Model M keyboard
Model M | |
---|---|
Among the first IBM Model M's. This particular unit was manufactured in 1986. | |
Part number | Various |
Branding | IBM, Lexmark, Unicomp, others |
Manufacturer | IBM, Lexmark, Maxi Switch, Unicomp |
Product family | IBM Model M |
Layouts | 101/102/104 ANSI, 102/103/105 ISO |
Keyswitches | Buckling-spring, Dome-switch keyboard |
Interface | PS/2, AT, Terminal |
Weight | 2.0–2.5 kg |
Introduced | 1985 |
IBM Model M (1986)
The sound of an IBM Model M from 1986, with the characteristic buckling spring sound. | |
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IBM Model M13 (1999)
The sound of an IBM Model M13 from 1999, it has less spring noise and sounds a little more muted. | |
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IBM Model F (1984)
The sound of an IBM Model F from 1984 for comparison to the Model M buckling springs. The sound is a lot more metallic and harsh due to the spring plates contacting directly to a PCB. | |
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Model M is a designation for a group of computer keyboards manufactured by IBM starting in 1984, and later by Lexmark, Unicomp and MaxiSwitch. The keyboard's many variations have their own distinct characteristics, with the vast majority having a buckling-spring key design and swappable keycaps. Model M keyboards have been praised by computer enthusiasts and frequent typists due to their durability and consistency, and the tactile and auditory feedback they provide.
The Model M is also regarded as a timeless and durable piece of hardware.[1][2][3][4] Although the computers and computer peripherals produced concurrently with the Model M are considered obsolete, many Model M keyboards are still in use due to their physical durability and the continued validity of their ANSI 101-key and ISO 102-key layouts. Since their original popularity, new generations of writers and computer technicians have rediscovered their unique functionality and aesthetics.[5] The Kentucky-based company Unicomp continues to manufacture and sell Model M-style keyboards.[5]
History
The Model M was designed to be more cost effective than the Model F keyboards it replaced. Production of Model M's began in 1985; they were often bundled with new IBM computers. They were produced at IBM plants in Lexington; Greenock, Scotland and Guadalajara, Mexico. The most common Model M variant is the part number 1391401, the US English layout keyboard of the IBM PS/2. Until around 1993, most Model M's included a sturdy, coiled, detachable cable, with either an AT (pre-1987) or PS/2 connector, in 5- and 10-foot lengths (1.5 and 3 metres). From about 1994 onwards, flat non-detachable cables were used to reduce manufacturing costs; however, IBM retained its 101-key layout, never implementing the Microsoft Windows keys common on other keyboards from that time. Unicomp later designed a 104-key Model M with Windows keys.
On March 27, 1991, IBM divested a number of its hardware manufacturing operations, including keyboard manufacturing, to the investment firm Clayton & Dubilier, Inc. in a leveraged buyout to form Lexmark International Group, Inc.[6][7][8] Lexmark continued manufacturing the Model M in the United States, United Kingdom and Mexico, with IBM being Lexmark's major customer.[9] Many of these keyboards had IBM assembly part numbers such as 52G9658, 52G9700, 82G2383 and 42H1292. Due to pricing pressures, many Model M's in this period were manufactured with a new lower-cost design[10] including lighter plastic, an integrated cable, and a single color for key legends.
On March 27, 1996, Lexmark's contract to make keyboards for IBM expired, and Lexmark transitioned its keyboard business to IBM and other vendors.[11] Some of its manufacturing assets were sold to a group of Lexmark employees, who formed Unicomp. Unicomp still manufactures its version of the Model M (similar to part number 42H1292 but first renamed 42H1292U and subsequently the "Customizer"), as well as other configurations including updated 104- and 105-key layouts; a Unix layout (where the Ctrl and Caps Lock keys and Esc and tilde keys are transposed); models with integrated pointing sticks or trackballs; and POS-specific models such as those with built-in magstripe readers. When Lexmark discontinued keyboard production in March 1996, IBM continued production in Greenock, Scotland and subcontracted production of the Model M13 keyboard (IBM Enhanced Keyboard with TrackPoint II) to Maxi Switch in Mexico. These companies stopped producing Model M's in 1999 and 1998 respectively. Although current Unicomp models may still be purchased, original production models retain their value well among collectors and computer enthusiasts.
