Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)

[sharktastica]

Comparison & classifications of 122-key IBM Model M keyboards (redux!)

A few years ago, I wrote a guide on the different types of 122-key Model Ms (aka, "M122s") explaining how there were four distinct types of them and how Unicomp later adapted some of the later ones to suit their needs. I've recently been revamping content on the entire IBM Converged Keyboard (the official name for IBM's "unsaver" and "battleship" keyboards) line. After the recent name discovery and the Model F F104/F127/F122 ASK wiki page section revamps I made across August/September, this was the next stop. It's a complete rewrite and will now become Part Two of an ASK Converged Keyboard Classifications series, covering the Model M part of the line. The 'prequel' Model F Part One is scheduled to be out by mid-November and a Part Three covering stuff that don't fit in to either part such as the Micro Switch-made Quiet Touch 104-key ("domesaver") not long after.

Read it: https://sharktastica.co.uk/topics/m122_diffs



For those unfamiliar with it from before, I categorised the major variants of M122s into a [then-four] Type System based on outward characteristics and features. This is not an alternative to generations, which people understood to describe quality and branding changes with Enhanced Keyboards (101 to 104-key Model M) over time such as backplate thickness and the text colour in the IBM oval badge, etc. My motivation for doing this was not being satisfied with how very early M122s were being called "Gen 1" and "Gen 2" when in fact they were produced concurrently with the later M122s for an entire decade! - it wasn't like one M122 style replaced the other, they were all supplemental and only released as IBM introduced new terminals. Simply put, generations understood for other Model M variants don't translate to the M122's outward appearance with only a single exception. Enter Types, which I specified to be a way of differentiating the outside and connectivity of M122 without implying one replaces the other.

Changes include:

• More photos
• Better descriptions
• Info on how each type maps to Model M generations
• Part numbers for each type added
• More info on what Unicomp did with Types 3 and 4
• More on any third party rebranded versions
• A new Type 5 defined covering Unicomp's POS/MSR M122s

Type 1 M122


Type 2 M122


Type 3 M122


Type 4 M122


Type 5 M122


Enjoy the [re]read!

[2-bit Joe]

Dumb question: why do people buy these keyboards today, in 2024?

Besides the collectors, I mean.  Is it because they want to run terminals, terminal emulators, or point of sale stations?

I have some not-so-fond memories of the 3270 PC.  My company bought many of those, and then doggedly insisted on depreciating them over the industry standard five year lifespan of all other office equipment.  Notwithstanding the rapid pace of technological innovation that made them practically obsolete, in much less than five years.

Yes, they're big, and in some ways, still impressive.  Would I want one on my desk today, to type on?  No thanks.  There are better choices.

[wjrii]

The switch mechanism is distinctive and satisfying.  I haven't pulled the trigger on a vintage board yet, but I have a core memory of pingy, clicky, tactile Model M and F keys, and some people just want to keep typing on them.  Throw in some respect for sturdy workmanship and muscle memory, and it's not surprising.