IBM Model F XT review (IBM capacitive buckling springs)

[Chyros]

Today we look at a true classic. The IBM Model F XT. Hope you enjoy it, guys!

[Julle]

Great stuff, a nice board and a nice review.

[LewisR]

Nice review! Heavier than a brick... I'll have to remember that! I usually use my thumb to press the spacebar, but I think your index finger method works better with the weighting of this one.

I got really lucky with my purchase as mine is probably as close to NIB as one can reasonably expect while still being used and only paid around $60 for it (I was the only bidder).

Check out the nice coils and badge. I want to do some much better shots eventually of it. There's a one-of-a-kind charm to the design to me.

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[seebart]

Heavier than a brick and built like a tank, the XT is still the best Model F to me despite the uncompromising layout. When you get an IBM AT do a follow up review please Chyros! The AT is great but slightly inferior in build quality IMO.

[Chyros]

Heavier than a brick and built like a tank, the XT is still the best Model F to me despite the uncompromising layout. When you get an IBM AT do a follow up review please Chyros! The AT is great but slightly inferior in build quality IMO.

They HAD one at the recycling centre, they kept it separate for me, but a new guy who had just started his job there and who hadn't heard about the keyboards yet took it and tossed it away, they found out after the container had been taken. I'd have nearly had an AT Model F for a quid or so .

If I do ever get lucky again I'll do a review on that as well, for sure, of course .

[seebart]

Pesky new workers that don't know the deal, that's one case where you could have "sworn like a sailor".

[Hypersphere]

The XT is the first vintage mechanical that I restored and converted to USB with a Teensy and the Soarer Converter. I thoroughly enjoy the sound and feel, but the layout and size prevent me from using the XT as my daily driver.

When I finally got my first AT, it was a major letdown. I had expected the same sound and feel as the XT but with a more favorable layout. Unfortunately, the AT lacks the taut metallic dynamics that the XT displays so well.

[tigpha]

Thanks Thomas, from one "keyboard loving fossil" to another (though I may be Eoarchean by your time scale) I fully agree with your assessment. When I discovered the IBM Bigfoot, a very similar model to the PC-XT, I was hooked and pretty much have stopped searching for anything better: The Model F is supreme.

[Hypersphere]

Although some (myself included!) complain about the layout of the XT, I have managed to make it work for me by remapping to a semblance of my favorite layout (HHKB).

In so doing, the bottom row is replete with candidates for various modifiers, and the numeric multiply/PrtSc is ideally sited as a Fn key.

The tricky bit is deciding what to use for Enter/Return and Backspace. A configuration that works fairly well for me is Backtick/Tilde = Enter/Return and either Right Bracket/Right Brace = Backspace or Enter/Return = Backspace.

I've done a similar thing with my Leading Edge DC-2014, which has a very similar layout to the XT.

Of course, some folks deal with the layout as it is!

[Chyros]

Personally, to me, the best Model F is the F122. It's built just as well, better in same ways actually, the keyfeel is just as good, and the layout is much better. It even has room for macro keys. Although I haven't been able to get most of the extra keys to send scancodes xD . Of course, it would've been better if it had a T nav rather than a cross nav, but it's still better than a pad nav.

[Hypersphere]

Yes, the F122 occupies the opposite end of the size spectrum from the F62 Kishsaver. It is fitting that "F122" also refers to the Bremen class frigate of the German Navy.

On such battleship boards, It can be handy to have the redundancy and keys to spare for macros. For even more options, there is the Ortek MCK142 Pro with built-in programming capability.

I have an F122 awaiting refurbishing and conversion to USB. Part of the plan is to convert the ISO-style Return to ANSI.

On the larger boards that have dedicated arrow keys, I can accept either T nav or cross nav. Even the cross nav on the num pad will do. However, for me these are largely redundant, as I have become accustomed to the HHKB-style cursor diamond. Although there is something majestic about full-size and larger keyboards, I appreciate the efficiency, symmetry, and size of the 60% form factor, especially when it is in the HHKB layout.

Very much looking forward to receiving my brand new F62!