Variations
The Model M's numerous variations (referred to as "part numbers") incorporated alternative features and/or colors. One of the most popular variants is the Space Saving Keyboard, which integrates the number pad into the keyboard's main section, substantially reducing its width.
IBM released the standard and Space Saving Model M's in an alternative 'gray/pebble' colour for use with their Industrial computers; this darker color was designed to conceal discoloration from handling in production environments. Other variable features include a grounded spacebar and, on some later models, drainage holes to deter damage from spilled drinks.
- IBM model M Space Saving keyboard Industrial variant.
- IBM Model M13 'black' variant featuring the optional black trackpoint cap.
- IBM Model M5-2, featuring a purple trackball and alternative 'RGB' keys from Unicomp.
- IBM Model M2, Part no. 1395713. Manufactured 1992.
Design
The variant most commonly referred to as "Model M" is Part No. 1391401, on which many other variants were based. This Enhanced Keyboard model included IBM's patented buckling spring design[12] and swappable keycaps.
The Model M's design has been widely praised as durable and reliable, and has remained basically the same since the 1980s, while virtually all other computing hardware, from PCs to monitors to mice, has changed dramatically. The M's sturdy design, including its heavy steel backplate and strong plastic frame, has allowed even the most abused examples to survive for years.
The Model M's buckling spring key design gives it a unique feel and sound. Unlike more common and cheaper dome switch and membrane designs, buckling springs give users unmistakable tactile and auditory feedback. Because of its more defined touch, some users report they can type faster and more accurately on the Model M than on other keyboards.[13][14]
The Model M is also less susceptible to dirt and wear. Dirt can interfere with the proper operation of most other keyboard technologies; however, the buckling spring switch's design is such that any dirt that falls between the keys is unlikely to enter the switch mechanism, which is covered by the key. Even if dirt were to enter a mechanism, a large amount would be necessary to prevent it from operating.
Most Model M's, until the late 4th-generation variants, have a 1.25" slotted, circular speaker grille molded into their bottom surfaces. Relatively few contain an actual speaker, however, which was useful only for sounding beep codes on older terminal systems. (The most common Model M with a speaker is p/n 1394540, made for RS/6000 UNIX workstations.)
There are some drawbacks to the Model M design:
- Because they are so large and heavy (over 3 lbs, heavier than some modern laptops) they are not as portable as more modern keyboards.
- Their buckling-spring keys are noisy enough to be inappropriate in quiet locations such as libraries and medical facilities.
- Liquids spilled on most Model M's do not drain out, and remain in the keyboard with potential to cause a short circuit. The later 42H1292 and 59G780 designs, as well as post-1993 1370477s and 1391401s made mostly by Lexmark and Unicomp, have drainage channels designed to avoid this problem.
- Unicomp currently produces Model M's with USB connectors that can be connected directly to modern PCs. However, earlier Model M's have either AT or PS/2 connectors, requiring adapters for PCs lacking those capabilities. (PS/2-to-USB adapters exist for computers without PS/2 ports; and additional AT-to-PS/2 adapters, or SDL-to-PS/2 cables, for computers without AT ports.) Some PS/2-to-USB adapters are unreliable with early Model M's that require more power than the adapters can provide.[15]
Identification
All Model M keyboards made by IBM and Lexmark have an ID label on the underside indicating the assembly part number, individual serial number, and manufacturing date. The general period in which a Model M was made can also often be distinguished by the type of logo "badge" above its keys. The first model M's (part numbers 1390120 or 1390131) have a square aluminum logo badge in the top right corner. Part number 1391401, and most variants based on it, has a gray IBM logo in a recessed oval at the board's upper left. Later IBM-made Model M's, and variants subsequently made by Lexmark in the early 1990s (part numbers 1370477, 52G9658, 52G9700, 59G7980, 92G7453, 82G2383, 42H1292, etc.) have a similar oval badge area with a blue logo.
