jar controller. All new F and Beam keyboards use these controllers; none of them use the controllers with the blue card edge connectors (those are only used with some IBM originals).
Leyden Jar controllers is for the F122, B122, and B104 because their capacitive PCBs are 18 column designs (support is planned for all other models as well, so you can order a spare Leyden Jar controller for futureproofing). This is an open source RP2040-based controller that you can also use to make your own keyboard.
Both controllers have the same usability and real-world performance, though the Leyden Jar is the latest and greatest, with support for 18 columns instead of 16 and other improvements. To be honest you won't notice much of a difference in normal usage so don't worry about getting one versus the other.

Some quick notes on flashing firmware: you must follow the steps in the manual to flash firmware. Spare controllers not sold inside a keyboard do not come pre-flashed; they will not be detected on the computer without following the steps in the manual so you might think they are broken when in fact they just need to be set up. While all of these keyboards work fine with Windows 11 among many other operating systems including Mac and Linux, due to increased security on Windows 11, for flashing Atmega controllers (i.e. all controllers except the Leyden Jar) you may need to use a computer running another operating system such as Windows 10, or try going to Windows Security > Core isolation and toggle “Memory integrity” OFF, then restart the computer, though this is not a confirmed fix as of now. I've had no issues flashing on my copy of Windows 11. Free programs like Rufus allow you to make a “Windows To Go” Windows 10 USB memory key using a freely downloaded trial iso of Windows 10, which will allow flashing. If you refuse to use something other than Windows 11 and you cannot change the aforementioned setting, you will be unable to flash firmware which may be required to use the controller and fix bugs and other vulnerabilities.

I have an original Model F. Should I replace the controller? For models that can use Soarer’s Converter, I do not recommend replacing the original controller unless it does not work reliably. Soarer’s Teensy/Pro Micro 5V ATMEGA32U4-based converter (XT, AT, F122, Unsaver, etc.) plugs into the original controller. Removing the original controller is not a good idea as the traces are at risk of damage during the desoldering process and it is completely unnecessary for the F122 which has a reliable original controller. Instead, just order the aforementioned Pro Micro and follow the setup instructions. For the 4704 style models (F62 Kishsaver, F77, F104, F50), I recommend replacing the controller with the latest and newest 4704 USB-C controller. Just pick the 4704 option. The main benefits of the new controllers are the USB-C connection and the ability to replace the pro micro brains of the controller with another one in case it fails, instead of having to replace the entire controller. They are two separate parts that you would solder together using the included header pins. You also get the benefits of the new QMK firmware (binning, autocalibration) with the new board. Only if you want to use a solenoid, if your original IBM board has failed, or if you want to replace it, I recommend getting the right controller for your keyboard. Here are some helpful Soarer’s Converter files (provided AS IS, no support offered, use at your own risk) that I gathered from various sources.

Which beam spring controller to order for your original IBM keyboard:
Displaywriter beam spring controller (if you have a displaywriter keyboard – Google to confirm if you are not sure)
Beamspring USB-C (for IBM Models) – for various IBM beam spring keyboards except the non-displaywriter beam spring controller – examples include but are not limited to IBM 3278 Beam Spring Keyboard, 5251, 3279, 3276, and 4978
Some beam spring keyboards (3277, 3741) have a non-detachable controller – you may need to order a replacement capacitive PCB as well (I do not offer these)

What to order if you have an original IBM F122 / F104 Unsaver / PC AT / 3178 Blue Switch Keyboard:
F122/Unsaver/3178/AT Controller (note: this pandrew controller includes the USB-C Pro Micro. You have to solder the pro micro to the controller): Solenoid Driver, Solenoid, USB-C cable

What to order if you have an original IBM F107 / F77 Unsaver / F62 Kishsaver / F50 Keyboard:
4704 Controller (note: this pandrew controller includes the USB-C Pro Micro. You have to solder the pro micro to the controller)
USB cables: Model F custom USB cables are not included – please order one in the shop.

Important terms: Please note that for all PCBs and controllers that specifications and functionality may change over time, so I cannot guarantee compatibility or availability of each feature on these products. Product hardware and firmware revisions may change or be updated in the future, so your PCB may not match exactly what is pictured. The ribbon cable is not pre-soldered to the controller as depicted in some photos. Please note that you have to head over to the Deskthority.net and geekhack mechanical keyboard forums for support as no one on one technical support is offered. In addition to reviewing the manual on this web site, please also review xwhatsit’s original instructions here: https://static.wongcornall.com/ibm-capsense-usb/

A note on USB-C: the USB-C standard allows for extra movement in the connector compared with other USB receptacles like USB-B. For original IBM keyboards, ensure that the USB cable is internally strain relieved so that pulling on the cable will in no way cause cable movement on the other side of the strain relief. By ordering a controller you agree to accept this extra movement and the need for strain relief to ensure a reliable connection. In other words, you must expect that the controller may disconnect if the USB cable is pulled while connected to the controller’s USB-C connector, if not properly strain relieved. I have found that gently squeezing the connector with your fingers to compress the metal USB-C connector housing helps reduce the normal looseness.

