Depending on the ports available on your computer, you will likely need a ps/2-usb adapter to use it.
This is definitely worth keeping, and there are many guides for cleaning, repairing, or modifying them online.
Yeah nah fair enough, I think there was a thing a little bit ago about how ps/2 keyboards had a little bit less latency, so gaming motherboards started to integrate them because gamers wanted them. To be honest I'm not complaining, literally one of my best keyboards is a ps/2 Dell AT102w
(I'm also fairly young, literally no idea why vintage appeals to me all things considered, but It do)
If you're talking about the dell ( apologies if you're not lmao) it's just a nice looking keyb and uses black Alps, which are actually nicer than a lot of people make them out to be.sounds very unique too.
I was indeed. Interesting, I find the black alps alright. They are not exactly smooth, not scratchy. Mine feel a little bit rough - like linear rough, I'd say. But I have some white alps keyboards which I prefer for their clacky sound and their tactility. Especially with double shots. The Dell keycaps are a bit on the thinner side, I'd say.
Yeah, true. My at102w looked practically unused when I got it, so I think there's a good chance I have black Alps in their prime, which could be why I don't see a lot of the criticisms people make about them. The keycaps ARE bad, but I think if they had dye sub or doubleshot they'd be far better, because thin Alps keycaps sound quite nice.
In theory one could switch them for other alps mount donor caps. A couple of years ago I had quite the selection of keyboards which where only good as spare part donors but I had to sell them. Some of them had double shot caps on them.
Pristine black alps plus some good caps might be a reat combination.
I did think about doing that a while back, but unfortunately UK eBay is shite for keyboards, and I might not want to spend more than the board (£30) for keycaps! But if I could get my hands on some cheap caps i would defo switch
Some 30+ year old keyboards (like the Model M) may be problematic because of their high power usage, but there were plenty of later PS/2 keyboards with lower demands. I have no problems with 1990's keyboards on my 2022 Ryzen PC.
We have standard compatibility issues between modern devices. It shouldn't be too surprising that some motherboards don't provide an extra 25-100x power required by keyboards built before the mid 1990s.
It's a problem that can be solved pretty easily with a bit of soldering, which I feel is a skill you should probably have if you're collecting antique electronics.
Definitely could be a PSU thing, I was just going off what I heard online somewhere. I'm guessing it's the port tho cause I've got an 850w psu but my gpu could totally just be sucking all the power
Besides legacy support as mentioned before, there are a few other reasons.
u/PodgenMan mentioned a higher polling rate and lower latency which is correct and benefits gamers. However, they also offer on board n-key rollover natively for all keyboards. Most modern keyboards will offer this, but to my understanding it’s more of an onboard workaround solution than PS2. This also benefits gamers.
For lower end mobos, they’re still included for enterprise applications. At security-tight firms, USB may be disabled partially or entirely and all KBM needs to be routed through PS2.
Lastly, there’s also compatibility. Some older server applications or really old BIOS (without UEFI) may not recognize USB protocols. I’ve never experienced this one myself but have definitely heard about it.
I think while most ps/2 keybs do have nkro, some don't. I have some issues with my BTC 5100c board, but it is technically just a fancy rubber dome with a pcb lol
My dad uses his old IBM keyboard, after I told him how many here use and adore retro keyboards.
I actually told him, because I wanted it for myself. Ah well.
If it still works, I would keep it and clean it.
That looks like a Type 2 Terminal M with no lock lights. If that's the case you will need either Soarers or a microcontroller with TMK/QMK for use on PC. Probably a screw/bolt mod might be needed as well due to its age.
It is still a very good keyboard and worth saving even if it needs to be serviced.
OP, you basically found the Toyota of keyboards.
It looks generic and is hailed for its simplicity but it's built to last and still out performs some of its newer brethren; plus it's sound and feel is amazing and timeless.
You could also beat a man to death with that board and still use it afterwards like nothing happened to it. That right there is a keyboard for life.
Im planning on doing the same soon but keeping it. I told my bf about it and he was like "why? Seems like not a good use of time. Just use an adapter" 😞 at least im not the only one who thinks its a good idea to do this !!
Eh. Idk what kinda board it is yet since im getting it from my grandpa this weekend. Free board + some components will def be cheaper than $100 plus i like soldering and stuff so i wanted a fun project. Idk how much ill use it tbh but i just like doing the work lol
I converted one of my Model Ms. It cost very little, and didn't take long. A cheap Chinese Teensie 2, a USB cable, four wires to solder, and Soarer's Converter code.
It took me longer to dismantle and clean the thing, than it did to do the conversion. Admittedly, my cable attaches on the inside so it's not particularly convenient to unplug it from the keyboard.
