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Author Topic: IBM Model M Part Numbers  (Read 4271 times)

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Offline forTruce

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 10:26:45 »
So I have been looking to procure an IBM Model M to experience buckling springs.  It seems to be one of the most common keyboards to see everyone have, and I wanted to see what all the hype was about.  Looking around I noticed that there seems to be some sort of bias towards Model M's with the part number 1391401.  Is there any reason for this?  Is there a noticeable difference between that part number and another.

On the same note, I found a Model M made by lexmark.  Is there any major differences between this one made by lexmark and the ones manufactured by IBM themselves?
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Offline Daniel Beaver

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #1 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 10:29:07 »
Short answer: No.

Long answer: Sort of.
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Offline N8N

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #2 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 10:29:37 »
I think that 1391401 is just the most common part number with the detachable cord, and is a real IBM made (pre-Lexmark) board.

Some say that there is a noticeable difference between the IBM boards and the Lexmark boards, others swear that there is no difference.  I can say from my perspective that I've had two Lexmark boards and one 1391401 and the 401 was my favorite, it was a little lighter and quieter than the other two.  Not sure if that is intrinsic to its 401ness or if it was because it was well broken in when I got it, but it was my favorite M.  (and got lost when I moved, of course - it couldn't have been one of the other ones to which that happened.)
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Offline forTruce

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #3 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 11:20:39 »
Thanks for the replies.  I think I'll just stick for looking at finding a 401 then.  There is no reason to go for a different one since they all go for around the same on Ebay, and I don't want to get one and have to wonder if I wouldn't have liked a 401 better.

My only other question regarding Model M's is how hard is it to get a new keycap set for them?  Is it even possible?  The only way I have seen of obtaining them is thru clickykeyboards, but they sell for 1$ per key (way too expensive).
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Offline ch_123

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #4 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 12:22:11 »
Quote from: N8N;413941
I think that 1391401 is just the most common part number with the detachable cord, and is a real IBM made (pre-Lexmark) board.




Plenty (read millions) of Lexmark '1401s around.
 
Quote from: forTruce;413960
Thanks for the replies.  I think I'll just stick for looking at finding a 401 then.  There is no reason to go for a different one since they all go for around the same on Ebay, and I don't want to get one and have to wonder if I wouldn't have liked a 401 better.

My only other question regarding Model M's is how hard is it to get a new keycap set for them?  Is it even possible?  The only way I have seen of obtaining them is thru clickykeyboards, but they sell for 1$ per key (way too expensive).


Unicomp sells replacement ones. You can get a set for $25.

The IBM wiki has a listing of the differences between different generations of M listed at the bottom.
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Offline BiNiaRiS

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #5 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 13:29:43 »
I am not the biggest fan of Model Ms... I do enjoy them though. I can't tell the difference between a newer one and an older one in use.

But in the end, I would rather take a really old model M and bolt mod it over buying a newer one.

Don't stress over getting an older model. The detachable cable is nice but imo, that's about it.

You can always buy a newer board and replace the case with a Unicomp industrial case if you want it look sweet.
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Offline Quarzac

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #6 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 15:44:06 »
There's a wiki article comparing a Lexmark to an IBM, and findings pointed to the fact that they were mostly the same. While the 1391401s are nice, you're not really missing out on too much with the other models. There's also the wikipedia article on the boards that has a huge chart of model numbers and the differences. Apparently that particular Lexmark has dome switches, so watch out there.
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Offline ch_123

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #7 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 15:48:54 »
Yeah, the one in that link is definitely a rubber dome alright.
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Offline Thinkpad Fan

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #8 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 16:15:12 »
I have found over time and trying old and new Ms that the differences are pretty minor, for example the key feel of a 2001 Unicomp "401" I got recently was among the very best of my collection of "M" boards.  An IBM/Lexmark built 1994 M13 I just got is awesome - better even than my excellent MaxiSwitch M13 Black.  I also have gotten over my bias/snobbery about "only IBM" is the "one true Keyboard".  I think that all the production Model M runs vary a bit, and the amount of wear on a used board must be factored in, too.  In short, it's not that simple.  Just buy a Model M - old IBM, newer Lexmark, or brand new Unicomp - it will still be better than most everything else out there.  You can try the variations until you are satisfied that it doesn't matter - like I did.  TPF
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Offline forTruce

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IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #9 on: Sat, 10 September 2011, 16:49:13 »
Quote from: Thinkpad Fan;414124
I have found over time and trying old and new Ms that the differences are pretty minor, for example the key feel of a 2001 Unicomp "401" I got recently was among the very best of my collection of "M" boards.  An IBM/Lexmark built 1994 M13 I just got is awesome - better even than my excellent MaxiSwitch M13 Black.  I also have gotten over my bias/snobbery about "only IBM" is the "one true Keyboard".  I think that all the production Model M runs vary a bit, and the amount of wear on a used board must be factored in, too.  In short, it's not that simple.  Just buy a Model M - old IBM, newer Lexmark, or brand new Unicomp - it will still be better than most everything else out there.  You can try the variations until you are satisfied that it doesn't matter - like I did.  TPF

 
I would love to try them all out, but I am on a budget :/.

Also, thanks for pointing out the lexmark is a rd.  I wasn't considering it, just using it as a reference, but I definitely missed that little tidbit.
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Offline youxiaojie

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Re: IBM Model M Part Numbers
« Reply #10 on: Thu, 22 November 2018, 08:50:22 »
Quote from: ch_123 on Sat, 10 September 2011, 12:22:11
Quote from: N8N;413941
I think that 1391401 is just the most common part number with the detachable cord, and is a real IBM made (pre-Lexmark) board.

Show Image


Plenty (read millions) of Lexmark '1401s around.

is this keyboard authentic？the upper cap for keyboard was made in July 1993 and down part was made in Oct 1993 and manufacture date is Dec 1993, is it possible? I doubt because the connexion is loose on the other side of keyboard which opposite the side of screw fix. sorry for my poor english. which attached a thin flat spring wire with sdl。
 
Quote from: forTruce;413960
Thanks for the replies.  I think I'll just stick for looking at finding a 401 then.  There is no reason to go for a different one since they all go for around the same on Ebay, and I don't want to get one and have to wonder if I wouldn't have liked a 401 better.

My only other question regarding Model M's is how hard is it to get a new keycap set for them?  Is it even possible?  The only way I have seen of obtaining them is thru clickykeyboards, but they sell for 1$ per key (way too expensive).

Unicomp sells replacement ones. You can get a set for $25.

The IBM wiki has a listing of the differences between different generations of M listed at the bottom.

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