Gone old-school

[Greystash]

Hello Geekhack community,

I decided to take a break from the high end Corsair gaming keyboards (dam LED's) and give a Model M a try for some no-nonsense reliability. I found Geekhack while I was researching.

Tonight I unboxed a new, never used Model M 1391401 made by IBM in April 93 (detachable PS2 and drain holes) edit: I just wanted to add my keyboard was new never used, still in foam. Not NIB. I don't have the original box unfortunately. I did however get to remove it from the foam which was nice. 

Holy crap am I surprised. After I removed it from the Styrofoam and rubbed off the tape marks I was gobsmacked by the build quality and simply aesthetic. Of course it feels great to type on but I really like this thing, it's kind of beautiful.

And get this, both my teenage kids told me they really liked it and thought it was cool and fun to type on.

LOL I'm happy.   

[Jokrik]

Hello Geekhack community,

I decided to take a break from the high end Corsair gaming keyboards (dam LED's) and give a Model M a try for some no-nonsense reliability. I found Geekhack while I was researching.

Tonight I unboxed a new, never used Model M 1391401 made by IBM in April 93 (detachable PS2 and drain holes)

Holy crap am I surprised. After I removed it from the Styrofoam and rubbed off the tape marks I was gobsmacked by the build quality and simply aesthetic. Of course it feels great to type on but I really like this thing, it's kind of beautiful.

And get this, both my teenage kids told me they really liked it and thought it was cool and fun to type on.

LOL I'm happy. 

Welcome to Wallethack sir!
Glad you like the model M it's a classic, and for sure people in the past didn't mess around with build quality

Very sure you'll get along well here, we've some hardcore old school people

[Greystash]

Welcome to Wallethack sir!
Glad you like the model M it's a classic, and for sure people in the past didn't mess around with build quality

Very sure you'll get along well here, we've some hardcore old school people

Cheers jokrik.

Wallethack    Well I guess I'd better start browsing for keycaps. 

[fohat.digs]

Well I guess I'd better start browsing for keycaps.

If colors are exciting to you, then Unicomp has a full rainbow. Otherwise, interesting shapes and legends are few and far between.

[Greystash]

Well I guess I'd better start browsing for keycaps.

If colors are exciting to you, then Unicomp has a full rainbow. Otherwise, interesting shapes and legends are few and far between.

Thanks fohat.digs. To be honest while I like modding things, this keyboard is so perfectly new I don't think I could bear to mess it up. It's too nice. I'd kind of like to buy another Model M to pull apart and paint, play around with the keys etc. Keep this one the way it is.

Is there a modded gallery for Model M's? I've had a search a number of times but I'm still yet to find a lot in one place. 

[meow a cat]

Well I guess I'd better start browsing for keycaps.

If colors are exciting to you, then Unicomp has a full rainbow. Otherwise, interesting shapes and legends are few and far between.

Thanks fohat.digs. To be honest while I like modding things, this keyboard is so perfectly new I don't think I could bear to mess it up. It's too nice. I'd kind of like to buy another Model M to pull apart and paint, play around with the keys etc. Keep this one the way it is.

Is there a modded gallery for Model M's? I've had a search a number of times but I'm still yet to find a lot in one place.

Changing caps should be fine to do, it's easily reversible. Just pull them off, put new ones on, and swap back to the originals whenever you want.

Here's a nice gallery of boards restored and modded by Phosphorglow: http://phosphorglow.net/category/ibm-model-m/

I just took a quick look, my board is #125. 

Welcome to GeekHack! I'm sure you'll get along with everyone, lots of IBM fans here. 

[Greystash]

Changing caps should be fine to do, it's easily reversible. Just pull them off, put new ones on, and swap back to the originals whenever you want.

Here's a nice gallery of boards restored and modded by Phosphorglow: http://phosphorglow.net/category/ibm-model-m/

I just took a quick look, my board is #125. 

Welcome to GeekHack! I'm sure you'll get along with everyone, lots of IBM fans here. 

Thanks for the link meow a cat and thanks for the welcome.

I checked out a number of those boards. The plastic these things are made from really cleans up well.

The coloured sheet under the keys is a simply yet interesting and effect touch. I see yours is blue.

