Phaedrus2129
New Member
- Joined
- Nov 20, 2010
- Messages
- 2
I don't really collect vintage computers, but I do, to an extent, collect vintage keyboards. Here's some of the ones I've accumulated.
#1 - IBM Model M 1391401
This is the famous Model M mechanical keyboard, which set the standard computer keyboard layout that persists to this day. This one is dated to December 9th, 1988, and I purchased it December 21st, 2008. My first mechanical keyboard. I really like it, but a few of the rivets have come loose so the sound is a big pingy and the feel is slightly inconsistent. Still a good board though.
#2 - IBM Model M13 92G7461
This is the IBM M13. It's basically a Model M with a built in trackpoint. This particular model was manufactured by Lexmark in August, 1994. It's in better shape than my 1988 one, due to being newer and seeing less use. However, the numpad enter is broken; was originally stuck in the activated position, and when I tried to fix it the spring came out. You have to whittle down a dowel rod or chopstock to make the tool to reseat it, so I've been putting it off. It's still my go-to board for buckling spring clicky goodness, though.
#3 - Chicony KB-5181
The KB-5181 was one of the various IBM clone keyboards that came out in the late 80s and early 90s. The build quality is pretty cheap, though better than most modern keyboards. One special thing about these keyboards is that they changed the switch type every year; they can be found with "real" white Alps, "real" Cherry MX blues, fake Cherry MX blues, and SMK Monterey switches. Mine has the SMK Montereys, which are most desirable; the KB-5181 is the only remotely common keyboard that uses this switch type and they're quite pleasant. Mine was slightly damaged in shipping though, and was filthy from a solid decade of use. It's fixed up alright though.
I was able to date it from internal markings. On the inside it stated "Finished in 81 6 30". That threw me at first, because this layout was invented until after the Model M was released in 1985. Turns out it was marked in the Minguo (Taiwanese) calendar, which means it was actually finished in 1992.
#4 - NMB RT-101
This NMB is the only keyboard purchase I really regret. I bought it expecting some rare NMB "space invader" clicky switches; it arrived and I found it was a rubber dome. Like many manufacturers, NMB sold several keyboards under the same model name, some mechanical and some not. Mine wasn't. As a rubber dome it isn't "bad"... Just not that great. And since it isn't mechanical the resale value is zilch. Poo.
Couldn't date it, but these were mainly made in the mid 90s.
#5 - PC Reveal KB-7061 Ergonomic
This PC Reveal keyboard is a rebrand of the Chicony KB-7000. It's an ergonomic mechanical keyboard with white clicky Alps switches. It's fairly pleasant to type on, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout. However, it's probably one of the more valuable keyboards in my collection, due to the rarity of ergonomic mechanicals. However, it isn't as valuable as other rarer and more popular ergos, such as Maltron keyboards, the Cherry MX5000, or the IBM Model M15.
Again, can't date it precisely but these were mostly made in the mid 90s.
And of course, my trust AT->PS/2 adapter:
Also, though it isn't vintage, I have to show off my rarest keyboard, my Cherry "Ricercar" MX SPOS.
These are very rare--no more than 200 exist in the world (going by serial #s), with about 70-odd accounted for. Cherry launched their new "SPOS" (sales at point of service) compact rubber dome keyboards (date of launch uncertain; no one was paying attention at the time). However, Cherry had some production line issues and couldn't make enough in time to meet their first orders. So they slapped together what have become known as the "MX SPOS" keyboards. These used the same case as the normal SPOS boards but had a unique PCB and mechanical MX switches.
They sent these out to their first couple corporate customers, then got the regular production line going. However a lot of hard work by the German engineers went to waste, as apparently one of those customers took the keyboards and stuck them right into storage for a number of years, before dumping them on eBay for discount prices. Brand new, unopened box Cherry MX brown keyboards selling for $25-$50; they sold like hotcakes, and then supplies dried up. Now they're hoarded by collectors and prized by enthusiasts.
Mine is serial # 000038. The lowest I've heard of was 000005, and the highest 000158. Cherry is very reticent to give out information, but we have gleaned that there are definitely fewer than 200 of these, and they don't plan to ever make any more.
Anyway, I buy keyboards to use them, not to sit on a shelf indefinitely. So here's mine with some custom keycaps:
I've changed the keycap layout a bit; this picture is out of date. Should give you the idea though.
