I have ordered a Classic style FSSK Model F keyboard and will probably order an additional one by the end of the month. I am also putting together a list of spare parts to get at the same time as the second keyboard. For the Classic Style FSSK Model F keyboard, I just want to confirm that this will be the controller that I should get: Model F USB-C (New Models). Can I also get confirmation that if I ever need to replace the original controller with the spare one that no soldering is needed and it is just a plug and play (with some unscrewing). Thanks!
Great! Yes confirmed on the controller model. No, you need to desolder the old controller and then solder the new controller as it is attached by ribbon cable as shown in the manual. You can also purchase a presoldered kit that includes the controller+ribbon cable+large capacitive PCB so you would not have to desolder the old controller. To do this, order the Model F USB-C (New Models) controller as well as 50 units of $1 increments for the capacitive PCB and factory soldering fee. Desoldering is easy to learn but some folks prefer to have a soldered spare.
All keyboards use the xwhatsit or Leyden Jar controllers, both of which use Vial/QMK. You do not need to buy a spare controller as one is included with each keyboard.
If I order a keyboard, are they programmable out of the box? Or is a controller required for programmability? Thank you.