Can I get a year estimate on this Model M?

[QuincyJones]

- UK layout,
- silver label with darker grey "IBM" in top right of the keyboard
- without lock lights
- AT connector
- Double sized '+' key in numpad (like on modern-day keyboards).

Any other indicators that I'm missing?

My estimate would be 1986 / 1987?

[mike52787]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

[QuincyJones]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

[mike52787]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

[QuincyJones]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

[klennkellon]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

[mike52787]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I would put skcm whites on the same level as a regular M.

[klennkellon]

 I always found that the comparison between SKCM White and SKCM Blue was parallel to the Model M vs the Model F. 

[QuincyJones]

did all the earlier m's have a speaker underneath?

[klennkellon]

did all the earlier m's have a speaker underneath?

later ones could too, but all model M's have the grille at least, until Unicomp took over.

[mike52787]

As promised.

Btw I just picked up that typewriter and havent got around to cleaning it up. It is absolutely disgusting.

[QuincyJones]

when did lexmark take over production? was it mid 90s? Relating to what I asked earlier, are the very early model m's better than the latter ibm keyboards that were made before lexmark took over? also, does the production location make any difference? as this is a uk layout, i'm assuming it's from Scotland

[mike52787]

when did lexmark take over production? was it mid 90s? Relating to what I asked earlier, are the very early model m's better than the latter ibm keyboards that were made before lexmark took over? also, does the production location make any difference? as this is a uk layout, i'm assuming it's from Scotland

Well, from what I have seen the first lexmark ms were made in late 93 to early 94. The latest M that I have owned other than that maxi switch M13 was a 91 1391401. There was a noticable difference between the 0131 and the 1401, and there is a huge difference between the 0131 and the maxi switch. I cant really help you with the production location question, all my Ms are made in USA except the Maxi switch which is made in mexico. I have nothing of a similar date to compare the maxi switch with, and for all I know all late ms could feel like it. In short, early Ms feel alot better than later Ms.

[emdude]

when did lexmark take over production? was it mid 90s? Relating to what I asked earlier, are the very early model m's better than the latter ibm keyboards that were made before lexmark took over? also, does the production location make any difference? as this is a uk layout, i'm assuming it's from Scotland

I believe Lexmark took over production from IBM around 1991, Lexmark-branded Model Ms did not appear until a few years later, as mike52787 has mentioned.

[y11971alex]

I can't tell the difference between a 1390131 and a 1391401, for the record, and it is highly unlikely that their production differences are any more prominent than the conditions in which they are present.

[mike52787]

I can't tell the difference between a 1390131 and a 1391401, for the record, and it is highly unlikely that their production differences are any more prominent than the conditions in which they are present.

I can, maybe my 1401 was really well used though. the 131 felt snappier and had a deeper click.

[y11971alex]

I can't tell the difference between a 1390131 and a 1391401, for the record, and it is highly unlikely that their production differences are any more prominent than the conditions in which they are present.

I can, maybe my 1401 was really well used though. the 131 felt snappier and had a deeper click.

But your 131 is bolt modded!

[mike52787]

I can't tell the difference between a 1390131 and a 1391401, for the record, and it is highly unlikely that their production differences are any more prominent than the conditions in which they are present.

I can, maybe my 1401 was really well used though. the 131 felt snappier and had a deeper click.

But your 131 is bolt modded!

lmao so was my 1401

[y11971alex]

I can't tell the difference between a 1390131 and a 1391401, for the record, and it is highly unlikely that their production differences are any more prominent than the conditions in which they are present.

I can, maybe my 1401 was really well used though. the 131 felt snappier and had a deeper click.

But your 131 is bolt modded!

lmao so was my 1401

Are the bolts punched into the same places on both keyboards?  Are they tightened to the same degree?

[emdude]

Well, fohat has said something like this before and I also speak from experience: No two Model Ms feel nor sound exactly the same, even within the subset of a particular P/N.

I've heard of some people preferring Lexmark Model Ms for being snappier, presumably because they are younger and less used?

[mike52787]

well the 1401 was done by me, and the 131 was already done when I bought it. of course the screws were in the same place, the holes in the plate are the same. We used different size screws, but I tightened up the 1401 to my liking. not saying the 1401 was bad, just saying I saw an improvement.

[mike52787]

Well, fohat has said something like this before and I also speak from experience: No two Model Ms feel nor sound exactly the same, even within the subset of a particular P/N.

I've heard of some people preferring Lexmark Model Ms for being snappier, presumably because they are younger and less used?

all 3 of the 1401s ive bolt modded felt the same after being modded. I cant speak for them before being modded, as soon as I got them I tore them down. They have been sold to 3 happy customers now, so I cant compare them directly though.

[klennkellon]

Unicomps feel just as good as original Model M's from what I have tried, but brand new Unicomps are quite stiff so it gives the impression they feel more like the M2 out o the box.