[meow a cat]

The underlay is subtle but striking. 

I also had him install a programmable USB controller, and add blue LEDs to the board under caps and scroll/num lock. They do clean up well, mine was beat to hell before I sent it to him. Busted spacebar, and filthy underneath. All of the stabilizers would get stuck when pressed, and it had some scuffs. After I sent it to Phosphorglow, it came back looking almost brand new. There are a couple little scuffs, but they're really hard to notice and probably impossible to fix anyway.

I also have a basically pristine Model F AT.



IBM boards are great! It's very cool that you got to unbox a NIB Model M, that's something you don't get to do every day! 

I'd love to see a picture of your brand new Model M!

[Snowdog993]

Well I guess I'd better start browsing for keycaps.

If colors are exciting to you, then Unicomp has a full rainbow. Otherwise, interesting shapes and legends are few and far between.

Thanks fohat.digs. To be honest while I like modding things, this keyboard is so perfectly new I don't think I could bear to mess it up. It's too nice. I'd kind of like to buy another Model M to pull apart and paint, play around with the keys etc. Keep this one the way it is.

Is there a modded gallery for Model M's? I've had a search a number of times but I'm still yet to find a lot in one place.

Changing caps should be fine to do, it's easily reversible. Just pull them off, put new ones on, and swap back to the originals whenever you want.

Here's a nice gallery of boards restored and modded by Phosphorglow: http://phosphorglow.net/category/ibm-model-m/

I just took a quick look, my board is #125. 

Welcome to GeekHack! I'm sure you'll get along with everyone, lots of IBM fans here. 

I am sure you will find some incredible galleries around here... 
I have some if you want to take a peek.

[Greystash]

@ meow a cat – yes I saw the controller but I didn’t know what it was. LED’s that’s mad!  Do you have any pictures of it lit up? Also what are the plastic ears on your Model F? Are they rack mounts? I saw those boards a number of times when I was tracking down mine.

I won’t snap a quick picture now because I have to leave for work shortly. I’ll take a few this afternoon when I get home so I have the time to do it properly.

@ Snowdog993 – Thanks Snowdog, I appreciate you taking the time to post the link. That’s another thing I’ll do this afternoon.

[smknjoe]

Welcome to the wonderful world of old-school IBM keyboards. The M is a classic for sure.

[Snowdog993]

@ Snowdog993 – Thanks Snowdog, I appreciate you taking the time to post the link. That’s another thing I’ll do this afternoon.

I had a lot going on today...  here are my album links if you didn't go to my imgur site:

More

http://imgur.com/a/l63Eh (IBM SSK done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/nKhaM (Lexmark SSK done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/p6kmH (Lexmark 1398601 done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/SZDVL (IBM 1370477 done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/gQS7O (IBM 1392595 "Weirdo" or "e29 coincidence" done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/akDm6 (IBM 1395665 Terminal Keyboard by Phosphorglow - LED Panel added later)
http://imgur.com/a/tIonH (IBM 1389162 122-key Terminal Keyboard converted to ANSI by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/gaAKi (IBM 1391401 Blue Label done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/b4Q7Q (IBM 92G7461 M13 Trackpoint II done by Phosphorglow)
http://imgur.com/a/X3VTB (IBM 13H6705 M13 Trackpoint II)
http://imgur.com/a/lRCHg (IBM 1391401 Keyboard)
http://imgur.com/a/bBFuv (IBM 1394204 Terminal Keyboard Conversion)
http://imgur.com/a/O7ayY (IBM 1392595 Terminal Keyboard Conversion) <--- Currently Using!
http://imgur.com/a/iNjFR (IBM 1395162 Terminal Keyboard Conversion)
http://imgur.com/a/tBZaV (IBM 1393464 Sabre by ClickyKeyboards.com)
http://imgur.com/a/M70xE (IBM 51G8572 RS/6000 Keyboard)
http://imgur.com/a/fwMzR (IBM 51G8572 RS/6000 Keyboard)
http://imgur.com/a/5TIl9 (Unicomp 103-key UNI0446 PS/2 Keyboard)
http://imgur.com/a/XDkw5 (Other stuff...)

