Introduction

A recent technology change at work resulted in switching our contact center agents from phones to WebRTC. This was a good opportunity to upgrade headsets, as many of the analog headsets they're using are difficult to adapt consistently reliably and motherboards on mid-range business machines often have fairly terrible analog audio inputs. I tested a range of USB headsets for suitability for use by work-at-home contact center agents during an 8-hour shift.

Note: When I initially wrote up this article, it was at the beginning of March before the COVID-19 situation had really hit. Availability of anything related to remote work is extremely limited at this time, so the prices outlined below are no longer inline with reality. Availability has improved a bit compared to in March and April.

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Introduction

The Model F keyboard by Model F Labs is a new reproduction of some models of IBM's classic Model F range that aims to be as good as or better than the originals.

I have a bit of a fixation on buckling spring keyboards, having several modern Unicomp models, and the Model F is the best of the buckling spring boards. When the project first came to my attention in 2016, I was extremely excited and I pre-ordered a keyboard in 2017.

I am reviewing an F77 (ID # 739) that I received in June 2020. My impression after a couple weeks of use is extremely positive. The keyboard is both a high-quality reproduction and an excellent keyboard in general.

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