I'm talking about the F-like constructed model M's with separated barrels and a metal plate to hold them in place.
I can't take this project right now because of the costs of my new beamer, but I would like to have all lined up to start this in 1 or 2 months.
To sum up I found that this kind of keyboards open the doors for a world of possibilities, principally making custom model M layouts with a great sturdiness.
I was thinking about make a 60% layout with this construction and share what I got.
Then I'll explain what I think to do with every single part of the sandwitch who compose the hybrid model M internals.
Controller
For my prototype I'll use my already converted M112 controller.
The backplate
I don't have much to explain about that, just a CNC cutted plate or something less expensive with some holes for bolts. Also paint it to evade problems.
The foam
The normally used materials for a model F replacement would work fine, the bolts makes this part much more easy. Also I'll try some pieces of art Ethylene-vinyl acetate that I have in my home to see how works.
The membranes
Still easy, I'll see if copper-coated polyimide film works with the classic method of ferric chloride and then add some protective product to it. also use a similar (if not the same) material to make the dummy membrane that separates the contacts. The hardest part here would be cutting the holes. I think this point would be just trial and error until I'll get the correct separation membrane.
Barrels and pivots
I'll recycle my daily driver in the name of science (sorry M122 :c. Anyway it needs a membrane repair and hence a bolt mod) to get the pivots, anyway if this works and someone want to make the same Unicomp should sell pivots.
Here I have a question: Are the model F barrels and M barrels or hybrid barrels the same or at least compatible?
The weakest point here would be if I have to destroy some 50 key keyboards to take the barrels. There is a guy who sell brand new model F AT compatible barrels made by himself, the XT barrels are still the same but with a different fit I think, I need to see what is the correct one if the F barrels fit. Maybe the model M flippers and model F flippers are pretty much the same in terms of mounting, but I don't have a model F to try this.
The frontplate
Easy as make the correct measurements, make a model with the layout and directly to CNC metal cut. A flat model would be less expensive, also cheap variant for the aluminium curved plate would be use a thick flat SAE 1040 plate and bend it with a wood mold and a car lift.
Caps
Nothing to say, old M's and Unicomp deal with this.
