IBM PC AT Keyboard Found

[SCTony]

I found an IBM Personal Computer AT badged keyboard today in a salvage warehouse. There is no date code or label on the bottom, so I don't know when it was manufactured. No price tag was on it so the manager asked what I would pay...and 3 dollars later it was mine. It is in great condition- only missing one of the rear rubber foot pads.  It weighs about a pound more than my 1391401 M (6 vs 5 lbs) according to my antique produce scale. The keys seem to bottom out a bit harder than the M, maybe due to the one-piece keys. This makes my fourth buckling-spring keyboard, but I still prefer the cherries. Oddly, the cord ...smells like chocolate. Time for a good cleaning!

[timw4mail]

So, do you like the Model F, or the Model M better?

[SCTony]

You think this is a model F? I am not sure exactly what it is. I thought it was just an older version of the M.  I started to open the case but stopped because everything was so "factory". I didn't see the "AT" in the one Model F photo that I looked at and that is why I didn't think it was an F.  I haven't used it much yet, just enough to see if everything works. It has the short backspace key -which I don't care for. It makes up for it on the space bar though. The keys have a very nice, solid feel to them.

[skriefal]

The F was made in both XT and AT variants.  The AT version looks a lot like the XT version, but with added LEDs.

[SCTony]

OK Thanks. I must have been looking at an XT photo. It has the status lights. Here is a pic-
http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4289&stc=1&d=1252208137pic-

[maxlugar]

OK Thanks. I must have been looking at an XT photo. It has the status lights. Here is a pic-
http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=4289&stc=1&d=1252208137pic-

You really lucked out.  The original IBM PC AT 84-key keyboard uses buckling spring over capacitive contact key switches and one in decent condition can go from about $75 to $175 on ebay.  

I have seven of these in my collection as I believe they represent the pinnacle of American design, engineering, and build quality.  The more well known IBM Model M was actually "cost engineered" to increase profit margins. Compared to the Model M which uses buckling springs over a membrane, the PC AT feels crisp and precise with much better on-center feel and less force required for the key pressess (approx 60g vs. 70 g according to the ripometer).

It looks like your new PC AT keyboard is in need of a good cleaning.  The one-piece keycaps are easy to pop off.  You can soak them in a bucket of warm water with laundry soap and rinse with cool water.  Just make sure they are 100% dry before replacing.  Also, DO NOT blow into the tubes when the keys are removed.  I use a hair dryer on low setting to blow out the lint and 25 years worth of board chow.  I also hold the board vertical when replacing the keycaps to make sure they are properly seated.

The PC AT keyboard will work with most modern computers with only a 5 pin AT to ps/2 adapter which costs about $3.00.   Some dual core PCs  and newer laptops may require a ps/2 to USB converter available from Clickykeyboards.com for $15.00.

I'm actually having a fling with my new Happy Hacking Pro 2 keyboard at the moment which is about as anti old school IBM as they get.  The only thing the HHKB has in common with the IBM PC AT keyboard is the use of capacitive contact technology and superior build quality.

Post a review of your new PC AT keyboard once you've had a chance to use it.

[ch_123]

One important note - don't remove the spacebar - the only way to reinsert it involves completely disassembling the board.

Here's some pics of the internals here.

[microsoft windows]

That's an interesting find. Reminds me of when I found an IBM model M keyboard with an integrated trackball in the trash and took it home. I use it every day.

[timw4mail]

I have seven of these in my collection as I believe they represent the pinnacle of American design, engineering, and build quality.

So you're the one with all the Model F's...I could understand 2 or 3, but 7?

[JBert]

Seven seems a little much considering the model F must be the sturdiest keyboard around, but just two of them doesn't make a collection.

[SCTony]

Can anyone help me identify a 'mysterious' part that showed up after I disassembled this keyboard for cleaning....?  
Here is where I found it when I lifted the membrane/plate assembly from the case...
And a closer look...
I don't think it belongs to the keyboard, but i would like your opinions.  It looks like a shell for a wire/cabling connector to me. It wasn't there when I laid the keybord assembly on the desk (face down). Maybe it was trapped under the space bar... Thank you so much.

[SCTony]

Thanks Ripster. That must go on the enter key then as a 'filler' for the stabilizer stem. Thank you so much.

[timw4mail]

I'm so glad to be back to my Model F after using those brown cherries all weekend. They're nice, but they seem to be too light for me. Accidentally hitting keys you don't mean to gets annoying.