Model F Request: If you are not picky with the Model F case colors, please order a color other than Black, Off-White/Beige, Industrial Gray, or True Red.  Those colors were more popular than expected and I want to make sure some are still available in the future for those who are not flexible.  Dark Blue, Light Blue, or Silver Gray is my recommendation.  If you order Black, Off-White/Beige, Industrial Gray, or True Red, you agree to wait months longer for delivery compared to picking another color.

Beam Spring Request: For fastest delivery: choose the “all black keys with white text” key set and the following case colors. Remember that the B104 Round 2 Off-White/Beige case color is in stock, along with a few remaining True Red, Dark and Light Blue, and Regular Gray. Please pick Off-White/Beige so as to leave the other colors available for those who are less flexible. The remaining B104 colors will arrive by the end of 2026 as they are currently finishing production and assembly. The key set “Black modifier keys with white text, all other keys white with black text” was too popular and is low stock now; if you can be flexible, please do not pick it and instead pick the “all black keys with white text” key set.

How to configure a keyboard: When configuring a keyboard, you can order various recommended and optional add-ons to customize your keyboard. You can also order them separately by going to the Shop page. If you forget to order something or want to change it, you can individually remove it or adjust its quantity directly from the cart. For customized or variable items, you’ll have to delete the item from the cart and add what you want to the cart. For example: if you have added a keyboard and various extras but change your mind about a case color or even want to change the whole keyboard model, you can easily delete only the keyboard without deleting the add-ons you may have ordered at the same time as the keyboard. Remember to change specific extras you may have ordered, such as a first aid kit or spare case for a particular keyboard model.

Material and Finish: The cases are die cast metal (aluminum) with a paint/powder coating finish. All have painted/powder-coated aluminum metal cases, even though they were designed to look like the original IBM Model M cases which were made of plastic. There are no plastic case Brand New Model F keyboards.

Spare Cases, Swapping Cases: You can click the Shop link in the top header to order a spare case in another color if you’d like to switch (pun intended!) things up in the future. LED overlays, feet/bumpers, P clips (for strain relief), and badges are not included with extra cases. To switch between compact and classic cases you’ll need to order the needed bottom inner assembly plate for your new case by ordering 25 units of the store item $1 increments (it’s not included with the case) or a 3d-printed adapter (I’ll send you either the plate or 3d printed part, whichever one I have available; you can’t pick!). Remember you can swap cases between compact and classic F62/F77 but not between compact and classic F104/FSSK and not between original IBM and these new keyboards.

Case Design History: The Classic Model M style F104/FSSK/F122 were designed based on the IBM Model M keyboard, but with adjustments (metal cases instead of PVC plastic, bottom plate is made from stamped metal like the Model F XT keyboard as opposed to die cast plastic). The Classic F62/F77 were designed based on the IBM 4700 Finance Communication System’s line of terminal keyboards used at bank teller windows in the 1980s. While IBM used lighter mixed/”pot” metal, I chose to use pure Zamak zinc which is denser and one reason why the reproductions were heavier than the originals! The Classic Beam Spring Round 2 keyboards were based off the original IBM 3101 Beam Spring case design, with helpful case measurements provided by Chyrosran22. The compact Model F and Beam Spring cases were my own design, with the intention of making the keyboards as small as possible while retaining the original Model F and Beam Spring design requirements.

Colors: Off-White/Beige was the standard original IBM color used on the IBM Model M and Model F keyboards and others, while Industrial Gray was used on IBM’s Industrial PC line. If a case’s color cannot be ordered, then it is not available to order (sold out, etc.). The website refers to Silver Gray and Regular Gray interchangeably though the finishes vary: the compact cases have more of a neutral gray while the others are more Silver/Blue Gray.

Colors from left to right: Off-White/Beige, Industrial Gray, Black, Regular Gray, Dark Blue, Light Blue, True Red

The most popular base key set is the default selection: Regular printed key set (US ANSI layout). The default is in the standard pearl/pebble color, though you can alternatively get this set in unprinted pearl/pebble (“regular”), black unprinted, blue printed, and dark gray printed. Click the magnifying lens inside a tile to see what each set looks like.