Features by part number
Logo position legend:
- LC – Left Corner
- RC – Right Corner
- LLC – Lower Left Corner
- LRC – Lower Right Corner
- ULC – Upper Left Corner
- URC – Upper Right Corner
- LLP – Lock-Light Panel
Click "Show" to display the table's contents.
Part number | Switch type | Detachable | Interf. | Drainage channels | Logo type, position | Maker | Years | Copyright | Features | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keycaps | Cable | |||||||||
02K3760 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank rectangle, ULC) | Unicomp | ?-2005-? | None ("Mfg by Unicomp Inc for IBM") | Unicomp-made IBM keyboard |
02K3817 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank rectangle, ULC) | Unicomp | ?- | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | German QWERTZ layout |
06H4173 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Silver on black oval, ULC (Maxi Switch) Blue on white oval, ULC (Unicomp) |
Maxi Switch, Unicomp | 1997-99 | Unicomp, Inc. 1984, or no copyright (Maxi Switch) | Dark gray Industrial PS/2 trackpoint w/two connectors for keyboard and mouse (Unicomp pointing device instead of IBM Trackpoint II) |
1369050 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Gray DELL logo (new style), ULC | Lexmark "Made in the USA" | ?-1994-95-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
1370477 | Buckling spring | No | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1993-96 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
1370478 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1993 | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | Model M5 w/miniature trackball and L/R "click" and "drag" buttons btw. navigation keys |
1378160 1378162 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | AMBRA logo on raised trapezoid, ULC | Lexmark | 1993-94 | Lexmark Int'l, Inc. 1984 | Made for IBM subsidiary AMBRA's low-end home PCs; single-color legends |
1378186 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Lexmark logo, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1985 | Only known rubber-dome Model M sold under Lexmark's name |
1378192 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Lexmark logo, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1994-? | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | White Model M13 with Trackpoint II |
1378210 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank oval, ULC) | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | Model M5-2 w/trackball, L/R "click" and "drag" buttons above LLP |
1386085 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 1988 | IBM Corp. 1984 | |
1386303 | Buckling spring | No | No | Terminal DIN-5 | No | Square metal, black on silver, URC | IBM | 1985-1987-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | 102-key 3161 terminal keyboard; no lock lights (locks indicated on terminal screen) |
1386304 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT | No | Square metal, black on silver, URC | IBM | ?-1985-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | No lock lights |
1386716 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Square metal, black on silver, URC or Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | ?-1986-87-? | IBM Corp. 1986; IBM Corp. 1987 | German QWERTZ layout |
1386887 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | Terminal DIN-5 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1986-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | 122-key 3179 terminal keyboard |
1388032 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT | No | Silver on square black metal, URC | IBM | 1985, 1986 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Dark grey industrial version |
1389194 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | Terminal DIN-5 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1986-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | 122-key 3179/3192 terminal keyboard with APL keycaps |
1389969 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | XT, AT | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM UK | 1986 | IBM Corp. 1984 | UK layout; no lock lights |
1389979 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | 1986-87 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Swedish layout; no lock lights |
1390120 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | XT, AT | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | 1986-87 | IBM Corp. 1984 | No lock lights |
1390131 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | 1986-88, 1992-93 | IBM Corp. 1984 | |
1390132 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | 1986-? | IBM Corp. 1986 | French AZERTY layout |
1390133 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1986-87 | IBM Corp. 1984 | German QWERTZ layout |
1390136 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1986-87 | IBM Corp. 1984 | UK layout |
1390137 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1987-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | UK layout |
1390148 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | XT | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1986-87 | IBM Corp. 1984 | German QWERTZ layout; no lock lights |
1390572 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | Terminal DIN-5 | No | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1987-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | 122-key terminal keyboard |
