ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 11 ต.ค. 2024
- My review and buyer's guide to the greatest keyboard ever made. I'm sure I missed a bunch of stuff and I'm sure everybody will grill me in the comments so check back in the near future for part 2!
INFORMATION ABOUT MODEL M KEYBOARDS
deskthority.net...
en.wikipedia.o...
www.clickykeybo...
geekhack.org/
wiki.geekhack.o...
WHERE TO BUY:
ebay.com
New production PS/2 to SDL cable: www.ebay.com/it...
Active PS/2 to USB Adapter: www.amazon.com/...
7/32" Nut Driver: www.ebay.com/it...
Another 7/32" Nut Driver:www.ebay.com/it...
if anyone ends up getting a model M because of this video, I highly recommend actually purchasing the nut driver as well. previous owners don't always clean them and they can become pretty dirty from regular use.
No offence, but I hate noisy keyboards.
Clark Clements
enjoy your INFERIOR TYPING EXPERIENCE
danooct1 Clark Clements *presses key* CLICK
dan m8
How is it inferior? It is just loud and annoying. I want to hear the game that I am playing, not the sound of me pushing keys on a keyboard.
*removes key cap with Mosin Nagant bayonet*
The one shown at 12:49 is not a terminal keyboard; it is an XT keyboard. The IBM PC-XT did not have BIOS support for keyboard lock lights, so that's why the keyboard doesn't include them. But like most Model Ms, it is XT/AT autoswitching, so with a 5-pin to PS/2 adapter, or a replacement PS/2 cable, it will work fine with any modern computer, if you don't mind the lack of the lock lights.
It was actually a terminal keyboard, as it had field keys that were present on the other terminal keyboard, but are not on the XT keyboard, as well as 24 function keys
Id just like to tell everyone that the AT connector (5 pin din) used in the IBM model F and M boards are still totally usable on today's computers, not "just for parts" like the guy said. A simple adapter is all thats needed to convert AT to PS/2
No, an adapter doesn't work, an active converter is needed. They are using completely different scan code sets. So, an adapter never works for that.
@@ibrahimaysu8247 I think he was talking about adapting it to PS/2. Converting PS/2 to USB requires still a converter.
It goes like that: [AT Connector > PS/2] = Adapter | [PS/2 > USB] = Converter.
Also converting one with a terminal plug or an older xt plug (without leds) to usb is also possible, it just requires a special converter.
@@ibrahimaysu8247this is an old post AT and PS/2 are the same protocol. You only need an adapter
I got one for a dollar recently at a indoor yard sale.
Look at that SLICK BLACK keyboard. Looks like the PS Triple. BALLIN'.
Don't be afraid of the AT connectors. One can either swap the cable for a PS2 (identical SDK connector on the keyboard itself), or adapt the AT connector (available at Amazon). It's the same keyboard. Although he mentioned something about the lights not locking, that's not been my experience. I did a lot of swapping cables, though; since I used old, old tech through the 90s. It's possible that I had a PS2 kb with an AT cable on it. In any case, the swap isn't like the PS2-USB adaptor. It's just wired through, and the signals it carries are the same either way.
My friend and I have a few older Dell keyboard with Alps switches (pretty much the closest thing to a Model M), and the keyboard has a huge space at the top where there isn't anything going on. My friend had the idea to put an active USB converter inside the keyboard, then cut a hole in the back for a female USB port. That way, the keyboard has a removable cable and it's USB. Just for laughs, we put a 32 GB flash drive inside the keyboard so that it has internal storage.
Actually, you can use Terminal Model Ms on modern computers, I'm typing on one right now. You need what's called a Soarer's converter.
I am typing on my second Model M keyboard. I wish to thank you for sharing your valuable information and advise about how to select one. I am a senior who is challenged by poor dexterity, but find the Model M the most comfortable keyboard for writing long articles. The model M has to be the best keyboard ever developed.....
I own a 1390120 model M. It doesn't bother me that it lacks the lock lights, it is the smoothest and best performing keyboard I've ever used outside of a beam spring. I'm planning to get it overhauled in the coming weeks with bolt mods and just getting the entire thing freshened up.
