New, Compact Model F: Thoghts and Tilting the Keyboard
Posted: 14 Jul 2025, 13:08
Much earlier in the New Model F project, I said that one reason I didn't order one was that they were not available in the, now standard, enhanced layout. They did then become available in that layout, I ordered one and it has now arrived.
They keyboard itself is absolutely excellent. Very helpfully, it came with the ISO enter key and space bar installed, I followed the instruction to fit the remaining keys with the keyboard on edge, space bar uppermost and, contrary to the expectation set in the instructions, all they keys worked first time. The feel is very light and positive and very good to type on, very similar, of course, to an original XT Model F that I also have.
I opted for the compact case. The finish is really good, despite the warning that blemishes are to be expected. What I was not expecting was that the top surface of the case would be flat while the keyboard inside is curved, so the keys at the top and bottom of the keyboard protrude from the case by almost the full height of the key cap whereas the numbers and QWERTY rows are almost flush to the case.
The original XT Model F I have has feet to enable the keyboard to be tilted towards the typist and there are no such feet on this compact case, only four stick-on rubber feet which are all the same height.
Does anyone else prefer the keyboard in the tilted position and, if so, what have you used to achieve that? At the moment, I have the edge furthest from me stood on some CD cases but that is not really a long term solution, especially if it needs to be moved.
They keyboard itself is absolutely excellent. Very helpfully, it came with the ISO enter key and space bar installed, I followed the instruction to fit the remaining keys with the keyboard on edge, space bar uppermost and, contrary to the expectation set in the instructions, all they keys worked first time. The feel is very light and positive and very good to type on, very similar, of course, to an original XT Model F that I also have.
I opted for the compact case. The finish is really good, despite the warning that blemishes are to be expected. What I was not expecting was that the top surface of the case would be flat while the keyboard inside is curved, so the keys at the top and bottom of the keyboard protrude from the case by almost the full height of the key cap whereas the numbers and QWERTY rows are almost flush to the case.
The original XT Model F I have has feet to enable the keyboard to be tilted towards the typist and there are no such feet on this compact case, only four stick-on rubber feet which are all the same height.
Does anyone else prefer the keyboard in the tilted position and, if so, what have you used to achieve that? At the moment, I have the edge furthest from me stood on some CD cases but that is not really a long term solution, especially if it needs to be moved.