1390639 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | XT | Yes | Black on square silver metal, URC | IBM | ?-1987-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Spanish QWERTY layout |
1390653 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT | No | Silver on square black metal, URC | IBM | 1988 | IBM Corp. 1985 | Dark gray Industrial version |
1391240 | Buckling spring (?) | ? | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Black on square silver metal, URC, w/small T in LRC (for "Terminal"?) | IBM | 1987-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Esc key says Esc Reset |
1391401 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No (yes 1992+) | Grey (blue 1992+) on oval, ULC | IBM | 1986-96 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Standard variant on which most 2nd-generation Model M's are based |
1391402 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes ? | Grey (blue 1992?+) on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1991-96-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | French AZERTY layout |
1391403 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes (no 1995 and later) | AT or PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK, Lexmark International | 1986-97 | IBM Corp./Lexmark International Inc. 1985 | German QWERTZ layout |
1391404 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1986-? | IBM Corporation (no year on label) | Italian QWERTY layout |
1391405 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM | 1986-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Spanish QWERTY layout |
1391406 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM | =1985-99 | IBM United Kingdom | UK 102-key |
1391407 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1994-96-? | IBM United Kingdom | Danish/Icelandic 102-key |
1391408 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1993-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Hebrew 101-key |
1391409 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 1987?-94? | IBM Corp. 1985/Lexmark Int. 1985 | Norwegian 102-key |
1391410 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 (or AT?) | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | ?-1992-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Portuguese 102-key |
1391411 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK | ?-1987-97-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Swedish 102-key |
1391412 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1987-96 | IBM Corp. | Swiss French/German QWERTZ layout, 102-key |
1391413 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM de Mexico | ?-1989-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Spanish 102-key |
1391414 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | ?-1996-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Belgian AZERTY layout |
1391472 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 1987-91 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP) |
1391506 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM de Mexico | 1990 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Spanish QWERTY layout |
1391511 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1987-93 | IBM Corp. 1985 | Dutch 102-key |
1392366 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | 6-pin AMP (terminal) | No | Square metal, black on silver, URC | IBM | 1986-89 | IBM Corp. 1985 | For PC RT 6150 UNIX workstation. Has internal speaker; R Ctrl key says Action. |
1392565 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | 8P5C (RJ-45) | Yes | Gray on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1995 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Keyboard for terminals such as IBM 3151; graphics characters on numeric keypad; Page Up/Page Down replaced with Clear/Erase EOF; bottom row: Ctrl, Reset, [spacebar], Ctrl, Send |
1392934 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1987-91-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP) |
1393387 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 1990–93 | IBM Corporation 1985 | 18-key keypad for IBM Screen Reader/DOS voice-output application |
1393395 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1985-? | IBM Corporation 1985 | Italian QWERTY layout |
1393464 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No{?} | Gray on oval, ULC; some have red Sabre logo instead | IBM | ?-1989-92-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Special secondary legends for Sabre airline reservation system |
1393669 | Buckling spring | Yes (no after ????) | Yes (no after 1994) | AT or PS/2 | Yes (after 1995) | Gray or blue on oval, ULC; or blue below LLP | Lexmark UK, IBM UK / Unicomp | 198?-200? | Lexmark International Inc. 1985 / IBM Corp. 1985 / Unicomp 1996 | Slovenian/Croatian (former YU) QWERTZ layout; with or without speaker grille |
1393691 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1988-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP) |
1393915 | Buckling spring? | Yes | Yes | PS/2 (or AT?) | ? | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 198?-19?? | IBM Corp. 1984 | 49-key layout |
1394064 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray (IBM-made) or blue (Lexmark-made) on oval, ULC | IBM, Lexmark | ?-1989-90-? (IBM) ?-1996-? (Lexmark) |
IBM Corp. 1984; Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 |
Some front-printed secondary legends in red and green; Esc key says Escpe; red-printed Ctrl keys |