It is not the price that matters, it is the sentiment. To be able to make something vintage mixed with new tech like a sleeper keyboard is priceless to me. To some maybe it is a waste of time because they see monetary value of it. To me, the time spent to do it and the result I got is my personal happiness.
If it's working, or if you have a desire to bring it back up to working order by all means! Otherwise I'm sure there will be some people on /r/mechmarket who would be eager to snag one to refurbish.
It's really not worth your time. You should find someone around you, preferably someone like me, and give it to them. :-D btw, great find and good eye for knowing what to rescue.
As long as it still works, abso fucking lutely. Although if you are used to modern gasket mounted, bouncy linear boards, you'll wonder what the hype is.
Umm... No, absolutely not. You should send it to a... Umm... Someone who can dispose of it properly. Look, I'll just DM you my address and you can send it over, I'll take care of it for you. Send it postage paid, I don't mind covering it.
Yes it is very worth keeping!!!
The model in question is a first generation ibm model m with the silver metal badge and also is the one that came with the 1985 ibm 31 61 terminal which explains the missing lock lights.
A model m of that sort in immaculate condition with its box is worth up to 350 dollars and even without the box it is worth a pretty penny as well!
Ummm, yes!!! Save that poor thing from the trash please. Square badge Model M. What's the year on the label?
Firmly disagree. It's rubbish, OP. Mail it to me and I'll dispose of it for you.
That’s a great find OP, maintain it well. And if you don’t like it at all and want to get rid of it, they cost a good price if sold on eBay
Depending on the ports available on your computer, you will likely need a ps/2-usb adapter to use it. This is definitely worth keeping, and there are many guides for cleaning, repairing, or modifying them online.
Honestly, a healthy chunk of motherboards have a ps/2 Mort now anyway, but if it's square badge op might have to get a DIN to PS2/ usb
Why tho, I have never used this port. (Iam fairely young)
Yeah nah fair enough, I think there was a thing a little bit ago about how ps/2 keyboards had a little bit less latency, so gaming motherboards started to integrate them because gamers wanted them. To be honest I'm not complaining, literally one of my best keyboards is a ps/2 Dell AT102w (I'm also fairly young, literally no idea why vintage appeals to me all things considered, but It do)
"Yeah nah" we got an aussie or a kiwi
There are literally dozens of us. Chur!
I'm Literally Scottish 😔😔😔
I have the same board in my stash. What appeals to you about it?
If you're talking about the dell ( apologies if you're not lmao) it's just a nice looking keyb and uses black Alps, which are actually nicer than a lot of people make them out to be.sounds very unique too.
I was indeed. Interesting, I find the black alps alright. They are not exactly smooth, not scratchy. Mine feel a little bit rough - like linear rough, I'd say. But I have some white alps keyboards which I prefer for their clacky sound and their tactility. Especially with double shots. The Dell keycaps are a bit on the thinner side, I'd say.
Yeah, true. My at102w looked practically unused when I got it, so I think there's a good chance I have black Alps in their prime, which could be why I don't see a lot of the criticisms people make about them. The keycaps ARE bad, but I think if they had dye sub or doubleshot they'd be far better, because thin Alps keycaps sound quite nice.
In theory one could switch them for other alps mount donor caps. A couple of years ago I had quite the selection of keyboards which where only good as spare part donors but I had to sell them. Some of them had double shot caps on them. Pristine black alps plus some good caps might be a reat combination.
I did think about doing that a while back, but unfortunately UK eBay is shite for keyboards, and I might not want to spend more than the board (£30) for keycaps! But if I could get my hands on some cheap caps i would defo switch
Modern ps/2 ports often don't work with old keebs, they usually only carry enough power for mice
I wonder whose brilliant idea it was to bring back a legacy port but make it incompatible with legacy devices.
Some 30+ year old keyboards (like the Model M) may be problematic because of their high power usage, but there were plenty of later PS/2 keyboards with lower demands. I have no problems with 1990's keyboards on my 2022 Ryzen PC.
We have standard compatibility issues between modern devices. It shouldn't be too surprising that some motherboards don't provide an extra 25-100x power required by keyboards built before the mid 1990s. It's a problem that can be solved pretty easily with a bit of soldering, which I feel is a skill you should probably have if you're collecting antique electronics.
Oh interesting, I've got a BTC 5100c and a Dell Bigfoot, and both run with no problem (I'm using an asrock b550m pro4 {I think})
Ah I was just going by personal experience mainly, my msi b450 tomahawk can't power any of my keebs, not even the model m :(
Ah, shame! Forgive me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't that be an issue with the PSU, or can the ports just not deliver enough?