[fohat.digs]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard

Go to "Part Number" show

[QuincyJones]

so uhm, do terminal model m's (not the 122 variety) use scancode 2 and will just work with a normal at -> ps2 converter -> usb adapter?

[klennkellon]

so uhm, do terminal model m's (not the 122 variety) use scancode 2 and will just work with a normal at -> ps2 converter -> usb adapter?

most terminal Model M's use either an RJ-45 connector or a right-angled connector that looks like AT but is not, you'll need to buy a Soarers Converter to get it to work.

[QuincyJones]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard

Go to "Part Number" show

apparently it's a 1389969 from IBM UK, 1986 which I can't find anything about! Is that a good or bad sign?

[klennkellon]

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Model_M_keyboard

Go to "Part Number" show

apparently it's a 1389969 from IBM UK, 1986 which I can't find anything about! Is that a good or bad sign?

* has removable keycaps

* detachable cable

* XT/AT compatible

* No Lock Lights

* 1986

* ISO layout

[chyros]

Yeah, should be a 1389969 from around 1986. I added that entry quite recently as a matter of fact. It's a rare part number, in fact silver badge UK Ms are pretty rare to begin with. I only found out the AT one's part number very recently, and then only using extrapolation. I don't have one yet, myself, even.

[QuincyJones]

Yeah, should be a 1389969 from around 1986. I added that entry quite recently as a matter of fact. It's a rare part number, in fact silver badge UK Ms are pretty rare to begin with. I only found out the AT one's part number very recently, and then only using extrapolation. I don't have one yet, myself, even.

If you had to guess a price? Also where's hte cheapest place in UK to get a nut driver to open the bloody thing?

[chyros]

Yeah, should be a 1389969 from around 1986. I added that entry quite recently as a matter of fact. It's a rare part number, in fact silver badge UK Ms are pretty rare to begin with. I only found out the AT one's part number very recently, and then only using extrapolation. I don't have one yet, myself, even.

If you had to guess a price? Also where's hte cheapest place in UK to get a nut driver to open the bloody thing?

Generally I charge £40 plus shipping for a good or excellent-condition '1406, tested working, hand-cleaned case and caps, and often without a cable (because they're detachable most don't come with them). I provide pictures of the rivets as well and report how many have broken off. At £40 plus shipping they go fast. Longest one has ever lasted was just under a week, but most of them went in a day or so. I'd expect silver-badge ones to fetch slightly more.

[QuincyJones]

by "slighly more" you mean? £1 / £5 / £10?

[supamesican]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS.

Beam spring are kinda clicky aren't they ?

[fohat.digs]

Also where's hte cheapest place in UK to get a nut driver to open the bloody thing?

In the US it is easier to find a socket than a nut driver. Go to an auto parts store and be sure to get one that is "long" and "thin-walled"
 
5.5mm is a near-perfect substitute for 7/32"

[chyros]

by "slighly more" you mean? £1 / £5 / £10?

I think you should be able to shift it very quickly if you ask £50 for the whole thing, cleaned and tested. The cable itself should be worth a tenner at least.

[y11971alex]

Chyros,

I heard from your videos that you are selling key caps; would you mind disclosing where are you making the sales?  I am looking for a set lately myself. 

Best Regards,

[chyros]

Chyros,

I heard from your videos that you are selling key caps; would you mind disclosing where are you making the sales?  I am looking for a set lately myself. 

Best Regards,

I just sell through classifieds. Send me a PM with what kinds of keycaps you're interested in and we'll talk shop .

[klennkellon]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS.

Beam spring are kinda clicky aren't they ?

Yes but beam springs are hard to find, unreliable, and very difficult to get working on a modern system, so I usually don't bother talking about them when comparing them to something much more common like the Model M.

[y11971alex]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS.

Beam spring are kinda clicky aren't they ?

Yes but beam springs are hard to find, unreliable, and very difficult to get working on a modern system, so I usually don't bother talking about them when comparing them to something much more common like the Model M.

They're not terribly unreliable, I think, having survived (for some) 40 years of use, disuse, or abuse to surface again this day and age.

[chyros]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS.

Beam spring are kinda clicky aren't they ?

Yes but beam springs are hard to find, unreliable, and very difficult to get working on a modern system, so I usually don't bother talking about them when comparing them to something much more common like the Model M.

They're not terribly unreliable, I think, having survived (for some) 40 years of use, disuse, or abuse to surface again this day and age.

The mechanism is not as robust as the F buckling springs that came later. Beam springs are more sensitive to contamination, and there's this weird membrane and stuff covering everything which inevitably decomposes over time. The boards themselves also can be quite rusty, from what I hear.

[SBJ]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I'd love to hear that top 5 please
I'm currently on Gateron Greens and they're great, but I was wishing for a little more tactility (sp?)