Anyway, that's the part of my collection y'all are probably interested in. Hope you enjoyed looking.
#1 - IBM Model M 1391401
This is the famous Model M mechanical keyboard, which set the standard computer keyboard layout that persists to this day. This one is dated to December 9th, 1988, and I purchased it December 21st, 2008. My first mechanical keyboard. I really like it, but a few of the rivets have come loose so the sound is a big pingy and the feel is slightly inconsistent. Still a good board though.
#2 - IBM Model M13 92G7461
This is the IBM M13. It's basically a Model M with a built in trackpoint. This particular model was manufactured by Lexmark in August, 1994. It's in better shape than my 1988 one, due to being newer and seeing less use. However, the numpad enter is broken; was originally stuck in the activated position, and when I tried to fix it the spring came out. You have to whittle down a dowel rod or chopstock to make the tool to reseat it, so I've been putting it off. It's still my go-to board for buckling spring clicky goodness, though.
#3 - Chicony KB-5181
The KB-5181 was one of the various IBM clone keyboards that came out in the late 80s and early 90s. The build quality is pretty cheap, though better than most modern keyboards. One special thing about these keyboards is that they changed the switch type every year; they can be found with "real" white Alps, "real" Cherry MX blues, fake Cherry MX blues, and SMK Monterey switches. Mine has the SMK Montereys, which are most desirable; the KB-5181 is the only remotely common keyboard that uses this switch type and they're quite pleasant. Mine was slightly damaged in shipping though, and was filthy from a solid decade of use. It's fixed up alright though.
I was able to date it from internal markings. On the inside it stated "Finished in 81 6 30". That threw me at first, because this layout was invented until after the Model M was released in 1985. Turns out it was marked in the Minguo (Taiwanese) calendar, which means it was actually finished in 1992.
#4 - NMB RT-101
This NMB is the only keyboard purchase I really regret. I bought it expecting some rare NMB "space invader" clicky switches; it arrived and I found it was a rubber dome. Like many manufacturers, NMB sold several keyboards under the same model name, some mechanical and some not. Mine wasn't. As a rubber dome it isn't "bad"... Just not that great. And since it isn't mechanical the resale value is zilch. Poo.
Couldn't date it, but these were mainly made in the mid 90s.
#5 - PC Reveal KB-7061 Ergonomic
This PC Reveal keyboard is a rebrand of the Chicony KB-7000. It's an ergonomic mechanical keyboard with white clicky Alps switches. It's fairly pleasant to type on, but I'm not a huge fan of the layout. However, it's probably one of the more valuable keyboards in my collection, due to the rarity of ergonomic mechanicals. However, it isn't as valuable as other rarer and more popular ergos, such as Maltron keyboards, the Cherry MX5000, or the IBM Model M15.
Again, can't date it precisely but these were mostly made in the mid 90s.
And of course, my trust AT->PS/2 adapter:
Also, though it isn't vintage, I have to show off my rarest keyboard, my Cherry "Ricercar" MX SPOS.
These are very rare--no more than 200 exist in the world (going by serial #s), with about 70-odd accounted for. Cherry launched their new "SPOS" (sales at point of service) compact rubber dome keyboards (date of launch uncertain; no one was paying attention at the time). However, Cherry had some production line issues and couldn't make enough in time to meet their first orders. So they slapped together what have become known as the "MX SPOS" keyboards. These used the same case as the normal SPOS boards but had a unique PCB and mechanical MX switches.
They sent these out to their first couple corporate customers, then got the regular production line going. However a lot of hard work by the German engineers went to waste, as apparently one of those customers took the keyboards and stuck them right into storage for a number of years, before dumping them on eBay for discount prices. Brand new, unopened box Cherry MX brown keyboards selling for $25-$50; they sold like hotcakes, and then supplies dried up. Now they're hoarded by collectors and prized by enthusiasts.
Mine is serial # 000038. The lowest I've heard of was 000005, and the highest 000158. Cherry is very reticent to give out information, but we have gleaned that there are definitely fewer than 200 of these, and they don't plan to ever make any more.
Anyway, I buy keyboards to use them, not to sit on a shelf indefinitely. So here's mine with some custom keycaps:
I've changed the keycap layout a bit; this picture is out of date. Should give you the idea though.
Anyway, that's the part of my collection y'all are probably interested in. Hope you enjoyed looking.