There is also the "Post your BS boards here!", which encompasses pretty much everything IBM.
You could probably find some other album posts on that thread as well.

https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=61878.0

Hope this helps you on your journey!

[Greystash]

Thanks smknjoe and thanks again snowdog. I'll get stuck into those links tonight.

@ meow a cat - I didn't have the light that I wanted this afternoon, but they turned out ok. Pics as promised.    (blanked part of the ID No)

[rowdy]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Wow!  About the cleanest Model M I have seen!  Which is pretty much what you'd expect for NIB )

I have 4 - two 101 keys and 2 SSKs.  A great classic look that is still perfectly functional after more than 20 years!

Btw there's also this thread for posting pictures of your BS keyboard

[Greystash]

Welcome to Geekhack!

Wow!  About the cleanest Model M I have seen!  Which is pretty much what you'd expect for NIB )

I have 4 - two 101 keys and 2 SSKs.  A great classic look that is still perfectly functional after more than 20 years!

Btw there's also this thread for posting pictures of your BS keyboard

Thanks rowdy, I've posted a few of these pics in your suggested thread.

It was pretty much this clean when I received it. I had to clean off the residue adhesive from the tape and a little dust but the plastic responds well to alcohol. As I said above, I don't really want to change it now; it's so pretty the way it is. I think I'll just enjoy it's vanilla flavour.

[dan002]

Referring to those stock key caps, I like the layer of shine. Now I see why you want to just  keep it all vanilla.

[meow a cat]

Thanks smknjoe and thanks again snowdog. I'll get stuck into those links tonight.

@ meow a cat - I didn't have the light that I wanted this afternoon, but they turned out ok. Pics as promised.    (blanked part of the ID No)

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Very nice board! Looks great. IBM made truly beautiful boards, didn't they?  :thumb:

To answer your question about the F AT, the ears are for the feet. You turn them to pop the feet out, and push them in and turn the opposite direction to bring the feet back in. The board also has a really different feel compared to a Model M, due mostly to using a capacitive buckling spring switch design, instead of buckling spring over rubber dome. It's more metallic and takes a bit less force to actuate. I find that it feels even nicer than a Model M. I highly recommend one if you can find one!  ;D

Here's a picture of the caps lock LED lit up:



Under the scroll lock position, there are two LEDs on the same switch, one on the top and one on the bottom. One is for scroll lock, the other is for num lock.

I also really enjoy the controller, USB is great and so is having a programmable SSK that uses TMK firmware. With TMK, the possibilities are nearly endless.  ;D

[Greystash]

Nice photograph, really nice keyboard meow a cat. And thanks for sharing that information of the Model F AT. I read in my searching that some people like the F AT over the M. I really like the idea of a programmable USB controller. This is making me want to get another one of these keyboards to go to town on. Have this one beautifully stock, and have another one with lots of mods.

 

[Snowdog993]

The board also has a really different feel compared to a Model M, due mostly to using a capacitive buckling spring switch design, instead of buckling spring over rubber dome.

Incorrect Meow!  I guess you just typo'ed.  It should be Buckling Spring over Membrane.  Huge difference.

[meow a cat]

The board also has a really different feel compared to a Model M, due mostly to using a capacitive buckling spring switch design, instead of buckling spring over rubber dome.

Incorrect Meow!  I guess you just typo'ed.  It should be Buckling Spring over Membrane.  Huge difference.

Yeah, that's what I meant. There are no domes Greystash, it's a mostly flat membrane with a few layers to it and the tactility is all from the springs. My bad. 

Nice photograph, really nice keyboard meow a cat. And thanks for sharing that information of the Model F AT. I read in my searching that some people like the F AT over the M. I really like the idea of a programmable USB controller. This is making me want to get another one of these keyboards to go to town on. Have this one beautifully stock, and have another one with lots of mods.

 

I think the controller is easily reversible as well, you could ask Phosphorglow about it. He's really good about answering any and all questions. Pretty sure if you want the board to be stock again you just unplug the connectors and plug them back in to the stock controller. You don't need to mod the case for the USB, the space for the regular Model M connector is big enough. I still have the stock controller for my SSK as well, if for some reason I decided I wanted to use it.

