The iconic (and iconically clicky) IBM Model M keyboard has been a fan favorite for three full decades now – an unbelievable run in computer years. I take a look at the major revisions in this video, and I also answer the question of whether it’s still worth buying one in this second age of mechanical keyboards. Is the Model M still the One True Keyboard, and if so, which one should you get?
Some helpful links mentioned in the video:
All of the different model numbers and minor variants of the “Enhanced Keyboard”: https://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Enhanced_Keyboard
The screw, nut and bolt mod featured in the video: https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/ibm-model-m-screw-nut-and-bolt-mod-t9169.html
Another site with slightly different instructions: https://wiki.geekhack.org/index.php?title=Modifications:IBM_Model_M:Nut_and_Bolt_Mod
Phosphor Glow will bolt mod your keyboard for you: https://phosphorglow.net/
Keep in mind that everyone does the screw/bolt mod a slightly different way. There’s not one way to do it.
Buy a pre-modded Model M on Ebay: https://ebay.to/2lWfkQy
Where to get the screws, nuts, and bolts in my video: https://www.mcmaster.com/
Part #’s:
Screws for screw mod: 91099A107 (I chose these on purpose for their undercut flat head)
Screws for bolt mod: 92005A029
Nuts for bolt mod: 90591A111
You can also get the required 5.5mm long socket there: 7195A38
Unicomp if you just want a new Model M, but I can’t vouch for these yet, and my understanding is that the quality isn’t quite the same (then again, some say the same about the blue logo Lexmarks): https://www.unicomp.com
IBM PC image attribution: Rama & Musée Bolo (https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:IMB_PC-IMG_7271.jpg)
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