LTT is looking for an IBM Model M Keyboard

[James]

Hey folks! We want to make a video comparing the original IBM Model M keyboard to the Unicomp ones you can still buy today but we need your help!

 

These keyboards are pretty rare and are held largely by collectors; we'd hate to take one out of circulation only to have it sit on a warehouse shelf once the video's done, so we're reaching out to you guys to see if anyone owns either an original or a Unicomp Model M (or ideally, both!), and would like to lend it/them to us so we can review  

 

We, of course, would take care of shipping costs, and repay you with a shout-out and some autographed swag- we could even autograph the keyboard(s) if you wanted 

 

Shoot me a message if you can help!

 

-james.

[kelvinhall05]

Fuck, if only I had one. Want a Dell membrane keyboard?

[Guest]

 

4 minutes ago, James said:

Hey folks! We want to make a video comparing the original IBM Model M keyboard to the Unicomp ones you can still buy today but we need your help!

 

These keyboards are pretty rare and are held largely by collectors; we'd hate to take one out of circulation only to have it sit on a warehouse shelf once the video's done, so we're reaching out to you guys to see if anyone owns either an original or a Unicomp Model M (or ideally, both!), and would like to lend it/them to us so we can review  

 

We, of course, would take care of shipping costs, and repay you with a shout-out and some autographed swag- we could even autograph the keyboard(s) if you wanted 

 

Shoot me a message if you can help!

 

-james.

My boss is ex-IBM corporate, I'll have a look and let you know

[WMGroomAK]

I've got an old IBM Wheelwriter 5 electric typewriter from the mid-80's collecting dust in our office, but it's not a computer keyboard. 

[iamdarkyoshi]

I have a model M in fully working condition, but its got my own PS/2 cable on it. Other than that, its basically all original. I still have the original socket that the keyboard had, it could be soldered back on and an ebay PS/2 cable installed if you'd prefer that. But as it stands, it has a PS/2 cable from a modern keyboard soldered on to the controller board with a 3d printed strain relief.

 

This particular model does not have num/caps/scroll lock LEDs.

 

I spent about 3 hours cleaning it, it was a complete disassembly and reassemly.

 

 

 

Shipping from the US to Canada might cost a bit though

[BlueChinchillaEatingDorito]

All I got is a IBM shirt from Uniqlo... I'm a failure. 

[divito]

I have access to 7 - IBM Model M122s at my work if interested; they're RJ45 connections. 

 

One is from '89, one is from '92, and one is from '99. The other four have had their stickers removed and don't showcase their manufacture date. Trying to ascertain date from the logo isn't exact, but I'd venture to guess they're also around '92.

[unkn0wn1]

I have a lexmark produced one that is missing the tab key cover other than that it works fine.

[VinsinityKT]

The 8 Bit Guy youtuber might have one around or know people who would have one since he specializes more in older stuff.

[ProjectBox153]

Wow, now I wish I had one. I have a Dell mechanical keyboard from the early 90s that works and is very loud (like a Model M), but I sadly don’t have a Model M. 

[Syntaxvgm]

I'll lend you my unicomp lol 

[Dredgy]

Just sold all mine last year had a few new ones sitting in the cupboard from the 90s. Was staggered at how much they were worth...I always thought they were horrible keyboards, they came with workstations at my dads work and he used to bring them home by the dozen because they would swap them out. I hated them and was so glad when I was old enough to buy my own Microsoft membrane ?

 

EDIT: Do have one left in pretty miserable condition, you can borrow it if you pay to ship from Oz, but I’m not sure those stains are chocolate...

[HTWingNut]

I have this... will this help?

 

 

[geo3]

Who ever lends them one should stipulate that Linus is not to hold it, ever.

[TheGhzGuy]

I have one. It has an RJ45 port instead of PS/2, and there's some missing panel on it I think. The spacebar stabilizer isn't in it but I think I have it somewhere. I'll upload pics in a bit.

[ultimatemythbuster]

I've got three.  A 1992 model with a square gray badge, a 1987 model gray label, and a 1995 model blue label.  You'd be welcome to borrow all three.

[TheRandomness]

@iamdarkyoshi Was first and he bothered to clean it so he should get it sent through.

[BuckGup]

I have one. It's a special SGI version too

[Neutrideo]

@Jameshttps://www.ebay.com/p/Vintage-01aug86-IBM-1389262-Wired-Mechanical-Clicky-Keyboard-Model-M/1507775530?iid=302633324727

https://www.ebay.com/p/IBM-42H1292-Wired-Keyboard/74134337?iid=112817940364

[iamdarkyoshi]

1 hour ago, geo3 said:

Who ever lends them one should stipulate that Linus is not to hold it, ever.

If he ends up borrowing mine, its going to be under an NDA

 

No Drop Agreement

[iamdarkyoshi]

@James Any updates on this thread?

 

I've sent a PM but you haven't read it yet, so I just would like to know if you've found them yet.

 

Mine's pretty much one of the first models, and I've now gotten an original cable for it as well.

[kaiju_wars]

What, they aren't hard to find on eBay.  They just are expensive cause of how sought after they are.  I got one for $35 actually.  The guy didn't think it worked, cleaned it up and it works perfect.

[MegaTechPC]

On 2/15/2018 at 12:49 AM, VinsinityKT said:

The 8 Bit Guy youtuber might have one around or know people who would have one since he specializes more in older stuff.

Was just about to comment that you should check with Clint from the "Lazy Game Reviews" channel since he has a ton of Model M's in his collection.

[GDRRiley]

level 1 techs has some

[Guest]

On 2/15/2018 at 1:46 PM, WMGroomAK said:

I've got an old IBM Wheelwriter 5 electric typewriter from the mid-80's collecting dust in our office, but it's not a computer keyboard. 

I have a typewriter from the 1950s collecting dust in my garage. 

Also a sewing machine from the 1800s there too.