[seebart]

Y It is fitting that "F122" also refers to the Bremen class frigate of the German Navy.

Haha very good point, being a german I did not know that. I like the compact XT better than the F122. And the frigate I don't care for at all.

[Hypersphere]

Speaking of relative compactness, does anyone here have the dimensions of the various IBM models -- XT, AT, F122, F104 unsaver, F107 long, F62, F77, standard full-size model M, M-SSK? If so, it would also be good to post a comparison chart on the wiki.

With all this talk of the XT, I put mine back into action late this afternoon, and I am typing on it now. It is really a delight to type on, and its aspect ratio gives it a sleek look. When I did the refurbishing and USB conversion, I installed a flush-mount USB-B connector, which suits well the size and rugged construction of this keyboard.

[alh84001]

I just measured them with a 50cm ruler, there is some margin of error +/- 1-2mm (all measures in mm):
* F XT - 456 (483) x 195
* F AT - 483 (~500) x 208
* F122 - ~560 x 228
* F107 - 555 x 178
* Blue switch - 490 x 225
* Bigfoot - 486 (~515) x 230
* F Displaywriter - 520 x 223
* SSK - 408 x 192
* M - 491 x 207

Numbers in parenthesis is width ear-to-ear. Unfortunately, I don't have a way to weigh them.

[Hypersphere]

@alh84001: Thanks! This is helpful information.

Here is how I've dealt with the layout on the XT:

Left

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Two Function keys were sacrificed to make extra mods (with "training wheels" in the form of color-coded keycaps, red = Ctrl, blue = Option/Alt). A Fn key on each side of the keyboard enables me to use the top row to get my function keys back along with two more). In addition, Fn+Esc = Backtick/Tilde.

Right

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My favorite layout is that of the HHKB, so I've made use of the 1.25x space on the XT that is normally home to the Right Bracket as the Backspace. Right Bracket has been moved to the XT's vertical Enter/Return. Because I expect to find Enter/Return just to the right of the Quote key, I've dislodged the XT's Backtick/Tilde and converted it into the Enter/Return key (green with black arrow). Surprisingly, the tiny 1.0x Return works for me. Much of the board has been remapped with Soarer's Converter to a HHKB-like configuration, such as the cursor diamond with Fn+Left Bracket = Up Arrow, etc. However, I still have access to the navigation keys in the NumPad area. Replacing the stepped keys with modern 1.50x versions does not completely fill the gaps, but this allows me to admire the new paint job on the barrel plate.

This XT board cost $19 on eBay and it works beautifully. I am typing on it now. Probably I will replace the red and dark blue keys with "pebble" (tan) ones, but I rather like the light blue Fn keys and the green Enter/Return key, which makes me think of "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn".

Homing Keys: The original keys on the XT do not have any homing indicators on the usual homing keys (F and J in the main typing area and 5 on the numeric keypad). I didn't think that I needed homing keys, but when I recently switched back to my XT board after using other boards for some time, I kept misplacing my hands on the home row, especially on the left side of the board. It seems that I was subconsciously relying on homing keys on my other keyboards. Probably with time I would acclimate to the XT board without homing keys, but for short-term rotations, I am considering temporarily swapping out the original F and J keys with the corresponding keys from a Model M, which have little raised bars at the bottom of these keys.

[pansku]

Hi Chyros!

I've really enjoyed watching your reviews this year, keep 'em comin!
As I don't have the chance to try out too many different keyboards, your videos are the next best thing. I decided to get an XT after watching your video and trying out a friend's Model M. Haven't had a single regret yet. After a week I've pretty much gotten used to this layout with minor modifications even though I never got accustomed to ANSI (ANSI sucks when I need Ö, Ä and ' daily), so the XT layout isn't that bad IMHO. Are the F and J single piece caps available? The missing homing nubs bug me out from time to time but that is only a minor comlaint. The sound and feel are just amazing! Having had the chance to only try out MX Reds,Blues,Blacks,Browns and a Model M nothing even comes close!

