I am very happy with mine. It's build like a tank.
I did a "dental floss" mod to reduce the "ping" of the springs.
And added lifted feets in the back for adjusting the angle I prefer (I went for ESC Keyboard Flip Stand).
It's one of the earlier machined "square" cases.
(New Model F now also have injection-molded cases that look like the original IBM's).
Small volume production, driven by somebody who's insanely attentive to details.
On the other hand: it seems even more sturdy than the Unicomp Model M i have and those survive decades. I totally expect my Model F to outlive me. So diveded by the number of years, it seems to be okay-ish, if you're the kind of keyboard snob to like this type of keyboard (I'm guilty!).
For now, it seems to be that it was worth the investment. (Ask me again in a decade if I am still happy)
I would have got a Unicomp one if they still did Japanese layout. These new Model F ones do have JIS layout,
Note: They have the traces on PCB, but last time I checked and ordered they only ship keyboard pre-configured in ANSI (US) layout of the keys, with no key caps installed. (It's the buyers jobs to add or move barrels for other key layouts - I switched ANSI (US) to ISO (European) - and then to install the keycaps and check the springs.)
(Though the guy offer to change the barrels for a fee).
(You'll need to order the extra barrels and paddles and the unusually-sized space bar and either install them yourself or ask for a customisation and pay the guy)
but I've never actually used a Model F keyboard or these, so it's a fair chunk of change for an unknown quantity.
If you like Model M, you'll mostly like F, too.
They have both roughly the same keyboard feel (they are both using buckling spring, only the exact way the keyboard registers the key is different: "M" - paddle hits a membrane contact ; "F" - paddle change capacitance, it's solid state).
The changes are:
- sound slightly differently (slightly longer paddles, and entirely made out of metal, no plastic in the casing nor barrels so it resonates a bit more).
(sound is moddable if you - or anyone your share space with - don't like the "ping").
- unlike original IBM F, and like IBM and Unicomp M, key do bottom-out "hard" (if you have a keycap at hand, look at the stalk: it's not flat it's tappered. The original IBM "F" paddle had matching slots, so the end of the key's travel is dampened by the elasticity of the tappered end bending into the slots. The New's "F" paddles and the "M" paddles lack the slots and the key hits the bottom hard). I personally don't mind (I'm used already to stop pushing as soon as the I feel the "click" and the keyboard registers, I don't bottom out pushing at full strength), if you mind it's moddable.
- Unlike "M", both the new and original "F" are fucking heavy (entire casing is metal, no plastic parts).
- Unlike IBM and Unicomp: currently only come in USB, the PS/2 daughter board (Leiden Jar) wasn't ready yet last time I checked.
- Some complain about the USB-C connector (it's not as strongly latching as a USB B). I am happy: given the wait the keybord isn't going to move, so no risk to yank out the USB-cable.
- No built-in feet, you need to buy after market feet (e.g.: any adjustable after-market laptop feet would do, there are suggestions in the forum, I went for ESC Keyboard Flip Stand), the guy sell quite a choice of fixed-heigh feet (rubber, cork, etc.)
And last warning:
- If you end-up being as happy with yours as I am with mine (absolutely 0% buyers remorse) you might end-up wanting to buy another for your office, which is almost definitely not covered by company purchases which means you'll part with yet another chunk of change (ask me how I know :-P ).