Mix and Match: Some folks want to mix and match key sets (dark gray and blue are a popular combination) but for that you’ll have to order a spare key set in the color you did not already select since there is no mix and match option available.

International Languages: There are many international key sets to choose from, all of which use the classic IBM Pearl / Pebble colors. For JIS, the shorter spacebar mod add-on is recommended, as many JIS users find the shorter spacebar preferable.

Recommendations: I strongly recommend getting additional key sets for the future because the key top texture wears down and becomes smooth/slippery with usage over time, just like the IBM originals (see this blog update entry for my wear analysis of IBM Model F keycaps). You’d definitely want to order spares if you anticipate using these keyboards for more than a few years in their peak physical condition, even long after the project has shut down and IBM XT Quality Model F new production key sets are no longer available.

HHKB 6 key set: typically includes a 1.5U size Delete key, 1U | key, 1.5U Caps Lock, 1.75U left Ctrl, 1.75U right shift, and 1U Fn (this will vary by international key sets; see the images for details on what each set includes). If you order an extra key set, please note that the HHKB set is not included with any spare base key set, so you will need to order the HHKB 6 Key Set store item. You do get one HHKB 6 key set included if you order a keyboard with split right shift, but it’s always good to pick up spares of the most frequently used keys like HHKB (the HHKB set will correspond to your base key set). If your specific language is not specified, choose the “ISO Standard” option.

Front Print F Rows: These are available for various languages and add F1-F12 printing on the front of the number row of keys above the letter keys (pressing Fn+1 sends F1 to the computer, etc.).

What’s Included: These key sets do not include extra, Front Printed, HHKB, or Apple-specific keys (split right shift, command/option, etc.). This means that all of the additional keys pictured in the base key set renderings will not be included if you order the base set. These other custom keys are shown for reference and are only available separately, either as part of the HHKB 6 key set, Front Printed F1-F12 set, or individually orderable through the Extra Keys store page. These extra keys are often indicated under a different heading like Front Print, Extras, Apple, etc. and are sometimes pictured with green or blue rectangles (these rectangles are of course not printed on the keys). If you order front printed keys, HHKB style extra keys, or Industrial SSK keys with your set, they will not replace any other keys you’re getting – you still get the full set, plus the extra keys you order. All 103 key sets include the space bar, space bar stabilizer wire and required 6 stabilizer inserts for the set, both horizontal and vertical inserts.

Compatibility and important terms: If you order the “full base key set” you get 103 keys so you can use the set on your other Model M or Model F keyboard as well as the new production ones, though the space bar is the Model M style so it will not work with XT/AT style space bars or Model F style space bars unless you make a custom wire or remove the plastic clips (not recommended) and attach the project’s metal spacebar tabs instead. Individual legends are subject to change from what’s pictured without notice and will vary based on available stock; they may not match these images.

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

Please order one of the HHKB-style split right shift options if possible, as more regular right shift boards have been ordered compared to the available remaining stock. Every other key will be the same if you pick the split shift and regular backspace option. Split shift boards are prioritized for shipping. You can have normal Ctrl and Caps lock positions with HHKB style split right shift, and you can even set both right shift areas to be Shift keys if you’d like. The split shift key area has the same overall size as the regular right shift (1.75U+1U=2.75U). Split right shift boards can be configured at no extra cost for ANSI or ISO.

If you order standard right shift, you agree to wait months longer for delivery. Standard ANSI or ISO layout will give you the regular arrangement of the main section of keys found on most keyboards.

The HHKB style split right shift divides the right shift key into a smaller shift key and a function key, which is often used on keyboards like the HHKB (Happy Hacking Keyboard).

You can keep a normal style backspace that is 2 keys wide or you can split the key as is done on the HHKB. While you can switch back and forth between ANSI and ISO, you can’t switch to HHKB shift and back because the parts are physically different.

The blank key between each Ctrl and Alt is factory programmed to be a Windows key for Windows, a GUI key for Linux, or an Option key for Apple/Mac (it is done automatically; you don’t need to specify your OS).

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.

