IBM Model M Clicky Keyboard 1395682 Space Saver Industrial starting at $40

[smknjoe]

This auction shocks me.  It's over $800 now.  All we have here is a different colored plastic with some blue caps.   It's later model SSK made by Lexmark, so it will not have as thick of a plate as older Model M's, and, consequently, a worse feel than earlier Model M's.

Then we have a nice bolt mod SSK available on Ebay for $325 flat, lower than the recent selling price, from a guy that loves Model's M, has done plenty of bolt mods, cleans them meticulously, offers a return period, and stands behind his product.  It's a great board.  You could buy it and paint the darn thing to the color of your choice.

I don't keep up with M's like I used to because I have all the Ms I need now, but don't the full size Industrial Ms typically go for north of $500-700? If so, $800 for an Industrial SSK isn't that bad. Is it a little silly to pay that much more for a different color? Sure, that's why you wont see me bidding on one (at those prices), but that's where the market has been for quite a while. Much longer than the inflated prices you are seeing for the standard SSKs (which really shocks me.) $325 for a standard SSK is crazy high!

[Zeal]

Recent post from the seller:
"$810 us and i've had private offers the entire time... last one 900 US and to go to germany.... lol this is nuts"

Private offers for $900? Wow.

[kishy]

What's the model on the SSK you have?  Have you tried the shift+scroll lock on your keyboard to see if it activates the embedded numpad?

Yeah I tried, doesn't work.
Part 1394540
ID 5033919

1394540 is not an SSK part number, it's a RS/6000 keyboard;  Link

You didn't happen to get that keyboard from Kishy did you?

Yep that would be the one
I still have to get around to bolt modding it and removing the epoxy.

Yeah, it's a rarekeyboardstore special. Hacked together out of a fullsize controller with the rest of a terminal unit, and he obviously peeled the sticker off the nearest fullsize spare back he had which was itself also wrong.

And to the user (no longer active here, but maybe you're watching) who I acquired that from, none of the terms or implied terms of our agreement were broken by how EIBM got it from me.

As for the $900 nonsense, this is just silly. Some people have way too much spare money. I really hope for the buyer's sake that someone lost a couple hundred dollars inside it to compensate for grossly overpaying for such a mediocre item...

[Michael]

What's the model on the SSK you have?  Have you tried the shift+scroll lock on your keyboard to see if it activates the embedded numpad?

Yeah I tried, doesn't work.
Part 1394540
ID 5033919

1394540 is not an SSK part number, it's a RS/6000 keyboard;  Link

You didn't happen to get that keyboard from Kishy did you?

Yep that would be the one
I still have to get around to bolt modding it and removing the epoxy.

Yeah, it's a rarekeyboardstore special. Hacked together out of a fullsize controller with the rest of a terminal unit, and he obviously peeled the sticker off the nearest fullsize spare back he had which was itself also wrong.

And to the user (no longer active here, but maybe you're watching) who I acquired that from, none of the terms or implied terms of our agreement were broken by how EIBM got it from me.

As for the $900 nonsense, this is just silly. Some people have way too much spare money. I really hope for the buyer's sake that someone lost a couple hundred dollars inside it to compensate for grossly overpaying for such a mediocre item...

[smknjoe]

What's the model on the SSK you have?  Have you tried the shift+scroll lock on your keyboard to see if it activates the embedded numpad?

Yeah I tried, doesn't work.
Part 1394540
ID 5033919

1394540 is not an SSK part number, it's a RS/6000 keyboard;  Link

You didn't happen to get that keyboard from Kishy did you?

Yep that would be the one
I still have to get around to bolt modding it and removing the epoxy.

Yeah, it's a rarekeyboardstore special. Hacked together out of a fullsize controller with the rest of a terminal unit, and he obviously peeled the sticker off the nearest fullsize spare back he had which was itself also wrong.

And to the user (no longer active here, but maybe you're watching) who I acquired that from, none of the terms or implied terms of our agreement were broken by how EIBM got it from me.

