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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 02:10:05

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 02:10:05

Large list of them found here:
http://www.a1usedcomputers.com.au/shop/prodList.asp?idCategory=97

Unfortunately, most of them have strange connectors and I don't know what switches.

However, I'm pretty sure the following are compatible buckling spring designs:
http://www.a1usedcomputers.com.au/shop/prodView.asp?idproduct=2515
http://www.a1usedcomputers.com.au/shop/prodView.asp?idproduct=2479
http://www.a1usedcomputers.com.au/shop/prodView.asp?idproduct=2482

Now a weird one... USB, black and an unfamiliar model number so I'm guessing it doesn't use buckling springs, but it's cheaper than the rest. Can anyone confirm?
http://www.a1usedcomputers.com.au/shop/prodView.asp?idproduct=2527

Thanks.

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 24 March 2011, 05:15:12

The two 122-key keyboards would be PS/2. That black keyboard would be a rubber dome one.

If you can get in contact with that crowd, let me know. I'm trying to get something off them.

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 05:25:14

Yes i think you'll remember when i tried to order a $10 model F AT from them at the start of the year... took them a week to tell me it was out of stock.

I guess my real question is do those keyboards have good buckling spring switches and are they worth $40 + (insert exorbitant shipping fee)?

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 05:39:21

double posting win:

Apparently i now have to choose between a Blackwidow Expert (non LED) and this. Wat do?

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 06:32:59

Quote from: kishy;317545

Refer to signature.

Specified terminal types are all AT, with unique different connectors. Software and connector hacks required to be fully usable, but nothing that should be beyond you if you're hanging out on this site I guess. USB converters (indeed, plural) based on the Teensy/Teensy++ exist; AFAIK just in 'beta testing' and so not available to the general public yet.

'1397000' and possibly a couple others are natively PS/2; just plug em in and run with it. Same thing but less geek cred.

yes the first link is a 1397000. I just don't know whether to go with a "definitely working MX blue blackwidow" or an ancient exotic possibly buggy buckling spring board :(

halp?

Title: IBM Terminal Keyboards
Post by: What is X? on Thu, 24 March 2011, 06:57:51

Oh well, bit the bullet and ordered it. $40 + $20 express postage, not too bad. I figure these things are pretty rare, and i doubt there will be a shortage of blackwidows or other MX blue keyboards if i want one later.