Adjusting the solenoid settings (Model F and Beam Spring keyboards)

The first new production custom made Model F solenoids! Brand New Model F Keyboards production

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

After nearly six years of R&D and tooling work, pad printed white text on black Model F keycaps are now available to order!  They are compatible with Model M keyboards as well.  These sets were once only available through an incredibly rare IBM Model M keyboard, the M13 13H6705 trackpoint version, which is currently only available for nearly $1,000 on eBay.

Summary:

• The pad printed keys came out excellent!  The first batch arrived last month.
• The legends are protected with a clear coat, so durability should be better than the uncoated IBM originals.
• To order this key set, Just pick the default option “delivery later this year” unless you want one of the special options Dvorak, Colemak, M13 Trackpoint, Blue, Apple/Mac 6 Key set (not included in the main sets), Dark Gray, or one of the 25 in-stock sets.  
• These are being made to order at the factory, except for the first 25 sets which are now in stock.  For the other sets, shipping is expected to be later this year.
• Please order now to guarantee the current early bird pricing shown; do not wait for the remaining quantity to be in stock.  Pricing may change, I may run out of stock by then, and in-stock orders have a couple month backlog so you’d be waiting a couple extra months if you decide to wait before ordering.
• Included at no extra cost:  HHKB 6 key sets and some novelty/extra keys (Super, Fn, Buckling Spring Logo, Menu, Any Key, Clicker/Beeper/Solenoid Toggle).  The pictured custom blister packaging is included and can be reused for other Model F key sets.
• Only the US ANSI regular key set was made, in 3 colors, plus the Dvorak and Colemak variants.  No ISO sets; no international sets.  These may be made later or not at all due to high tooling costs required for every unique key set design, so I recommend ordering the only available key set design even if it is not your first choice.  If you want the M13 Trackpoint set but can’t afford its premium cost please reply to this email to let me know.  I can only make 15 of those sets with current key stock.  Unicomp ran out of these keys but may be able to make more.  If Trackpoint is too costly, I recommend that you purchase the normal set and just re-use the original G H and B keys, or purchase the pearl G H B Trackpoint keys with black text on the Extra Keys page.
• Because pad printed sets obviously wear down over time, I strongly recommend ordering multiple sets now while they have not yet all been claimed.   I’m not sure if I’ll ever make a second batch due to cost.
• No substitutions: you can’t get these keys for free with a keyboard in place of one of the “included” key set options.
• International addresses:  you can add this to an existing shipment, though due to the uncertain timeline it may delay your other order.  For the separate international shipping charge so as not to delay your order, please order 29 units of the store item $1 increments and choose free/other shipping at checkout, right before clicking Place Order. This is a flat rate, good for up to 3 pounds in shipping weight, so feel free to order additional extras to get the most value out of the shipping cost.
• There are quality limitations from the pad printing process itself, and other important product details.  See below for full details.

Model F Pad Printing: White Text on Black Keys SUCCESS, Limited Quantity Now Available to Order

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).

Custom/Low Serial Number: Choose this option to jump ahead in line by up to several hundred spots! Also a great way to support the project a little more and request your own serial number and/or production date. Serials can be up to 7 numerical digits only – no letters or other special characters. Important note: click this link to see details on available serials, especially for single digit serials.

Likewise, you can choose to support the project through the other options in this section. Feel free to add this on to a previous order to upgrade it (you can choose free shipping on this order if it’s just for this upgrade).

Thank you for supporting the project a little extra – it is much appreciated to help cover the tens of thousands of dollars of project cost overruns and get your keyboard far faster.

Which serials are available? See below for which serials you can pick with each level of support. With all levels of support, you can also pick higher numbers and/or custom production dates, subject to availability.

I usually ship in sequence of order date (generally first come first served) unless you order a single digit serial or low serial number. Single significant digit serials (less than 0000010) will be one of the very first to ship, and low serial numbers will be among the earliest to ship.

What are the different upgrade levels? There are different levels of low serial, ranging from single digit serials, to double digit range of serials, to other low serials 100 and higher. The standard $29 option allows for some requests. Other options can be selected by picking the single, double, or triple digit serial options. It is ok to upgrade from the $29 option you may have ordered already to the $99 option using the store item $1 increments to make up the difference.