Snowdog also probably knows how the controller is installed. I didn't install mine, as Phosphorglow already had the board there to restore it so he did it. As long as the mods aren't destructive, I think they're fine, as you can always change the board back the way it was easily. Just my opinion though, I can understand why you wouldn't want to change it at all. 

[Greystash]

Thanks for that meow a cat, it's definitely something to consider. At the moment I'm torn between sticking with my keypad (Belking N52te) for gaming or returning to a full keyboard and giving this Model M a shot at an MMORPG. I've just stopped playing WOW after two years in favour of ESO. I think either option (keypad or model M) should be fine. ESO doesn't need as many keys as WOW to play effectively. I only play one game at a time, I mean who has the time, but I like to play whatever I'm into well.

Thanks snowdog for your input.


 

[meow a cat]

Thanks for that meow a cat, it's definitely something to consider. At the moment I'm torn between sticking with my keypad (Belking N52te) for gaming or returning to a full keyboard and giving this Model M a shot at an MMORPG. I've just stopped playing WOW after two years in favour of ESO. I think either option (keypad or model M) should be fine. ESO doesn't need as many keys as WOW to play effectively. I only play one game at a time, I mean who has the time, but I like to play whatever I'm into well.

Thanks snowdog for your input.


 

No harm in trying the M out! I use my SSK to play FPS and other types of games quite often. I do prefer linear switches for gaming though.

I've never really seen the need for a gaming keypad, I feel like it gives me the exact same functionality as a keyboard.. except maybe my fingers would be free from using WASD if I was moving with the thumbstick.

I use a Razer Naga Epic for gaming in combination with one of my keyboards, I play a little bit of MMO but not much anymore. I used to play them a lot, but they feel a little bit too much like work.  ) I love it for MMOs, FPS, basically every game I come across. Great for hotkeys in MMOs or switching guns and stuff really fast in FPS. I don't think I'll ever use a different mouse, I actually just upgraded from the original Naga after three or four years of use.

[krbuck]

I work for IBM and have access to a small "surplus store". I wonder if any of these ever come up in the store. I've just got to check.... I don't prefer these keyboards, but I'll bet there are people in the GH community that might like to see more pop up.

[smknjoe]

There still seems to be a steady supply from http://clickykeyboards.com/ and ebay unless you were wanting to do the community a solid and let them go for $30-$40 each.

[krbuck]

There still seems to be a steady supply from http://clickykeyboards.com/ and ebay unless you were wanting to do the community a solid and let them go for $30-$40 each.

Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I doubt many go through any longer but it would be interesting to check from time to time.

[darkspider]

Welcome to Geekhack!
It's lucky you've noticed Model M's attraction :-)
Love your keyboard.

[krbuck]

Welcome to Geekhack!
It's lucky you've noticed Model M's attraction :-)
Love your keyboard.

Thanks! I've use the IBM keyboards when they were new in service and also various terminals that had similar switches. I'm more of a brown switch person, but I can definitely appreciate the aesthetic.

[Greystash]

Welcome to Geekhack!
It's lucky you've noticed Model M's attraction :-)
Love your keyboard.

Thanks darkspider (I'm hoping that was directed at me)

@ meow a cat: I like the Razer Naga Epic because of the options it gives you. However the mouse I'm using now is a Mad Catz M.M.O.7 and I love it. The keypad though is not for steering I do all of the toon movement, turning, crouching, jumping, rolling, strafing etc with the mouse. And all of the firing rotation, blocking etc using buttons with my left hand. When I started playing WOW I stopped using WASD for toon movement. I realised if I used WASD I couldn't run in circles, strafe, jump, control the camera view and hit all my buttons in the firing rotation at the same time. So I switched to mouse movement and never looked back.

All I really need the keyboard for (especially ESO) is a bunch of pew pew buttons and a few extra buttons for maps, inventory etc.

I think the Model M will do a good job at that though I do like the ergonomics of the keypad and how it allows you to keep your hand in one place yet still reach all of the keys.

You know this seems like a really supportive community. 
       

[darkspider]

yes, that was to you.
I'm sorry to confuse you.