As for the $900 nonsense, this is just silly. Some people have way too much spare money. I really hope for the buyer's sake that someone lost a couple hundred dollars inside it to compensate for grossly overpaying for such a mediocre item...

Since we are talking price here do you mind telling us what you think the fair market prices are (in general) for Model Ms? Standard, SSK, and Industrial variants assuming all are in good to very good condition. I've asked before in the "What's it Worth" thread with no help. It seems like not too long ago (within the last 2 years for sure) these were the prices:

Full size used: $40-$50
Full size NIB (from Clickykeyboard) $85-$95
SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay
Full size Industrial: $400-$650
SSK Industrial:

[EverythingIBM]

I knew it-- there's those german collectors. A german collector bought the full sized one. Could be the same guy now wanting an SSK. I hope he doesn't pull the auction to sell it to him.

Collectors are clocked in the head. Buying something to never use doesn't make sense. Especially model Ms since even one can basically last a person's lifetime without any maintenance....

If I get this thing, it's being connected to a very unique computer which is probably just as much as the stupid keyboard.

[E TwentyNine]

I knew it-- there's those german collectors. A german collector bought the full sized one. Could be the same guy now wanting an SSK. I hope he doesn't pull the auction to sell it to him.

Collectors are clocked in the head. Buying something to never use doesn't make sense. Especially model Ms since even one can basically last a person's lifetime without any maintenance....

If I get this thing, it's being connected to a very unique computer which is probably just as much as the stupid keyboard.

Whaddya got?  Gearbox maybe?

[127001]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

[smknjoe]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

[HPE1000]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

@_@ I think he has been collecting for much longer...

[127001]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131104268976
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231144189905
http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/2-x-ssk-s-t7352.html

Good luck, that's all I'm saying.

[kishy]

Since we are talking price here do you mind telling us what you think the fair market prices are (in general) for Model Ms? Standard, SSK, and Industrial variants assuming all are in good to very good condition. I've asked before in the "What's it Worth" thread with no help. It seems like not too long ago (within the last 2 years for sure) these were the prices:

Full size used: $40-$50
Full size NIB (from Clickykeyboard) $85-$95
SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay
Full size Industrial: $400-$650
SSK Industrial:

Well, regardless of my thoughts on the subject, they're worth what people will pay. I just don't understand the mindset of someone who would spend upwards of $500 on a keyboard that, while uncommon, has no differentiating qualities to justify the expense. If they have an IBM industrial computer that needs a keyboard and they want the right one for authenticity, OK, I could see that. Functionally, they are no different from a normal SSK (and depending on your perspective, a 101).

I couldn't pinpoint exact values for you...by most indications I "underpaid" for all of mine by outrageous amounts (the original so-called Kishsaver for $13 for example - I think my full size oval logo industrial worked out to 40 something), but I do know that this particular auction is just ridiculous. Perhaps with a currency exchange it isn't so bad in Euros (900 = 658, not sure if that's considered expensive in Euros or not as economies vary).

Your estimates were mostly accurate as of 2ish years ago and are typical ranges when there aren't a lot on the market. I suspect instant demand (vs the long, drawn out continual sort that is more patient to wait for a good price) has gone up due to what I perceive as increased interest in mech boards and the hobby itself.

Which is a long way of saying "idk brah".

[ninjadoc]

The current price is insane on this!

[smknjoe]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131104268976
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231144189905
http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/2-x-ssk-s-t7352.html

Good luck, that's all I'm saying.

I know what they are currently going for. My point is that these current prices are way above what they were only a few months ago and that people need to stop paying high prices so the market comes back down to reality. Here is one from July of last year: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161056547315?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D161056547315%26_rdc%3D1

[127001]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131104268976
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231144189905
http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/2-x-ssk-s-t7352.html

Good luck, that's all I'm saying.

I know what they are currently going for. My point is that these current prices are way above what they were only a few months ago and that people need to stop paying high prices so the market comes back down to reality. Here is one from July of last year: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161056547315?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D161056547315%26_rdc%3D1

I blame the Democrats.