There are now adapters that let you use the terminal model Ms with normal PCs (Look up soarer's converter), so there isn't inherently as much of a reason to stray away from one now if you can still find one cheap.
I just bought a 1991 Model M on eBay and I am so excited to get it.
The RJ45 connector ones I think can be used on modern computers using a Soarers converter (costs around £40)
This is a great video! Currently hunting my birthday Model M Jan 23 1990!
I'm using a Model M 122 key terminal Keyboard with Windows. You just have to solder four wires to a teensy board and load soarers firmware. I have more keys than I know what to do with.
i use the model f variant its loud capacitive full nkro and delightfull
Thanks for the vid!
Now I really want a Model M!
Pretty much the only thing that it doesn't have compared to my current keyboard is the Windows key and extra audio and music controls on top of the keyboard.
Thank you very much for making this video! You are great man! I have a 1995 Model M by lexmark, numlock/SL/CL LEDs were not lighting up, and I modded it to jump the membrane connector to the LED little board with real cables, and now it works 100%, very pleased. Looking to acquire a space saver to save space on the desk, since I'm also a fan of the TKL layout.
I remember I used to use DIN to PS/2 adapter cable for my old PC and it worked. Also I remember we had IBM model M for our family computer when I was small, shame we gave it away...
As i can conclude from your new channel picture, you are a fucking great designer!
Thanks for making this great guide, I plan on buying one of these keyboards in the near future and now I know what to look for.
Wow. Didn't even know you had another channel Rogue until I happen to look up IBM Model M usb. Subbed.
Thank you for going into detail on this tutorial!
I was going to post a comment, but I'll talk a little more about that later.
I actually have 3 of these keyboards. 1 of which is un-opened
Chris Donham selling for cheap?
Hahahaha no I like them
Chris Donham owell XD
Dooooope
Thanks for this. Been fishing eBay and there are bunch of version. My old one vanished years ago.
"This one is _sllick bllack_"
-rogueamp
Just like my hair, and the PS-Tripple.
I just got one and it's magical to type on.
I've had the model m for a few years, and its freaking awesome!
If you consider this the best keyboard of all time, what would you say is it that makes it superior to the model F AT keyboard?
I still use a Model M (1391401 18OCT98) today at my desk at work. Ive owned this keyboard for about 25 years now. I used to work selling used computers back in the 90's when you could not give these away along with the IBM PS/2 computers they came with.. I remember sending hundreds to the recycling center. With Y2K a year or two away any system that was a few years old and not considered "Y2K OK" was junked. After Y2K no one wanted to buy used systems since most just got new ones so everything we had in the warehouse was sent to the recycling center.
With how much they sell on Ebay now I wish I had saved a few hundred of them..
rogueamp uploaded this 3 days ago. 3 days ago was when my own model m review video had view spikes. Coincidence?
In all honesty if these views were caused by you uploading this video then I'd like to say a huge thanks!
There is no "converting" between AT and PS/2. They are the same protocol. Adapters are cheap and work great since the connectors are electrically identical. Not sure what you're on about with it being a hassle.
Thanks for making this video. Really helped me make an informed purchase. I would have bought a non ps/2 with dome switches if it wasn't for you
Great video. I considered one of these years ago and I might look into it again now.
I used to have a model m2, it died after my dog got ahold of it somehow.... but I just purchased one of those unicomp model m 122 clones from 2003! it looks pretty good in the pictures, Im looking forward to trying it out!
I have a space saver keyboard, sits in a pull out keyboard drawer, with a trackball on the side. It's handy because if you're a lefty, you can simply move the trackball over to the left of the keyboard. As long as you don't use the dedicated number keys section a lot. Oh yeah, I got it for $10 at a flea market!
