Identifying Model M

[leoblack9]

Hi y'all I came from under a rock, and i was just strolling along the local flea market site and found this.

Seller says it came with a 486 computer






So what is it actually? It has no ibm logo so i'd bet not it isn't; but its styled similar, keys, din connector and the like.

PS: If you're lazy today you can just say, "yep it's a model m" and i'm fine with it

[Djuzuh]

pull a cap and look what's underneath.

[leoblack9]

I'll be able to tomorrow; buying it quickly from the seller. 4 bucks isn't such a loss if it isn't a spring type for me.

[mich]

PS: If you're lazy today you can just say, "yep it's a model m" and i'm fine with it

Yep it's a model m.
Made in the top secret IBM factory in Taiwan. So secret that even IBM themselves didn't know about it's existence.

It seems to be the extremely rare Model M++, a new revision based on the superior Chinese ALPS clones intended to destroy all Chiconys and Logitechs of the world. Too bad it didn't happen.

[Djuzuh]

PS: If you're lazy today you can just say, "yep it's a model m" and i'm fine with it

Yep it's a model m. Made in the top secret IBM factory in Taiwan. So secret that even IBM themselves didn't know about it's existence.

Not necessarely. The case isn't IBM only. The DAS keyboard V1 also had this case. And the keyboard from which the first das is only a rebrand obviously also. (can't remember the name right now).

[mich]

Wow, that was fast. Please see my edit Of course it's *not* a Model M.

I am a lazy man and hence I felt obliged by the OP to say "yep it's a model m".

[dorkvader]

Not a model M.
Enter key, yellowed keycaps, font, case design give it away.
Keytronic?

[mich]

Keytronics look completely different and AFAIK were only made in the US and Mexico.

It's some Taiwanese noname keyboard, probably with some kind of ALPS switches (genuine ALPS, fakes, Montereys, ...)..

[damorgue]

The level of wear and yellowing seems very different on the keys, so some have been replaced. Perhaps other parts have too and it could be all kinds of model m parts inside.

[486]

Keytronics look completely different and AFAIK were only made in the US and Mexico.

It's some Taiwanese noname keyboard, probably with some kind of ALPS switches (genuine ALPS, fakes, Montereys, ...)..

Keytronics boards from this period would have the curved case. Not keytronics. looks chicony to me.

[leoblack9]

Thanks for all the replies guys.

If its a Chicony I welcome it to my (imaginary) collection of keyboards, I'm not really disappointed that it isn't a model m.

But still keeping my hopes up that it is a super secret special outsourced Model M in taiwan.

[microsoft windows]

Yup, that's definitely a Chicony. I think I even have that exact same keyboard sitting half-disassembled in a pile of computer equipment in my basement.

[dorkvader]

Keytronics look completely different and AFAIK were only made in the US and Mexico.

It's some Taiwanese noname keyboard, probably with some kind of ALPS switches (genuine ALPS, fakes, Montereys, ...)..

Keytronics look completely different and AFAIK were only made in the US and Mexico.

It's some Taiwanese noname keyboard, probably with some kind of ALPS switches (genuine ALPS, fakes, Montereys, ...)..

Keytronics boards from this period would have the curved case. Not keytronics. looks chicony to me.

Yup, that's definitely a Chicony. I think I even have that exact same keyboard sitting half-disassembled in a pile of computer equipment in my basement.

Thanks guys, Looks like I'm not as up on these sort of keyboards as I should be. What sort of switches does it have, Microsoft Windows?

[leoblack9]

Got it, took a picture. Will let you guys decide




PS: it feels linear; not my cup of tea sadly.

[dorkvader]

So interestingly enough, I considered cherry, as the font looks similar and the keycaps have straighter corners. Based on what I see, it has some good looking cherry doubleshots, and so-called "Vintage" cherry blacks.

I didn't know cherry made big enter keys.

I don't blame you for not liking it: I don't much prefer cherry blacks either.

[leoblack9]

Looks like a cherry clone; doesn't have Cherry written on it.

So some people i've heard said that its stepless keys with double shot keycaps are pretty valuable. How much can it go?

[dorkvader]

Looks like a cherry clone; doesn't have Cherry written on it.

That's true, but the keycaps appear to be Cherry. Thick, sharp, edges, [F] and [J] keys, font, etc.

I don't know what center-stem beige yellowed capslock would go for, though. We'll have to ask the_ed, or someone who sells a bunch of them.

[486]

Wow, non stepped double shots cherry capslock. just realised. Those are quite valuable. You may have a valuble set of keycaps there.

[leoblack9]

Yeah so I'm asking people in different places how much this would cost and how should i sell it.

[microsoft windows]

You know, now that I look at it, I'd agree with y'all--that's a Cherry keyboard. Looks a LOT like that old Chicony keyboard I have though.

[leoblack9]

Posting more pictures



It says "ATTI"



Googling this brings me nowhere, it simply is an no-brand keyboard.



Pulling some of the keys out.



Delicious vintage doubleshots.



No idea what this is.

[microsoft windows]

That X-A switch in the back is to switch the keyboard for use with XT and AT compatible PC's.

[leoblack9]

That X-A switch in the back is to switch the keyboard for use with XT and AT compatible PC's.

Interesting, so the plug serves 2 purposes being the huge plug it is.

[spolia optima]

interesting find!

Clearly A chicony case, probably made by datacomp, but with caps that look just like cherry corp 2-shots?
maybe the caps are clones? They sure look better than your standard chicony keycap... but on the other hand, their yellowing pattern seems awfully UNEVEN for REAL cherry corp ABS keycaps..
I wonder what's the story behind them? You should crack open the case and take some pics 


also, stuff like this is why i love keyboard collecting..

[leoblack9]

interesting find!

Clearly A chicony case, probably made by datacomp, but with caps that look just like cherry corp 2-shots?
maybe the caps are clones? They sure look better than your standard chicony keycap... but on the other hand, their yellowing pattern seems awfully UNEVEN for REAL cherry corp ABS keycaps..
I wonder what's the story behind them? You should crack open the case and take some pics 


also, stuff like this is why i love keyboard collecting..

Yeah the yellowing pattern is unusual, considering that the previous owner said that this keyboard was just left in storage for a considerable amount of time (belonged to an old 486 that he owned).

And sure I may open it up (as long as I can put the screws back) and take pictures for you guys.

also, stuff like this is why i love keyboard collecting..

I'm surely going towards that direction, after amassing tons of keyboards that I thought was the one my fingers would enjoy, sadly none of them were (as most were domes and linear switches like this one).

[False_Dmitry_II]

Then you need to try some tactile/clicky switches. Such as buckling springs, space invaders, etc.

[leoblack9]

Then you need to try some tactile/clicky switches. Such as buckling springs, space invaders, etc.

Well I guess you can count this thread as one of those efforts to try to get my hands on  a buckling spring.

[False_Dmitry_II]

I only paid about $30 for mine on ebay.

[leoblack9]

I only paid about $30 for mine on ebay.

True, its much easier that way. But I'm finding it thrilling to stroll different thrift shops/computer surplus stores to find what kb awaits me (also disappointing if its filled with domes).

But I'm going to order a Model M at ebay soon enough if the time and price is right.