Why I Still Use a 34-Year-Old IBM Model M Keyboard – Benj Edwards

“The 1981 IBM PC came with an 83-key keyboard (commonly known as the “Model F”).

Reviewers generally admired it, but some criticized elements of its layout and a few awkward key shapes.

Otherwise, it was a beast of a unit—heavy and durable, with a buckling spring keyswitch design that gave it an industrial feel.

Years ago, I had an email conversation with IBM veteran David Bradley, who worked on the original IBM PC.

He told me that between 1983-1984, IBM assembled a 10-person task force to address the criticisms of the original keyboard, so they could produce a much better replacement.

They considered usability studies, ergonomics, and consumer feedback.

They also looked at popular designs from competitors, like the DEC LK201, a terminal keyboard that popularized the inverted-T arrow key layout.

The result was the 101-key IBM Enhanced Keyboard.

It was first released for a terminal in 1985, and for PC XT and AT machines in 1986.

When most people reference “Model M,” they’re usually talking about  this keyboard, although it technically refers to a family of products with similar characteristics.

The Model M was innovative because it separated its layout into four distinct areas: typing, numeric pad, cursor/screen control, and function keys.

It added Alt and Ctrl keys on both sides and two additional Fn keys.

Several keys also had increased strike areas, and the Esc key (the “Back/Quit” button in those days) was more isolated to prevent people from accidentally hitting it.

The IBM Enhanced Keyboard was also more cost-effective than the earlier Model F.

Many metal parts were replaced with plastic, and a membrane sheet beneath the buckling springs replaced capacitive switches.

That doesn’t mean these savings were passed on to the consumer, however.

In 1986, the IBM Enhanced Keyboard cost $295, which is the equivalent of about $695 today.

That’s some serious dough—but you did get a serious keyboard.”

https://www.howtogeek.com/661430/why-i-still-use-a-34-year-old-ibm-model-m-keyboard/

 

“When did we forget that the primary function of a keyboard is not a fashion-accessory for the office desk– but a tool to transform thoughts and mechanical effort into electrical data signals for a computer.

For the very few that still appreciate the tactile feel of a typewriter-based computer keyboard and can still appreciate the simplicity of black letters on white keys, one can still seek out and own an original IBM model M keyboard — a little piece of early computing history.

There is the expectation for the master craftsman to invest in quality precision tools and instruments to transform work and raw materials into finely crafted goods.

We believe that the modern, computer professional should have similar quality keyboards to turn his or her thoughts into computer code.”

Model M archive project

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