I actually had one of these in the 90s when I was 8 years old or so, it was my dad's, we had it on our 486. Then we sold the whole thing for next to nothing around 2000, and got a new PC with a rubber dome keyboard, which was just entering the market and everyone thought they were so cool and modern, b/c they were silent, keys could be super shallow, they were thinner, and had more modern-looking designs, had extra keys, etc. And we used to say remember those old clicky heavy keyboards how silly were they, like old typewriters. Times sure do change. My Model M was in a really good shape too. I never thought I'd actually dream of having one 2 decades later and it didn't even cross my mind it could be worth like $150. I think we sold the whole computer for less. Rubber dome is now considered cheap garbage, and I love my Steelseries 6GV2 mechanical keyboard, but I think the Model M is just the best keyboard ever made, so I am saving for a "new" one.
i said we will talk about that later but we will talk about that later
Lexmark really was just IBM's accessory division. It was all the same people and same factories (or factory) that always made Model M's. No doubt they did change some stuff over the years, as all companies do. But just thought it was worth clarifying that if you get a Lexmark-made Model M, it's no less a real Model M than one "made by IBM". Only the sticker on the back is different. I actually bought a 1996 Lexmark-made Model M new about 16 years ago, and it still looks and works like the day I bought it. They're still pretty indestructible. I haven't needed to do any mods.
i have an m13, i haven't noticed much letter wear tho. I can confirm there is a difference between the maxiswitch and the original model m
Also their are M13 versions in the normal M tan coloring. Same keys as the normal M.
Can the non detachable cable ever be replaced on my 71G4644 as the flat areas insulation is brittle & coming apart. Terrific video, learned a lot by watching. Thanks,
I'm surprised that you did not make any mention of the Unicomp Model Ms. What's your opinion on those keyboards?
no not exactly i am typing this with a unicomp and the case is thinner and the caps are way more cheap feeling but the switches are about the same "about"
Chazdin McCluew the backplate is also plastic so it’s not nearly as nice to type on
@@garlicbread5320 Not true. the backplate is also metal. The case material on all model M's is made of plastic.
HudsonGTV you know I’ve got no clue as to why I said that cause that doesn’t even make sense lol
Great video with some great information! I've recently rediscovered mechanical keyboards, and have already bought a couple. I might get a Model M just as a backup, though... Although I'll probably go with Unicomp, just to have something a bit newer (including USB out of the box and a Win key).
How do you feel about Unicomp? They are supposedly the exact same quality as Model M, and they even offer some of those trackball models. I myself will probably just get a standard setup. (At the moment, I'm using the Happy Hacker Pro 2 on my iMac).
Terminal Models are absolutely usable with a Soarer's adapter. It's a bit of work, but so is everything.
Thank you for this! Great content, a lot of things I didn't know about the Model M!
I got lucky and bought one of my model M keyboards new in the box from a thrift store for $5.
It's a model with a PS/2 connector and was made in Scotland.
AT keyboards are completely compatible with PS2. I used to cut the AT end off and splice the wires into a PS2 connector. Although I would recommend just buying an adapter. A teenager will do something like this to save the $3 on an adapter. I suspect that this would be true with the RJ45 wires as well, but I haven't ever actually tried it on one of those.
Thorough and informative review,thank you.
i love the 122 Terminal Keyboard. a Teensy2.0 and some soldering you can make a Soarer Converter for Terminal Model M. You can do a lot of things with all the extra Keys. typing one one actually right now.
Got the terminal one for free... did a small conversion with a teensy 2.0 and works great... also a lot more keys for macros... and you get use to the 4 arrow keys with the extra rule key really quickly
My model M is a 94' by Lexmark. Such an excellent keyboard!
The metric system is superior. Pretty much every one else in the world uses it.
+samzx81 im canadian (uses metric system) but the metric system is just confusing to me. the imperial system (america burma and liberia) makes sense to me
@@Kn270 lol WHAT???????
@Mark B Ah yes, orange man bad. Actually if you were not so ignorant, you would know that the US did not invent the imperial system, and is not the only country to use it. Canada also uses it along with a few other countries. Which ever system you use doesn't determine your intelligence or political affiliation as you mentioned. Maybe some people like having an intermediate measurement between centimeters and meters since there is a massive jump, hence, making inches useful. Maybe it doesn't fucking matter which measurement system you use.
And before you call me too stupid to use the metric system, I use both systems depending on what I am measuring. For example, I use Celsius for measuring temps of electronics, and Fahrenheit for measuring the temp of the current day. Americans use millimeters, centimeters, alongside with inches and feet. We use grams as well.
wrong imperial is way better than metric
@@animegamingdude not for doing calculations.