1394540 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | 1990-92 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Made for IBM RS/6000 system; has real speaker; R Ctrl key says Ctrl/Act |
1394542 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK / Lexmark UK | 1991-94? | IBM Corp. 1985 | German QWERTZ layout; made for IBM RS/6000 system; has real speaker |
1394545 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK, Lexmark | 1990-96? | IBM Corp. 1985 / Lexmark International Inc. 1985 | Swedish/Finnish 102-key QWERTY layout; made for IBM RS/6000 system; has real speaker. |
1394618 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No (Lexmark yes) | Gray (IBM) or blue (Lexmark) on oval, ULC | IBM, Lexmark | 1989-? (IBM); ?-1994-? (Lexmark) | IBM Corp. 1984 / Lexmark International Inc. 1985 | For IBM Personal Typing System, a PS/2 Model 30 PC for word processing. Special keycaps with green secondary w.p. commands, front-printed F-keys with commands on top. |
1394946 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No (yes 1992+) | Silver on black oval, ULC | IBM | 1988-96 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Most common Industrial Model M; essentially a gray 1391401 |
1394957 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1985-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Italian QWERTY, dark gray Industrial version |
1394958 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Silver on black oval, ULC | IBM UK | ?-1998-? | IBM Corp. 1985 | German QWERTZ, dark gray Industrial version |
1394966 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | ? | Silver on black oval, ULC | IBM UK | 1992 | IBM Corp. 1985 | Swedish 102-key, dark gray Industrial version |
1395100 | Buckling spring | ? | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC (SSKs); square "Reply" logo, URC (OEM variant) | IBM, Lexmark | 1991-92 | IBM Corp. 1984; Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | IBM and Lexmark made Space Saving Keyboards (no numeric keypad or LLP) with this p/n. Lexmark also used it for a standard 101-key OEM keyboard for Reply court reporting systems. |
1395217 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT or PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1989-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP) |
1395300 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | No | Blue on square, URC | IBM | 1990-93 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Model M2; shipped with IBM PS/1 PC |
1395674 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1991-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | 101-key terminal emulation board (no LLP; PF 1-12 keys w/extra top/front legends; extra front legends on number pad, etc.) |
1395682 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Silver on black oval, ULC | IBM | ?- 1993-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Dark gray Industrial Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP); blue keys for F1-F2, terminal paging and cursor movement |
1396790 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes (no 1991) | Gray, or blue (1992+) on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1991-95? | IBM Corp. 1985 | Made in UK by IBM; North American layout |
1397000 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | ? | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | 122-key terminal emulation keyboard: Home/Rule key with arrow keys in a "plus" layout; 24 function keys; 10-key left cluster with terminal commands (Attn, Clear, Pause, ErEOF, etc.) |
1397003 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1993-99? | IBM Corp. 1985 | German QWERTZ layout; 122-key terminal made in UK by IBM |
1397599 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes (1992+) | Gray, or blue (1993+) on oval, ULC | IBM | 1991-1995 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Similar to 1391401 w/metal stabilizer bars on number pad + and Enter keys |
1397651 | Buckling spring | ? | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray DELL logo (old style), ULC | Lexmark "Made in the USA" | 1991–92 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
1397661 | Buckling spring | No (some) | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1992-94-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | 1391401-based variant, usually has one-piece buttons. |
1397681 | Buckling spring | No | Yes | PS/2 (or AT?) | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM | ?-1991-93-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Space Saving Keyboard (no numeric keypad or LLP) |
1397721 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes (1992) | Gray WANG logo, ULC | IBM | 1991-92 | IBM Corp. 1984 | Produced during IBM/WANG partnership; most presumed destroyed |
1397735 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | None (blank oval, LC) | IBM | ?-1992-? | IBM Corp. 1984 | US 101-key; only IBM-made M variant without logo |
1398600 1398601 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | AT 5-din or Ps/2 | Yes | Lexmark logo, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1992-94-? | Lexmark Int'l Inc 1984 | Only std. Model M's sold under Lexmark name |
1399625 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark, IBM UK | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International Inc. 1985 | Terminal keyboard; no lock lights |