[mike52787]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I'd love to hear that top 5 please
I'm currently on Gateron Greens and they're great, but I was wishing for a little more tactility (sp?)

1: Alps SKCM Blue
2: Capacitive BS (model F)
3: Click Modded Alps SKCl green
4: Membrane BS (model M)
5: Alps SKCM White
This is just a personal list, others can comment on this, but theres quite a few switches I havent tried, and I have only tried a loose skcm blue from a switch tester. I do have 2 SKCM blue boards in the mail tho

[chyros]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I'd love to hear that top 5 please
I'm currently on Gateron Greens and they're great, but I was wishing for a little more tactility (sp?)

1: Alps SKCM Blue
2: Capacitive BS (model F)
3: Click Modded Alps SKCl green
4: Membrane BS (model M)
5: Alps SKCM White
This is just a personal list, others can comment on this, but theres quite a few switches I havent tried, and I have only tried a loose skcm blue from a switch tester. I do have 2 SKCM blue boards in the mail tho

I agree pretty closely, I tend to put F's and SKCM blue on the same level as well as M's and SKCM white. My top clicky switch list is probably something like:

1) CBS / SKCM blue
2) MBS / SKCM white
3) Aruz / SMK 2nd gen

[SBJ]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I'd love to hear that top 5 please
I'm currently on Gateron Greens and they're great, but I was wishing for a little more tactility (sp?)

1: Alps SKCM Blue
2: Capacitive BS (model F)
3: Click Modded Alps SKCl green
4: Membrane BS (model M)
5: Alps SKCM White
This is just a personal list, others can comment on this, but theres quite a few switches I havent tried, and I have only tried a loose skcm blue from a switch tester. I do have 2 SKCM blue boards in the mail tho

I agree pretty closely, I tend to put F's and SKCM blue on the same level as well as M's and SKCM white. My top clicky switch list is probably something like:

1) CBS / SKCM blue
2) MBS / SKCM white
3) Aruz / SMK 2nd gen

Where would I go about searching for a board with blues? I am very intrigued.

Thank you.

[rowdy]

Yeah, should be a 1389969 from around 1986. I added that entry quite recently as a matter of fact. It's a rare part number, in fact silver badge UK Ms are pretty rare to begin with. I only found out the AT one's part number very recently, and then only using extrapolation. I don't have one yet, myself, even.

If you had to guess a price? Also where's hte cheapest place in UK to get a nut driver to open the bloody thing?

I got mine from eBay, something like these:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/191782632415

[chyros]

somewhere between 85-88, I think its a terminal board, probably the UK equivalent of a 1390120. It has extra wire stabs under the large numpad keys.

Thanks, do the earlier versions have a better build quality than the later IBM (non Lexmark) versions? Does this make it more valueable?

absolutely! the early ms have a different feel, sound and weighting due to tighter tolerances, thicker back plates, and just all areound better build quality. I will record a little comparison between a 1998 maxi switch M and my 1987 1390131 and post it here.

wow - nice, thanks!

I'm not sure if I should buy one, it's fairly expensive. I guess, I could always sell it fairly easily if it wasn't for me.

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS. If you like clicky switches you'll probably love the Model M.

I'd love to hear that top 5 please
I'm currently on Gateron Greens and they're great, but I was wishing for a little more tactility (sp?)

1: Alps SKCM Blue
2: Capacitive BS (model F)
3: Click Modded Alps SKCl green
4: Membrane BS (model M)
5: Alps SKCM White
This is just a personal list, others can comment on this, but theres quite a few switches I havent tried, and I have only tried a loose skcm blue from a switch tester. I do have 2 SKCM blue boards in the mail tho

I agree pretty closely, I tend to put F's and SKCM blue on the same level as well as M's and SKCM white. My top clicky switch list is probably something like:

1) CBS / SKCM blue
2) MBS / SKCM white
3) Aruz / SMK 2nd gen

Where would I go about searching for a board with blues? I am very intrigued.

Thank you.

They pop up on eBay somewhat regularly. They're not rare, but they have a fierce reputation, and this has driven up their price considerably. When in great condition, they're outstanding switches though, and they have the best typing sound of any switch I've tried so far.

Whatever you do, I can't stress this enough — DON'T SETTLE FOR A DIRTY ONE. Make sure it's as squeaky clean as possible. Even small amounts of dirt will make the keyfeel considerably worse.

[E TwentyNine]

The Model M's buckling springs are considered at least the third best clicky "switches" (it's technically a mechanism) after the capacitive buckling springs on the older Model F and SKCM Blue ALPS.

Beam spring are kinda clicky aren't they ?

Yes but beam springs are hard to find, unreliable, and very difficult to get working on a modern system, so I usually don't bother talking about them when comparing them to something much more common like the Model M.

It's ok to admit you completely forgot about beam springs.

I don't get the love for (blue) alps, they're nowhere near as smooth as the IBM BS.

And Beam Springs are in a league of their own.