For some reason to use Metric System? It's superior. (drum roll for the flame wars)
no flame wars, or even any replies for 2 years lol
lol rekt
You can also get SDL to USB cables to connect these to modern hardware.
I have a very VERY early model M UK keyboard that's been in my life for over 25 years! it still works perfectly and I use it to write. it's got a 5 pin DIN connector, but with a 5-pin to PS2 connector it works perfectly with my ASrock motherboard. So I would disagree to steer clear of the 5-pin keyboards. It's also got an extra key between the Z and left shift key that was easily remapped to be a windows key - It was originally a UK keyboard but the beauty of these are that you just buy individual keycaps to change your locale.
Everyone goes on about how good the model M keyboard was, but when it first came out people were complaining that it was nothing like the keyboard on the IBM Selectric Typewriter, which was thought of as a lot better. Among other things the model M could be painful in offices and classrooms. Twenty or thirty people typing at once could get loud.
These were the first keyboards I ever encountered, at school. We had a computer lab and it was pleasant hearing them all going at once. Definitely not for modern offices. You don't want to be that guy.
I suppose that it's not that the M keyboards were so good, but more that it's what we learned on. In the 1960's, most everyone learned to type on a manual typewriter; the IBM selectric was the next thing we moved into if we had access to a work class machine. So when the PC and terminal era came around, the buckling spring keys were what felt most 'natural' to us. Kids growing up in the 90's on, can type on anything, because that's what they encountered as they learned to type. In fact, most of the younger people I know don't like the M's buckling spring, noisy keyboard. Most of the girls type with the tips of their fingernails, and that wouldn't work well with the M; they want light touch keys instead.
I feel like I need to make this clear. Out of all the outdated keyboard interfaces, dealing with AT is absolutely the easiest. The PS/2 keyboard interface is electrically the same as the 5-pin DIN connector on AT keyboards, and thus AT keyboards can be made to work with PS/2 with a simple, incredibly cheap wiring adapter. Be careful, though- XT keyboards also use 5-pin DIN connectors, but XT is NOT electronically the same as AT and PS/2. XT keyboards need a converter, opposed to a simple wiring adapter. Right now, the cheapest is a Soarer's Converter, sold by Orihalcon on Ebay for 40 bones.
nice, using a mosin bayonet to remove keycap from premises very good job and good review.
You can actually convert the terminal model m by either buying or making a soarers converter. I use mine every day.
Need a Model F buyer's guide too
How is the Model M compared to modern keyboards with Cherry MX switches?
I've only ever had first hand experience with the MX Blue switches, and while they are both clicky/tactile feedback they definitely have a different feel to them than the buckling spring switches found on a Model M. More information can be found here: www.keyboardco.com/blog/index.php/2012/12/an-introduction-to-cherry-mx-mechanical-switches/
I prefer buckling spring switches, however I won't say one is better than the other.
rogueamp2 I did not expect a reply from the man himself. Thank you for the link! :)
Hello! Mike and rogueamp2
***** MX Cherry is superior to this. I used to love IBM keyboards but they have a very clunky feel compared to Cherry, and are much, much louder.
ke.ux That could be true except for the plasticy-cheap (because they are plastic and cheap) feeling of MX switches.
You did notice that the Lexmark keyboard seller did declare "non-clicky" in the listing title?
Thanks rogueamp, I spent $180 on a keyboard because of you.
Hey, loved the video. IBM Model M 1391401 user here. Anyway, couple questions: First, what do you think is the best place to look for replacement keycaps for the model M? What about custom ones that are more colorful/showy? Also, what is the purpose of the speaker grille? Lastly, apart from being able to hotswap, what are the advantages of converting to USB vs. just using PS/2, which is working just fine for me so far?
Unicomp sells printed/unprinted/multi-color Model M keys. The speaker grille was used (I'm assuming) to play a boot-up noise when the machine started. PCs later came with their own speaker so it made the one on the keyboard pointless. There really isn't an advantage/disadvantage in converting from PS/2 to USB, unless you actually think NKRO matters (which it doesn't).
6:56 yeah so you gotta get used to pressing Control-Escape to call up the start menu
10:33 I think ***** said something about AIX/UNIX
I
I got the 1391401 made 22, March 1988. I love it.
