Currently got this one on my work laptop. Model M terminal board with internal converter. The only layout changes I made versus a normal 102-key are that RCtrl is is a Windows key, and the four keys along the right side of the numpad are =, -, +, and the normal Enter.
They're proper replacements. Unicomp, which still makes full size and TKL Model M's, sells replacement keytops.
I got this "Display Station" terminal board for cheap on eBay because it was a later model, a little bit dirty, RJ-45 instead of PS/2, no indicator LEDs, and missing 4 keytops. It's still a buckling spring beast, though. Someday it might need a bolt mod, but for now it's only lost a few of the plastic rivets and still works perfectly.
How did you convert from rj45 (I'm assuming serial) to USB?
This one was fairly late, like 1998, so it supported "normal" keycodes. I was able to wire up a completely standard "Soarer's" converter and simply use dupont connectors on the internal header. The cord itself is just a random one lying around, with a cable tie for strain relief.
Oh nice! That's always been a deterrent for me, that the key codes are different, and I would need a translator midline, which I didn't want to deal with haha this is MUCH nicer!
So, I don't want to send you the wrong way with the technical details, but whatever this keyboard does, a Soarer's Converter worked fine and it did not require me to have any deep understanding of how the keyboard worked. I understand the Hasu Converter software for the same MCU and wiring can convert damn near anything.
Thank you! Yeah, I wasn't planning on going off of your experience alone, but I've wanted a model M ever since mine was inadvertently discarded with my dad's old tech. I totally understand the desire to clean house of old stuff every so often... but a model M?? I wasn't happy lol
welp, there goes my budget for this month...
Should I avoid mentioning the modern Model F repros? LOL.
TBF, while I do have a ten year old Unicomp, and it's perfectly lovely despite pre-dating their improved molds, I haven't tried a modern Model F, or indeed used any Model F in at least twenty years.
Oof, the model F keyboards are beautiful (in the retro style) but damn that pricetag stings to look at...
Yeah, re-creating a capacitive circuit board for a vintage switch mechanism and putting it into a solid metal case is pricy, and the market is inherently rather small. Basically niche within niche within niche.
Never said I wasn't considering it 😉
Be cool to have one, maybe as a Christmas gift to myself. I like me a thiccc keyboard that doubles as a bludgeon, Never liked the "reduced" keebs. Is the cable fully detachable at both ends?
I had to poke around their website a bit, but yes, it looks like they're standard detachable USB C.
No, I have two of the reproductions and they are great IMO. I heavily prefer them over any of my Model Ms or OG Model Fs.
Looks nice, and I completely believe that they put a lot of care into them. I would love to try one of their beam-springs, though I admit the photos are not exactly glamor shots with those slightly rusty vintage cases and Dolch Vortex keycaps (a set of which I actually have and like)
EDIT: On second thought, I don't know where they're sourcing their beamspring keycaps. Looks a lot like my AliExpress VSA though.
I'd get one of the beamsprings as well, but they are just so ridiculously thick and bulky that I don't think it would work for me.
True, that's where you have to start thinking about re-working your furniture to fit your tech. I guess an OSHA directive came down that keyboards shouldn't be that tall, and that's part of what led to the buckling spring on the F, as well as other stuff, like Space Invader switches and a certain German company making little polyhedral switches with cross-mount keycaps. Wonder how that worked out?