Custom dates: All low/custom serial options allow the option to request a custom date / year that will go on the product label. A birthday, birthdate (with birth year!), or anniversary are all possibilities to consider. You can send a list of preferred serials in priority order, up to 7 digits (numbers only and they must be non-negative). Many other serials (3 to 7 significant digits) are also available but not listed below. The list is not updated constantly and if you order any low serial option I cannot guarantee you will receive your requested serial; you may be assigned an available serial.

Important terms: this store item does not guarantee a requested serial number. If your requested serials are not available, another serial will be assigned to you; it may be a “lower tier” serial and you agree not to receive a refund for the cost difference as the primary purpose of this item is to expedite shipping by skipping the line as well as getting something that can match a particular date. Ordering a low serial does not guarantee shipment within a certain amount of time. It only guarantees that when each shipment arrives, your order will be one of the first to ship if it is all in stock. I personally inspect and ship each keyboard. Under no circumstances can you add conditions of purchase such as requiring a refund if a certain serial or date is unavailable. Many serial numbers have already been reserved, especially for the F62 and F77; the main benefit of this product add-on is to support the project a little more in exchange for skipping the line, not to have a serial close to number 1. The low serial upgrade does not make your keyboard arrive any faster from the factory, but it allows you to skip the backlog as soon as the keyboard arrives and is in stock. You are not purchasing an exclusive license for one serial or production date; others may have the same serial or date as you (for example, someone with a Model M style F104 and an Ultra Compact F104, or two of the same model if I mistakenly duplicate serials). For example, outside of the premium low serial options, the standard low serial for the F77 is now in the low thousands. Please feel free to check with me before purchase if you need a certain number or date. A reminder that while the skip the line option lets you move ahead in the backlog by dozens and dozens of spots, there is still a quality control and order preparation process that needs to happen, so it will still take time for your order to ship, but you may get your order a month (or more) earlier. As I note on the update blog posts: “In terms of the timeline from here, I cannot estimate the timeline for any specific order, so please do not email me asking for a personalized update on when your order will ship. You will receive an email with a tracking number once your order is all done.”

Serial Levels:
The Model M case style Model F keyboards (Classic F104/FSSK/F122) and classic Beam Spring Keyboards:
Single Digit Serials: 0-9
Premium Serials: 10 through 99
Regular Low Serials: 100 and up

Beam Spring Round 1 and the newly announced anodized case Model F keyboards (Compact F104/FSSK/F50/F15 Split/Split Ortho):
Single Digit Serials: 0-9 (only a few remaining!)
Premium Serials: 10 through 50
Regular Low Serials: 51 through 99

With other models out for years that have most of their small numbers already taken (F62, F77, etc.), the next lowest serials will be offered.

Printed with PLA.  Colors will be assorted/random; you can’t request a color.

Only the 3d printed part is included. Other pictured hardware (bolts, nuts, zip ties, etc.) is not included. In other words, you will not receive the parts pictured in the photos besides the 3d printed plastic. The below photos are provided by the project creators and are used for illustrative reference purposes only. These items are not warranted for usability, strength, etc. as they are provided by third parties and are untested.

The files are all linked so you can print them yourself if you prefer.

Feel free to email me to request quotations for additional 3d printed keyboard-related parts (wrist rests, etc.). They would need to be open source with a license to allow all uses. Of course they cannot have a creative commons non-commercial license.

Solenoid Driver and Solenoid Holder:   

This is useful for the Classic Case F62/F77 boards and also if you have a compact keyboard case, since the solenoid is too big to fit inside the compact cases.

Example 1          installation instructions for Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Spacebar adapter (set of 2) to use regular spacebar (the Model M style used for the new Model F project and for all Model M keyboards) with original Model F keyboards: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4892333

IBM Model F PC XT Replacement Foot (one foot, not two): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:5356592

Riser Stand (left and right side) for Classic Style F104/FSSK: https://www.printables.com/model/1113714-raiser-stand-for-model-f-labs-model-fssk-keyboard

Flip Out Feet Example 1 (set of two, not four): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:4491679

Flip Out Feet Example 2 (set of two, not four): https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3954466