Thanks! I was looking at this keyboard everywhere on online shopping sites. :3 I have many various kinds of keybaords (I have Cherry MX Blues, Browns, Blacks) but I wanted something that is more special and not as easily to find everywhere. I always wanted to see something like a buyers guide for this keyboard. :D
Cherry MX blue etc are the brands of switches...not the keyboard itself.
Zestypanda lol? Isn't it obvious? I didn't really want to list out all of the brands and models of each brands. I know what I am buying. ;)
My IBM model m had a steel case and weighed a ton. But a friend with a nerve condition begged it from me as she kept breaking keyboards. I am using a dell at102w instead which is great.
"for those of you who want to use the metric system... for some reason"
*cringes at the stupidity of that statement*
+Steven Tyler Well considering they're not metric screws, it is the wrong thing to do.
Most of the world uses metric now, and has for a while. Time to get with the times.
+Steven Tyler It's an American made keyboard from the early 90's...
Are you implying metric came out later than the 90's?? LOL. Maybe you should do some research.
+Steven Tyler You're a moron who obviously cannot grasp the concept of sarcasm.
Secondly, why does it matter that most of the world uses the metric system? So long as everyone agrees on a standard, and that standard is well defined and accurate for a particular use case, then there is no problem with foregoing the metric system in the design of a product.
Also, The US customary system is actually defined in terms of metric units, so supposed accuracy differences are non-existent and conversions are trivial to perform.
Just bought a 92' Model M for about $80. It's the PS/2 adapter version and it looks perfect. Cannot wait to clean it up and I am thinking about doing the bolt mod only if I have to. Also, has anyone ever heard that the PS/2 plugs in the Model M are a bit overpowered when plugged into modern motherboards (like they could short the motherboard)? I heard that from another video on them beforehand, and it kind of makes sense since you need an active adapter to plug it into a USB port (and work). Can anyone shed some light on this before I fry my motherboard next week?
Nice Rodney Renolds impression...lol classic
Hi rogueamp2, great video! Just wanted to let you know black M13s do exist that were made in the US by Lexmark. The part no is 13H6705 and mfg date is 20-dec-94.
I'm trying to find one of these keyboards to buy recently. Used to use them for data entry at a warehouse I worked at, best keyboard I ever used, I prefer it over the Corsair k70. If only I could find a M 1391401 for less than $160
I didn't want a new keyboard until now xD
I switched from my G710+ to an IBM (Model) M2, simply because the typing experience was superior, for me they were better than the Cherry MX-switches. I do still use both it and my 6Gv2 along with my workshop computer(s) and they are fine, but for my main computer the M2 keeps it spot.
Make a IBM PC buyer's guide I'd to to see whats the differnce between them.
I was immediately impressed with the IBM keyboard when seeing it in the 80s. Alas I never have the money to own a real IBM PC which the model M came with. I have however only use mechanical key keyboards in my entire computing life. For those thinking of buying a model M today, one important thing to consider is your modern PC. Most motherboards/PC now has ditched the PS2 ports. You will need to have a PS2 to USB adapter. My experience with these adapter is poor. They have the tendency to drop keys because USB relies on a very CPU intensive SW stack. If you haven't reboot your PC weeks or months on end, the problem gets worst. Having too many apps open also tends to aggravate the problem. I too like to type on a buckle sprint keyboard, but I know better. You just have to compromise. Buy a decent modern keyboard with USB interface. To that you have to skip all the casual computer keyboards. You only options are the gamers' keyboard with Cherry key switches. Even then not all that sport Cherry keys are created equal. As the poster of this video pointed, the design of the supporting structure of the key switches is every bit as important as having decent key switches. One down side with modern gamer's keyboard is you can have any color as long as it is black. I cannot understand the US CE market obsession with black. Black is the worst color for legibility of the keys - yes, the white text. I call this fashion victim design. Lastly, few care what KB they are typing on these days, and hence there is only 55k viewing of this video. Don't even get me started with the fucking shit Chiclet keyboards that is so chic.
You could always by a Unicomp Model M. They're made using the same technology as was used back in the 80s and 90s, and they make versions of the keyboard with a USB connector.