[smknjoe]

LOL, well played.

[HPE1000]

SSK: $90-$170 tops on ebay
SSK NIB: $200-$300 ebay

Lol, good luck.

Have you been watching the prices for more than 8 months? That's what they were going for then. According to your profile you only got into the game in October of last year.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/131104268976
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231144189905
http://deskthority.net/marketplace-f11/2-x-ssk-s-t7352.html

Good luck, that's all I'm saying.

I know what they are currently going for. My point is that these current prices are way above what they were only a few months ago and that people need to stop paying high prices so the market comes back down to reality. Here is one from July of last year: http://www.ebay.com/itm/161056547315?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D161056547315%26_rdc%3D1

To be fair
"The C key's spring is slightly bent, causing it not to register. However, the actual pressing mechanism still works"

[smknjoe]

It wasn't hard replacing the spring and the board was like new otherwise. Spotless actually. In much better shape than those dirty things that are going for double or more. Not even one broken rivet and it's from 87 with the heavier steel plate.

[HPE1000]

It wasn't hard replacing the spring and the board was like new otherwise. Spotless actually.

I know it wouldn't be, but some less experienced people aren't going to bid on something they don't know how to fix. I am sure not all the people who bid on old ibm keyboards possess the same knowledge and skill about keyboards as your average GH member.

I am not going to say that that is the price people would pay for it today though, just making that clear.

[smknjoe]

You can justify the high prices all you want, but the fact is that they were going for half or less just months ago. Go search ebay and see what they sold for pre-August of last year. They were rarely over 200 unless NIB.

[HPE1000]

You can justify the high prices all you want, but the fact is that they were going for half or less just months ago. Go search ebay and see what they sold for pre-August of last year. They were rarely over 200 unless NIB.

I am not justifying the prices one bit.... I have been watching them for awhile as well and I can't believe how expensive they are getting recently...

[REVENGE]

In this case, the free market is not maximizing social welfare.

Or, as some people on The Internet once asked, Problem?

[smknjoe]

What does welfare have to do with it? The current market prices have been artificially inflated by people overbidding early in the auction forcing people to overpay. The supply is greater than it has been in the last two years yet the prices are higher than ever. They are popping up for sale constantly on ebay now.

[REVENGE]

What does welfare have to do with it?

Hmm. If there is a lot of shill bidding or preemptive bidding, it could temporarily drive up people's valuations of the item, but assuming the winner isn't bidding more than his true valuation, you're just transferring more of the surplus to the seller. It might still be an efficient outcome assuming the person with the highest valuation gets the item.

At this point, it seems like demand still outpaces supply, and the increase in market price could help spread awareness / information on the supply side, which might in turn expand supply.

[HPE1000]

What does welfare have to do with it? The current market prices have been artificially inflated by people overbidding early in the auction forcing people to overpay. The supply is greater than it has been in the last two years yet the prices are higher than ever. They are popping up for sale constantly on ebay now.

Nobody is forcing anybody to bid more, that is their own decision to make. If someone can afford to pay the insane price these go for and they they are happy with it, that is what is going to happen.

I have never owned or sold an SSK before, I have no reason to say these prices are fair or that is what they should go for. But that is how it is right now I am afraid. The same goes for clacks as far as I am concerned. Many people say they sell for too much even though they still end up buying them for hundreds a piece, complaining about it isn't helping.

Although if you really want an SSK but won't pay the current prices you are pretty sol.

EDIT: And ebay is a terrible place to get an SSK, try taobao if you want to save a lot of money.

[EverythingIBM]

What does welfare have to do with it? The current market prices have been artificially inflated by people overbidding early in the auction forcing people to overpay. The supply is greater than it has been in the last two years yet the prices are higher than ever. They are popping up for sale constantly on ebay now.

Nobody is forcing anybody to bid more, that is their own decision to make. If someone can afford to pay the insane price these go for and they they are happy with it, that is what is going to happen.