1399912 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Lexmark logo, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark Int'l Inc 1984 | Model M5-2 w/trackball, L/R "click" and "drag" buttons above LLP |
13H6705 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Silver on oval, ULC | Lexmark, Maxi Switch | 1994-98 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984, or None (Maxi Switch models) | The only black IBM Model M; trackpoint, with keyboard/mouse connectors |
1403975 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank rectangle, ULC) | Lexmark | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Spanish QWERTY layout |
2003809 2054858 |
Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | White GE/Marquette logo on dark gray rectangle, ULC | Unicomp | 2006-2007 (2003809) ?-2013 (2054858) |
None ("Manufactured in USA for G.E. Medical Systems") | For GE/Marquette medical imaging systems. Green and red sublegends on alphanumeric keys; alternate legends on F-keys and number pad. 12 number pad keys are bright yellow; some have red Emerg Save key at F12. Tech-support info panel applied above LLP or F-keys. |
20L2532 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank rectangle, ULC) | Unicomp | 2002–2005-? | None ("Mfg by Unicomp Inc for IBM") | Usually has some custom legends / sub-legends; some seen with colored key caps. |
41G3576 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | No | Gray on oval, ULC | IBM | ?–1996–? | IBM Corp. 1984 | Observed on repurposed p/n 1394618 |
42H1292U | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Unicomp | 1996- | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | Optional AT/DIN adapter |
51G8572 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | IBM, Lexmark, IBM UK | 1992-97 | IBM Corp. 1984, Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Made for IBM RS/6000 system, has real speaker; R Ctrl key says Ctrl/Act |
52G9658 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | IBM, Lexmark | ?-1993-? | IBM Corp. 1984; Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
52G9700 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1993-99 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
59G7980 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1993 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
60G0817 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval in white rectangle, URC | IBM | ?-1995 | Lexmark Intl. Inc. 1984 | Model M2 w/full-size (extended) case; shipped with IBM PS/1 PC |
70G8638 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Gray or blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International. Inc. 1984 | Silkscreen-printed keycaps |
71G4621 | Rubber dome | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1996-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Danish QWERTY layout |
71G4622 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1995-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Dutch QWERTY layout, 1378705, EC1391461 |
71G4625 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Gray on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1993-96-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1985 | German QWERTZ layout |
71G4630 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Italian QWERTY layout |
71G4635 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1994-? | Lexmark International, Inc. | Russian QWERTY layout |
71G4638 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark (for IBM) | ?-1993-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Spanish QWERTY layout |
71G4643 | Rubber dome | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1985 | |
71G4644 | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1993-95-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
71U4623 1387530 1378706 EC | Rubber dome | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1985 | Swedish QWERTY layout |
8131276 | Buckling spring | No | No | RJ25 | Yes | Blue on square, URC | IBM UK | ?-1997 | IBM Corp. | |
8184692 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Gray on oval, ULC ("IBM Soft Touch Keyboard") | Lexmark | 1994 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | Soft Touch Keyboard with greased springs (not many produced) |
82G2383 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1993-99 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
82G2385 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on gray oval, ULC | Unicomp | 1999 | None ("Mfg by Unicomp Inc for IBM") | French (ISO layout) |
82G3281 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on gray oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1994-95 | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | White Model M13 w/trackpoint, two connectors for keyboard and mouse |
82G3295 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue "IBM", ULC | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark International, Inc. 1984 | |
92G7453 92G7454 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1995 | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | |
92G7455 | Buckling spring | Yes | Yes | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | 1994–5 | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | Model M5-2 w/trackball, L/R "click" and "drag" buttons above LLP |
92G7461 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Blue on oval, ULC | Lexmark | ?-1995-? | Lexmark Int'l. Inc. 1984 | White Model M13 with Trackpoint II; optional mouse port |