Ive got an ibm origional keybard (missing a few keycaps and a broken spacebar) but i LOVE it use it with my ibm 5170
this video is about the ibm model m but we will talk about that later.
Stole a Model M keyboard with the spiral detachable connector from 1989 from the grocery store I used to work at. Was working in the warehouse and checked this closet with all kinds of old POS computers and cash registers, all of it was IBM shit just collecting dust. Found 2 keyboards. Immediately when I clocked out I grabbed my big winter coat, made a B-line for the closet and stuffed the cleaner and less crusty one in my coat, zipped that sucker up and went home. Only time I've ever "stolen" in my life and I have no regrets other than I didn't grab the other one. I am typing on it as we speak.
Nice informational video but I have something to add:
you say that terminal keyboards are a pain to run on a modern PC - actually it isn't that hard, just make a soarers converter using a teensy 2.0, it is really easy - imgur.com/a/sHkz4
it would be really fun if you made a contest and the winner's prize would be model m!
Wow, shipping is SOO cheap in the US. Here in Canada you wouldn't see shipping for a heaving thing like a Model M for anything less than $50. Not a chance in hell that it would be just 15 freaking dollars.
I'm jealous and angry.
I got one keyboard and a mouse, a pair of wireless headsets, a ipad stand shipping from China and the price for shipping was only 24 dollars and it came in 3 to 5 days.
***** Damn.
It's not very difficult to convert the terminal (RJ 45 connector) model M keyboards to be usable with modern computers. You can google "Soarer's Converter" which allows you to convert that terminal connector to USB. Or you can even make your own with a cheap logic board from China + some soldering equipment. Great option if you really want a Model M but don't want to pay over 100USD.
The buckling spring is very similar to MX Blue switches, but the model m squashes the MX Blues...
I would love to try a buckling spring keyboard, but getting a WASD CODE with Greens is higher on my list right now. I'm using MX Blues right now.
correction 3 that mat is rubber the correction 4 the at model is the best because it has the thicker steel plates and better build quality correction 5 there is soeres converts available today to convert the terminal keyboard, the m13 needs to be avoided as it uses black avbs caps with pad printed keycaps they do use buckling springs tip 1 the lettering on the regular model m is dye sublimated pbt so if you ware it off you probably have broken the keyboard correction 6 that isn't a bolt mad its a screw mod the only model m''s that are worth more than 50 bucks -150 are first gen and ssk and industrial
I would want a model m and a gateway anykey keyboard for my computers
I've got the same Keyboard, the Part Number is the same but it does not have a fru number and the id number is different.
Mine is also OLDER it's dated 9-21-90.
I got it at a flea market for 5 bucks it was in a box full of a bunch more of the same keyboards.
I also have the same exact PS/2 to USB Adapter because it did not fully work with my Asus Motherboard in the PS/2 port I could not get into set up of my BIOS but once my operating systems loaded the keyboard worked, strange.
I think some of the plastic rivets broke off in mine because I hear something rattling inside it but it still works and all the keys still click. It has fallen off my keyboard tray a few times and made a loud thump / bang sound like a brick falling.
If you're going to say "we'll talk a little bit about that later..." this often, could you add annotations pointing to the point in the video where you actually talk about it later?
Sadly I can't miss the windows key cuz I love the shortcuts lol
Correction, it's all PBT plastic not ABS 😊
Want buckling spring keyboard? Unicomp still makes them and they look the like the Model M. Built with the same IBM licenses...
Great advice. Thanks.
Use the free utility SharpKeys to redefine your Right-Cntrl key to be the Windows key.
Additionally, I redefined these other useless keys... Scroll Lock to be Mute; Insert to Be Play Pause; Right Alt to be Application Key. If you have better ideas for redefinitions, let me know.
I'm looking at getting a Unicomp keyboard at some point in time! :O) Interesting and informative video!!! :O) Kindest regards from England.
Unicomp makes new Model M replicas. They do custom Model M's as well
I just knew you were using a VM. The Windows 7 in the video was just too clean...
I have a 42H1292, made in the UK by IBM. I wonder why the wiki table only has the 42H1292U variant.