I have never owned or sold an SSK before, I have no reason to say these prices are fair or that is what they should go for. But that is how it is right now I am afraid. The same goes for clacks as far as I am concerned. Many people say they sell for too much even though they still end up buying them for hundreds a piece, complaining about it isn't helping.

Although if you really want an SSK but won't pay the current prices you are pretty sol.

EDIT: And ebay is a terrible place to get an SSK, try taobao if you want to save a lot of money.

Considering I never paid much for any of my keyboards (Got a lot free). It's not so bad...
Although I would prefer it if this thing wasn't an SSK so it could have LEDs, but oh well. At least it takes up less realestate. I think it would look nice having red LED backlighting.
I'll be able to take a look if I get it (assuming someone is nuts enough to outbid me, it'll be the most expensive SSK ever sold).

--> I'm sure I could mount a few-- and newer smaller ones take less juice than the old ones ever did.

[vivalarevolución]

What does welfare have to do with it? The current market prices have been artificially inflated by people overbidding early in the auction forcing people to overpay. The supply is greater than it has been in the last two years yet the prices are higher than ever. They are popping up for sale constantly on ebay now.

I think the supply is greater right now because people are seeing what they are going for and deciding to sell them.

And I just sold my car.  I'm getting in on the bidding.  Watch out!

[Michael]

[mr_a500]

With $800, I'd rather buy another IBM 3278 beam spring with APL keycaps, an über clicky magnetic Univac F-1355-00 and a "super ALPS" magnetic reed switch keyboard. I'd probably still have money left over to buy my wife some flowers to apologize.

[ZeDestructor]

I really don't get it.. why hate on the buyers? I'm expecting this board to end up around the 1200 mark, and if I had the money, I'd take it in a heartbeat, but I don't. To some, it's worth what they're bidding, and thus they bid.

Really, all I'm seeing here is a lot of butthurt. Chill out guys. Sit back, and watch the bidding.

[JPG]

Hum, rarity ... but at this price, why not make a custom case? All SS or titanium? Hum...

[fohat.digs]

but at this price, why not make a custom case? All SS or titanium? Hum...

There you go!

An all-metal case for a Model M/F would be awesome. If aluminum, it could be anodized. I would get far more excited about that than a plastic industrial.

[Melvang]

but at this price, why not make a custom case? All SS or titanium? Hum...

There you go!

An all-metal case for a Model M/F would be awesome. If aluminum, it could be anodized. I would get far more excited about that than a plastic industrial.

Brushed stainless with no clear.

[mr_a500]

but at this price, why not make a custom case? All SS or titanium? Hum...

There you go!

An all-metal case for a Model M/F would be awesome. If aluminum, it could be anodized. I would get far more excited about that than a plastic industrial.

That's another reason I'd go for a beam spring instead - thick metal case. (handy protection against heavy machine-gun fire)

[EverythingIBM]

With $800, I'd rather buy another IBM 3278 beam spring with APL keycaps, an über clicky magnetic Univac F-1355-00 and a "super ALPS" magnetic reed switch keyboard. I'd probably still have money left over to buy my wife some flowers to apologize.

I don't know, the beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F buckling springs. I suppose they would be a lot more interesting if the solenoids fired with each key press.
Another thing that can be disturbing is the nonstandard layout. It'll require a lot more to tame than an F AT.

[fohat.digs]

beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F

I am always perplexed that people always talk about "sound"

For me, sound is generally a negative, "feel" is what is supremely important.

[mr_a500]

I don't know, the beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F buckling springs. I suppose they would be a lot more interesting if the solenoids fired with each key press.
Another thing that can be disturbing is the nonstandard layout. It'll require a lot more to tame than an F AT.

xwhatsit is working on solenoid support.

With a few keys shifted around, I made the layout very similar to how I had it on the AT Model F.