96U1114 | Rubber dome | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-2000-? | None | Model M5-2 w/trackball, L/R "click" and "drag" buttons above LLP |
UB40416 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 101-key, black w/light gray keys |
UB4041A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 101-key, black w/light gray keys |
UB40446 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key, black w/light gray keys |
UB4044A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key, black w/light gray keys |
UB40P36 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 103-key Ultra Classic (compact case), black w/light gray keys |
UB40P3A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 103-key Ultra Classic (compact case), black w/light gray keys |
UB40P46 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UB40P4A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UB40R46 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | ? | Unicomp | ?- | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key |
UB4ZPHA | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | No | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), black with light/dark beige keys, for Apple Mac OS |
UNI041A UNI0416 |
Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 101-key, beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UNI0446 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key, beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UNI044A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key, beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UNI0P46 | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), beige w/classic light/dark beige keys |
UNI0T56 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | None (blank rectangle, ULC) | Unicomp | ?-2003-? | ? | 122-key, for PC/5250 emulators; produces standard 101-key scancodes mapped to standard keys with modifiers (e.g. F24 appears to the PC as Shift+F12) |
UNIZPHA | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | No | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), beige with light/dark beige keys, for Apple Mac OS |
UNZ2416 | Buckling spring | No | No | PS/2 | Yes | White GE/Marquette logo on dark gray rectangle, ULC; Unicomp logo on LED panel | Unicomp | ?-2002-? | None | For GE/Marquette medical imaging systems; features similar to 2003809 |
UW40P4A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), black w/white keys |
UW4ZP4A | Buckling spring | Yes | No | USB | No | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-Present | Unicomp, Inc. 1984 | 104-key Ultra Classic (compact case), black w/white keys, for Apple Mac OS |
XR4R4G6 | Buckling spring | ? | No | PS/2 | Yes | Unicomp logo on LLP | Unicomp | ?-2008-? | None | Black (only?) trackpoint w/two connectors for keyboard and mouse (Unicomp pointing device instead of IBM Trackpoint II) |
Part number | Switch type | Detachable | Interface | Drainage channels | Logo type/position | Manufacturer | Dates of manufacture | Copyright | Features | |
Key Caps | Cable |
Note: Manufacture dates are approximate.
Gallery
- 1997 IBM Model M (P/N 1394542) (German)
- 1994 IBM Model M (P/N 1394542) label
- Steel backplate of the 1987 Space Saving Keyboard
- IBM & Unicomp Model M variants
Top to bottom:
• 1986 IBM (P/N 1390131, square logo)
• 2011 Unicomp Spacesaver M (P/N UNIZPHA)
• 1991 IBM Space Saving Keyboard (P/N 1392934) - 2012 Unicomp Classic 104 (P/N UNI044A)
See also
References
- ↑ King of click: the story of the greatest keyboard ever made
- ↑ "The Best Keyboard You've Ever Typed On". Life hacker. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
- ↑ "Inside the World's Greatest Keyboard". PC World. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
- ↑ "The world's best keyboard, and why it's so great". UK: PC advisor. Retrieved 2013-12-01.
- 1 2 Kaste, Martin (January 30, 2009), Old-School Keyboard Makes Comeback of Sorts, National Public Radio.
- ↑ "Customs Ruling HQ 544887". U.S. Customs and Border Protection. October 2, 1992.
- ↑ "IBM Archives: 1990s". IBM.
- ↑ Lewis, Peter H. (December 22, 1991). "The Executive Computer; Can IBM Learn From a Unit It Freed?". The New York Times.
- ↑ Levine, Bernard (1991). "Keyboard vendors punched on prices". Electronic News.
- ↑ "Lexmark International Reports Best Year Ever Since Independent of IBM". Business Wire. December 12, 1994.
- ↑ "Lexmark International Group 1996 annual report, SEC Form 10-K". Advameg. March 24, 1997.
- ↑ US patent 4118611, Richard Hunter Harris, "Buckling Spring Torsional Snap Actuator", issued 1978-10-03 — an IBM patent for buckling spring keys.
- ↑ Doug Reilly (May 4, 2005), "My Clickety IBM Keyboard – RIP", ASP.net blogs, Microsoft, archived from the original on 2006-02-17
- ↑ Cramer, Ryan, "The IBM Model-M Keyboard", Timeless Tools, RCD
- ↑ John Szybowski (17 March 2007). "IBM PS/2 Keyboard Modification". Geocities.com. Archived from the original on 28 February 2008.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to IBM Model M Keyboard. |
- IBM Enhanced Keyboard (Deskthority.net Keyboard Wiki) – another guide to Model M history and variants
- PC keyboard, Unicomp – current Model M manufacturer
- Clicky keyboards – distributor of refurbished and never used Model M keyboards
- "Inside the World's Greatest Keyboard", PC World
- Care and feeding of an IBM Model M keyboard, Preater – a Model M restoration guide
- Product Review: Unicomp Ultra Classic keyboard, or, the IBM Model M reborn, The Story's Story – Comprehensive review