Note: this post will be updated. As such it shall be considered work in progress. A change log is shown at the end.
Last change 2025.01.01 (yyyy.mm.dd)
Dears,
This could turn into the most beautiful project in the keyboard community. It is all in your (our) hands.
The purpose of this post is to start the process of creating a free model f keyboard. Free as the FSF understands freedom. Users have the freedom to run, edit, contribute to, and share the software (and in this case the hardware). Thus, free software (and hardware) is a matter of liberty, not price. Free to use and modify, with the only condition that any improvement or evolution shall be made available to the community also.
To be 100% clear:
- I do not plan to create any company (at least keyboard related)
- I do not plan to raise any profit from the project
- The only goal behind the FSF project is to create a free source of information allowing anyone to run their projects, whatever the nature of these be.
- I have named this a DT project but it is actually an open-to-anyone project as the ultimate goal is the information and the knowledge
My favorite layout is the SSK (which can be extended easily to have a number-pad). I would suggest to start with this one, but this may be discussed if the community has a different preference. Lets see.
Thanks to the community, most of the elements required to build a Model F keyboard are available.
My intention to call for support in separated threads in the workshop section to progress the different components.
Please note that components have different priority. This is indicated before the component title between brackets, being 0 the highest priority.
- (0) Controller - Already available
- (0) Capacitive Flippers - In the process of being created. Two options a) Ordering from China - contacts ongoing b) 3D-print under investigation
- (0+) Springs - To be designed options tested and progressed
- (0+) Barrels - In the process of being created. Two options a) Ordering from China - contacts ongoing b) 3D-print under investigation
- (0+) Miscellaneous - For completeness only (e.g. screws, washers ... etc). Mainly a list of COTs components to ensure completness.
- (1) PCB - Already available - updates may be required - refer to "case/s" later
- (1) Top and Bottom Plates - To be designed and progressed
- (1) Foam - It does not seem to be a real challenge as it has been done before. - not a big task
- (2) Key inserts - In the process of being created. Two options a) Ordering from China - contacts ongoing b) 3D-print under investigation - not a big task
- (2) Stabilizers - To be designed and progressed - not a big task
- (2) spacebar tabs - To be designed and progressed - not a big task
- (2) Case/s - To be designed and progressed. Different cases could be created to support different layouts. Includes feet.
- (3) Solenoid controller - Already available
- (3) Solenoid - Commercial options available to be investigated - not a big task
- (4) USB cable - Available in the market
- (4) OLED display - Available in the market - concept has show working
- (4) LEDs plate - To be check if needed. It could be integrated in the case of replaced by OLED
- (4) Keycaps - To be addressed
The result you be a set of components that could be assembled in a final woking keyboard (acquired as a kit or as a keyboard) or used in any side projects (e.g. flippers and springs alone would be useful in FSS and FEXT).
I have called this new project the "Free Model F" as it will be based on the following concepts:
- All components will be open source.
- Costs shall be transparent.
- The components will be made available for individual purchasing. The source to procure will be made public
- Logistics shall be made public. For instance, if a mold for some[url=https://www.deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=29412 plastic parts are required the project shall guarantee public access
- In case that economies of scale are required, GB could be organised in different areas
I can think on the following roles and needs:
- Coordination effort. Mainly focus on ensuring arriving to system (keyboard) integration.
- Per-component book-captain. This person shall focus on a) specification b) design and documentation c) prototype manufacturing c) testing d) logistics
- Testing team
- Others roles will be added here.
Finally any comment is welcome. This should NOT be my personal project but DT's project.
I plan to edit this initial post with your suggestions.
Looking forward to your contributions in this new endeavor!
Thanks
i$
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