(function keys on left, "inverted T" arrows, page up/page down, home/end on either side, like AT numpad)

[Melvang]

beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F

I am always perplexed that people always talk about "sound"

For me, sound is generally a negative, "feel" is what is supremely important.

On these keyboards sound can be used as an indicator when something is amiss on the structure or inner workings of said keyboards.  Less so with the MX and torpe switches but very much so on buckling and beam springs.

Plus a lot of people like the audible feed back.

[EverythingIBM]

beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F

I am always perplexed that people always talk about "sound"

For me, sound is generally a negative, "feel" is what is supremely important.

I *love* the variable spring resonance on Model F keyboards (and earlier Ms do it too, although not nearly as prominent). Each type you strike a key, you get a different frequency, and it can sound very nice having all of the springs shower a wave of different frequencies.

--> if all buckling springs were silent, the experience wouldn't be as invigorating. And with Model F switches, you can actually "feel" the spring under the key cap.

I mean, I don't deny that beamsprings feel good; but I probably wouldn't enjoy them as much. I personally think an industrial SSK is higher on the cool factor. *runs and hides*

[vivalarevolución]

beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F

I am always perplexed that people always talk about "sound"

For me, sound is generally a negative, "feel" is what is supremely important.

I *love* the variable spring resonance on Model F keyboards (and earlier Ms do it too, although not nearly as prominent). Each type you strike a key, you get a different frequency, and it can sound very nice having all of the springs shower a wave of different frequencies.

--> if all buckling springs were silent, the experience wouldn't be as invigorating. And with Model F switches, you can actually "feel" the spring under the key cap.

I mean, I don't deny that beamsprings feel good; but I probably wouldn't enjoy them as much. I personally think an industrial SSK is higher on the cool factor. *runs and hides*

No need to run and hide.  Those SSK's are plenty cool and very tempting.  I recently almost bid on that bolt-modded SSK because it was a rare local auction AND bolt mod, and I had enough in my Paypal from recent sales.  Would be a nice accompaniment to my Kishsaver.

But thank the deity on high that someone else bought it so I could save $325.

[semyorka]

beam springs don't make the same sound as the Model F

I am always perplexed that people always talk about "sound"

For me, sound is generally a negative, "feel" is what is supremely important.

Completely agreed.  Audible feedback is nice, but I'd be perfectly happy if it were an order of magnitude quieter. 

For me, the quality of the feel and tactile feedback is much more important - and everything about the IBM Model M/F switches is almost perfect, as far as I'm concerned.  The fact that the tactile feedback is at the exact moment of actuation, the relatively long travel with the actuation point halfway down... it all means that I don't have to pound my fingers into the bottom of the keyboard, which is lower stress and allows me to type faster.

[dorkvader]

With $800, I'd rather buy another IBM 3278 beam spring with APL keycaps, an über clicky magnetic Univac F-1355-00 and a "super ALPS" magnetic reed switch keyboard. I'd probably still have money left over to buy my wife some flowers to apologize.

$800 will get you a superalps.... if you can find one.

That's another reason I'd go for a beam spring instead - thick metal case. (handy protection against heavy machine-gun fire)

My displaywriter has a plastic case, But it is the black sheep of the beamsprings.

"sound is very important in the selectric as well. Even more important in this typewriter

[vivalarevolución]

At $900 with less than two hours left.  Into the homestretch.  What's gonna happen?

[snoopy]

the big question is, will it hit 1k$ ?

[lcg]

the big question is, will it hit 1k$ ?

Yes!

[Candyflip]

$1,125

[jdcarpe]

$1125 hooray! lol

[snoopy]

just insane...

wonder if somebody from gh or dt bought it and if it will appear here in a picture thread one day

[vivalarevolución]

If I remember correctly in the scrap metal thread, this was connect to a Mopar diagnostic machine or something like that.  It would be great if word got around the scrap metal forum or car mechanic forum and a bunch of these started popping up on Ebay.

[xmagusx]

Quite a while indeed. Do you think it clears one bitcoin in price?

With room to spare. Wow.