Currently got this one on my work laptop. Model M terminal board with internal converter. The only layout changes I made versus a normal 102-key are that RCtrl is is a Windows key, and the four keys along the right side of the numpad are =, -, +, and the normal Enter.
Good to know, and I believe it. The M is simply a value-engineered F, after all.
I last used Model F’s in Junior High (AT’s, IIRC, but maybe XT’s), where I would get annoyed at the layout while trying to play BurgerTime on an amber monitor after typing practice.
The layout is 100% the reason I didn’t like my F AT until I modded it. My F XT has a better layout, but it was always such a chore trying to get my home made Soarer’s converter to work right. The F77 layout is great, and thanks to the preproductions it’s actually attainable. I also got one of the new TKL layout Model Fs, but it only came in the “compact” case style (which makes sense as they was no original), and it just isn’t as nice to use as the OG style zinc case.
As lovely as they are, the XT abuses the right to use stepped keycaps. I can’t deal with that, even if I fully appreciate a desire to avoid stabilizers. 🤣