Your videos have got me thinking of getting an ALPS board next year (2 boards isn't much of a collection ). First I'll wait for my Ellipsesaver. I was thinking of SKCM White, how do you think they compare against capacitive buckling spring and what board should look for when finding one? From watching your videos and lurking on forum I've come to an understanding that condition is everything, but the PCB, plate and case also matter a lot.

Also will you review a beamspring board? I'd love to hear your take on that!

[Hypersphere]

@pansku: Chyros will probably answer your questions as well. In the meantime, I thought I would give you my perspectives.

Although I prefer a standard US ANSI layout, I think the IBM Model F XT is one of the finest keyboards ever. It is much more solid than a Model M or even a Model F AT, and I think that the switches in the XT are just about perfect with respect to weight, feel, and sound. The dye-sub caps are exquisite as well.

Regarding Alps, as you have no doubt seen, SKCM Blue Alps are widely regarded as the best all-around Alps switch, provided -- as with all Alps switches -- that they are in excellent condition.

As you have also seen, the construction of the keyboard in which the switches are mounted also makes a big difference in the sound and feel of the switches.

My own bias is that the Northgate Omnikey 101 US ANSI with SKCM "Pine" White Alps provides the best overall Alps experience. The chassis has three layers of steel, which affords an incredibly solid sound and feel. For this model, serial numbers lower than 1132628 should have the "Pine" version of White Alps switches (with "slits" in the top housing). I think that White Alps are underappreciated and that the Pine version in the right keyboard are great.

[Chyros]

Hi Chyros!

I've really enjoyed watching your reviews this year, keep 'em comin!
As I don't have the chance to try out too many different keyboards, your videos are the next best thing. I decided to get an XT after watching your video and trying out a friend's Model M. Haven't had a single regret yet. After a week I've pretty much gotten used to this layout with minor modifications even though I never got accustomed to ANSI (ANSI sucks when I need Ö, Ä and ' daily), so the XT layout isn't that bad IMHO. Are the F and J single piece caps available? The missing homing nubs bug me out from time to time but that is only a minor comlaint. The sound and feel are just amazing! Having had the chance to only try out MX Reds,Blues,Blacks,Browns and a Model M nothing even comes close!

Your videos have got me thinking of getting an ALPS board next year (2 boards isn't much of a collection ). First I'll wait for my Ellipsesaver. I was thinking of SKCM White, how do you think they compare against capacitive buckling spring and what board should look for when finding one? From watching your videos and lurking on forum I've come to an understanding that condition is everything, but the PCB, plate and case also matter a lot.

Also will you review a beamspring board? I'd love to hear your take on that!

Hiya mate, glad you're liking the videos!

Yes, the XT is one of the best boards ever made without contest. If you can get used to the layout, which is really not as bad as it looks, there is almost nothing on the market that comes close to it. It's simply spectacular. If the homing bumps are necessary, you can swap in some caps from an M, I think, should work fine.

In my opinion, SKCM white are roughly on the level of MBS, and SKCM blue are on par with CBS. So if you're used to an F, a white Alps board might not feel all that great by comparison. That said, to immediately delve into blue Alps without trying out another Alps board could be an expensive mistake. Whatever you do, make sure that if you get any Alps boards they are immaculately clean, DON'T get greedy and buy an Alps board that is at all dirty or looks particularly used. The results won't be worth it anyway so there's no point.

As for the beam spring... maybe .

[Hypersphere]

@Chyros: We seem to agree on many things, but I would take exception to the statement, "In my opinion, SKCM white are roughly on the level of MBS, and SKCM blue are on par with CBS." (However, you did qualify your statement as an opinion -- of course we are each entitled to our own views on things. What follows is my own bias ....)

I agree that there is a world of difference between membrane buckling spring switches (Model M) and capacitive buckling spring switches (Model F). However, I do not find the same degree of difference between SKCM White and SKCM Blue Alps, especially if the White Alps are early generation with Pine switch housings.

It is, however, difficult to compare switches -- especially Alps -- when they are housed in different types of keyboards. Even Model F switches sound and feel different in an XT vs. an AT keyboard (they sound and feel better to me in an XT keyboard).