For the pandrew controllers for original IBM keyboards: be sure to solder the Pro Micro controller on the correct side! It always goes on the side without the chips and other components. The pandrew controllers are always installed so that the factory assembled components are visible when viewing the bottom case as shown below; in other words they should be placed so that when you are looking at the keyboard in its normal position, the controllers should be oriented as per the first two images below. The third image below shows the keyboard upside down, with the components side visible. Images credit: pandrew

These are important parts required to maintain and use a Model F keyboard, plus some decorative and helpful parts like badges and key set holders. They are compatible with new and original Model F boards.

Barrels and Flippers: I definitely recommend getting extra barrels and flippers and springs even beyond the 10 that are included in the first aid kit, as these parts are most prone to accidental damage/breakage/liquid spillage. Many pick up 10 additional barrels and 10-30 additional flippers with springs. Everyone is offered the bulk pricing of $1 each, no matter how many you order.

Sometimes buckling springs get bent out of shape when installing or removing a key. In this case it’s better to have some spare Model F springs and flippers on hand, especially years from now when production is long finished and spare parts cannot be found – keep your new Model F Keyboard alive and running! These will work with all new production and original Model F keyboards.

Barrels are AT-style so they will work with most original Model F keyboards. I also have available XT style original IBM barrels that will work for all Model F’s with the XT style layout – same cost; please specify in the notes if you’d like the XT otherwise you’ll get the new AT style ones. Important terms: Please note that if using new production barrels on original IBM Model F keyboards, due to variations in 1980s steel cutting tolerances, the cut out angle may vary by a couple degrees, so if you are putting many new barrels together they may be at a slight angle instead of perfectly straight for some original Model F keyboards but not for other original Model F keyboards. The barrels are angled and aligned fine with the reproduction Model F keyboards on this site. I suggest buying a few barrels as a test for your specific IBM keyboard if you are concerned, before doing a complete refurbishment.

Extra Plastic Stabilizer Inserts for keys: you need 4 horizontal and 2 vertical stabilizer inserts for the standard ANSI layouts and 3 inserts of each style for ISO layouts. Since these inserts may get stuck in the barrels, ordering extras is definitely recommended because you may damage an insert trying to remove it (to avoid damaging an insert, the safest way is to remove it by completely disassembling the keyboard and pushing out the insert from the other side). The black inserts are the vertical inserts (for tall keys like ISO Enter, num pad + and num pad 2U Enter) and the white inserts are the horizontal inserts. Remember that original inserts are best with original key sets and new production inserts are best with new production key sets; compatibility is not guaranteed between original keys and new inserts or vice versa.

Model F Badge: Badges are the same size as the IBM originals and can fit most original Model M or Model F keyboards with recessed badge areas, with exception for the IBM XT and AT boards that use a larger badge. These badges are 2cm x 2cm. The F122 is the only new production board that has a recessed spot for the badge but you can stick the badges anywhere on any of the Brand New Model F or Brand New Beam Spring keyboard cases! The badges are rendered images. The F122 recessed area measures about 21-22mm tall by 20mm wide, so you will have to center the 20mm badge and there will be about 0.5mm to 1mm space below and above the badge in the recessed area. Be sure to remove the transparent plastic protective film from the top side of the badge before installing.

Extra steel spacebar tabs ($5/pair): Great to keep as a spare for your Brand New Model F keyboards in case they are damaged years from now. Also great to have good quality metal tabs to replace broken plastic ones on the IBM originals.

Buckling Spring Key Set Holder / Organizer: This is a custom stamped Model F / Model M Key Set Holder / Organizer made of transparent plastic. Keeps keys organized for display purposes and for ease of installation (you know where each key is and do not have to look through a whole bag of keys to find one key). It is designed to grip the key stems so you can even hold it upside down and the keys are not likely to fall out, but you can remove a key by pulling by hand. Of course with some force the keys can fall out so it’s not perfect. While supplies/pricing last. Key set not included! Every sheet had a key set installed on it and that key set has been removed. As with other large items like spare foam, this may ship rolled or folded, so there may be creases and folds. Includes an extra row at the bottom to store all your extra keys, as well as a place to store the ISO Enter key (top right of example photo, currently in the spot where a 1.25U key is located).