[meow a cat]

Welcome to Geekhack!
It's lucky you've noticed Model M's attraction :-)
Love your keyboard.

Thanks darkspider (I'm hoping that was directed at me)

@ meow a cat: I like the Razer Naga Epic because of the options it gives you. However the mouse I'm using now is a Mad Catz M.M.O.7 and I love it. The keypad though is not for steering I do all of the toon movement, turning, crouching, jumping, rolling, strafing etc with the mouse. And all of the firing rotation, blocking etc using buttons with my left hand. When I started playing WOW I stopped using WASD for toon movement. I realised if I used WASD I couldn't run in circles, strafe, jump, control the camera view and hit all my buttons in the firing rotation at the same time. So I switched to mouse movement and never looked back.

All I really need the keyboard for (especially ESO) is a bunch of pew pew buttons and a few extra buttons for maps, inventory etc.

I think the Model M will do a good job at that though I do like the ergonomics of the keypad and how it allows you to keep your hand in one place yet still reach all of the keys.

You know this seems like a really supportive community. 
       

I use my Naga for hotkeys, no movement. I move with the mouse as well when I MMO.  I find it a lot easier than the number row, I don't have to stretch far to reach different spells. Also you can use it as the numpad keys, and use the mouse and the keyboard to have two action bars at once in some games. I've heard the RAT series are nice mice, but the MMO version doesn't have enough buttons for my liking, otherwise it seems like I would like it.

It's the finest community I've ever been a part of! Really friendly people here, someone is always willing to lend a hand to those who need it. 

[Greystash]

I use my Naga for hotkeys, no movement. I move with the mouse as well when I MMO.  I find it a lot easier than the number row, I don't have to stretch far to reach different spells. Also you can use it as the numpad keys, and use the mouse and the keyboard to have two action bars at once in some games. I've heard the RAT series are nice mice, but the MMO version doesn't have enough buttons for my liking, otherwise it seems like I would like it.

It's the finest community I've ever been a part of! Really friendly people here, someone is always willing to lend a hand to those who need it. 

Tell me meow a cat are you always a weaver? In the real world I've shot bows my whole life (recurve and compound) and whenever I roll play I always choose a stealthy bow based elf or hunter or nightblade. I wonder if others pick a type and stick with it or like more variety to their toons.

Also, not to hoist the mad catz flag too high, however the Rat MMO7 has 12 programmable options on the thumb programmable 3 times over and supported by an additional quick switch button on the side of the index finder.

[meow a cat]

I use my Naga for hotkeys, no movement. I move with the mouse as well when I MMO.  I find it a lot easier than the number row, I don't have to stretch far to reach different spells. Also you can use it as the numpad keys, and use the mouse and the keyboard to have two action bars at once in some games. I've heard the RAT series are nice mice, but the MMO version doesn't have enough buttons for my liking, otherwise it seems like I would like it.

It's the finest community I've ever been a part of! Really friendly people here, someone is always willing to lend a hand to those who need it. 

Tell me meow a cat are you always a weaver? In the real world I've shot bows my whole life (recurve and compound) and whenever I roll play I always choose a stealthy bow based elf or hunter or nightblade. I wonder if others pick a type and stick with it or like more variety to their toons.

Also, not to hoist the mad catz flag too high, however the Rat MMO7 has 12 programmable options on the thumb programmable 3 times over and supported by an additional quick switch button on the side of the index finder.

I like mages, I always play a mage or wizard when I play games and I get the choice. Sometimes I like to be a ranger though (I don't really like melee classes), just to mix it up. When I play D&D I always make a wizard.  )

Oh does it? Looked like less keys when I looked up a picture. That's pretty good then! I'm pretty accustomed to the shape and key layout of the Naga though, I'll probably be sticking with it. I'm not a big fan of Mad Catz gear, I always hear bad things about them except for the RAT mice. I also have used a bunch of their Saitek flight sim gear, and found the quality sub-par.. I have really high standards though, when it comes to sim equipment.  ) I do like the Pro Flight Yoke though. I didn't like the X52 HOTAS or the pedals though, cheap build quality.

[demik]

nice board mate

[Greystash]

nice board mate

Cheers demik (news team assssseeeemble  )