Currently, my favorite Alps-switch board is a Northgate Omnikey 101 with SKCM Pine White Alps switches. I favor this board over my SKCM Blue Alps boards, which are a Leading Edge DC-2014 and a Leading Edge DC-3014. However, I am fairly certain that my preference is greatly influenced by the supreme solidity of the Northgate chassis. In order to make a fair comparison of the switches, I believe they would have to be housed in the same type of keyboard.

Someone please donate a pristine-condition Northgate Omnikey 101 with SKCM Blue Alps switches to me so that I will have a proper basis for comparing Blue and White Alps switches!

Looking forward to your beam spring review!

[Chyros]

@Chyros: We seem to agree on many things, but I would take exception to the statement, "In my opinion, SKCM white are roughly on the level of MBS, and SKCM blue are on par with CBS." (However, you did qualify your statement as an opinion -- of course we are each entitled to our own views on things. What follows is my own bias ....)

I agree that there is a world of difference between membrane buckling spring switches (Model M) and capacitive buckling spring switches (Model F). However, I do not find the same degree of difference between SKCM White and SKCM Blue Alps, especially if the White Alps are early generation with Pine switch housings.

Yeah, that's my own opinion of course. But I stand by it. I know what you mean by the gap - you might feel it's bigger between an M and an F than white and blue Alps. And yeah, it's dependent on what generation of white Alps you have - pine is definitely better. But blue Alps are just the whole package, the full deal, while white Alps, evn early ones, in my opinion, are not. They're great switches, otherwise I wouldn't rate them as high as MBS, but blue Alps just feel special to me. Smooth, not clunky, perfect weighting, spotlessly balanced, and a typing sound to die for. That's why I feel they're on par with CBS.

[Hypersphere]

I've been typing on Alps so much in recent months, I had forgotten how great capacitive buckling springs are.

Yesterday, I pulled my XT off the shelf, at first just to do a size and layout comparison with my XT-ish layout Blue Alps board, the Leading Edge DC-2014. When I did a side-by-side typing test, I was astonished at how the XT blew away the DC-2014. It was as if the XT were the "real" keyboard and the DC-2014 was a mere toy.

Pitting the XT against the DC-2014 was almost as uneven a comparison as the first time I tried a contemporary mechanical keyboard -- a Filco Majestouch with blue Cherry mx -- alongside my IBM Model M SSK. At that time as well, I recall remarking that the Filco seemed like a toy compared to the IBM.

Although I sold the Filco a long time ago, Alps occupy a sufficiently high echelon in my keyboard hierarchy to remain with me for some time. The current top spot belongs to IBM Model F in general and the XT in particular for a truly special sound and feel.

Having heaped all this praise on the XT and to some degree on Alps, I still spend most of my time typing on my HHKB -- it gets the job done and stays unobtrusively in the background.

[pansku]

Thanks for the insight @Chyros and @ Hypersphere

After the holidays if I were to look for an Omnikey 101 where should I start looking for one and how much should I be prepared to invest in a pristine board? In ebay prices have a huge range and all that I found there were in US so the postage is like 40€ and I can almost certainly add 24% VAT to that so the price gets pretty big pretty fast.

[Hypersphere]

@pansku: What I have learned from my experience with buying Omnikey 101 boards from eBay and from "Northgate Bob" is that it can be difficult to predict what you are going to get.

Along the way, I have learned that Pine switches are to be found in boards with lower serial numbers, and generally I have found Pine switches to be superior to Bamboo switches.

Out of six boards, the best one yet was the one with the lowest price: 65 USD shipped. The most disappointing one was the highest priced board of the lot -- it appeared very clean, but it turned out to have Bamboo switches.

If you are able to get a good look at the board, your chances of getting a good one improve if it has Pine switches and if the board is clean with little or no corrosion on the top plate. However, looks can be deceiving. For example, the seller might have cleaned up the board before putting it up for sale, but if the board had accumulated a lot of dirt during its lifetime, the switches might be contaminated and worn.

Good luck!

[y11971alex]

The XT to my ear is a musical third higher than the AT. The AT is also taller than the XT for some reason and has a thinner shell. I still prefer the turn-out feet to the Model M flip out.