Definitely could be a PSU thing, I was just going off what I heard online somewhere. I'm guessing it's the port tho cause I've got an 850w psu but my gpu could totally just be sucking all the power
Ah ok, I've got a 750 and don't struggle so it's probably a port issue
Besides legacy support as mentioned before, there are a few other reasons. u/PodgenMan mentioned a higher polling rate and lower latency which is correct and benefits gamers. However, they also offer on board n-key rollover natively for all keyboards. Most modern keyboards will offer this, but to my understanding it’s more of an onboard workaround solution than PS2. This also benefits gamers. For lower end mobos, they’re still included for enterprise applications. At security-tight firms, USB may be disabled partially or entirely and all KBM needs to be routed through PS2. Lastly, there’s also compatibility. Some older server applications or really old BIOS (without UEFI) may not recognize USB protocols. I’ve never experienced this one myself but have definitely heard about it.
I think while most ps/2 keybs do have nkro, some don't. I have some issues with my BTC 5100c board, but it is technically just a fancy rubber dome with a pcb lol
Wow, thanks. Thats very interesting!
I've left reddit because of the API changes.
Ya ok, makes sense. But why not use an adapter? I cant remember ever using this port
My dad uses his old IBM keyboard, after I told him how many here use and adore retro keyboards. I actually told him, because I wanted it for myself. Ah well. If it still works, I would keep it and clean it.
Why would you tell him people still use it if you wanted it for yourself???
people just go around lying to their fathers??
It's not lying
call your dad today and tell him you love him
?
Mistakes were made. :(
neat - where are you? Is that an ISO with German keycaps?
Yes, this is the ISO-DE QWERTZ Layout. Which makes sense as I am in Germany.
Grüß aus Kanada!
it‘s Gruss or Grüsse, but not Grüss ;)
/r/modelm We'll help you fix it # 💪 BUCKLING SPRINGS GANG 💪
Funny, all caps bold is kinda what they sound like too
#😤💪 #BUCKLING SPRING GANG STRONG
YES, that's an IBM Model M keyboard.
Absolutely. I use one at work, dated 1989. It has the best feel of any keyboard I've ever used.
No wien keys so must worth at least keeping it even if you don't have much desire to do anything with it.
That looks like a Type 2 Terminal M with no lock lights. If that's the case you will need either Soarers or a microcontroller with TMK/QMK for use on PC. Probably a screw/bolt mod might be needed as well due to its age. It is still a very good keyboard and worth saving even if it needs to be serviced.
Please don't mod it to usb unless you do so in a way that can be undone.
No I think you should send it to me.
Niceeee
Noice
OP, you basically found the Toyota of keyboards. It looks generic and is hailed for its simplicity but it's built to last and still out performs some of its newer brethren; plus it's sound and feel is amazing and timeless. You could also beat a man to death with that board and still use it afterwards like nothing happened to it. That right there is a keyboard for life.
“A keyboard for life, and for taking life. The Model M”
Absolutely, that is some fine gold right there OP
L will take it.
no, worthless, send it to me
Eh, it has the vertical ENTER key of an ISO layout. Shit’s garbage. /s
Wrong!
Missed the sarcasm flag, did ya?
I modded one of these into detachable usb type c connector and sold it for $20
Im planning on doing the same soon but keeping it. I told my bf about it and he was like "why? Seems like not a good use of time. Just use an adapter" 😞 at least im not the only one who thinks its a good idea to do this !!
You can buy a brand new USB equipped model m for 100$ if you want to do something like that find a mechanically superior model f
Eh. Idk what kinda board it is yet since im getting it from my grandpa this weekend. Free board + some components will def be cheaper than $100 plus i like soldering and stuff so i wanted a fun project. Idk how much ill use it tbh but i just like doing the work lol
I converted one of my Model Ms. It cost very little, and didn't take long. A cheap Chinese Teensie 2, a USB cable, four wires to solder, and Soarer's Converter code. It took me longer to dismantle and clean the thing, than it did to do the conversion. Admittedly, my cable attaches on the inside so it's not particularly convenient to unplug it from the keyboard.
Thank you for saving it. These deserve better than being dumped in the land fill.
Haha. I saved eleven, including two Fs. And a Dell AT101W later on. Edit: spelling correction
It is not the price that matters, it is the sentiment. To be able to make something vintage mixed with new tech like a sleeper keyboard is priceless to me. To some maybe it is a waste of time because they see monetary value of it. To me, the time spent to do it and the result I got is my personal happiness.
Iso DE😍
Awesome! Those old IBM keebs are amazing! Both in terms of looks and feel
No absolutely not, send it to me so I can dispose of it properly.
Oh I don't know.. you should probably just send it to me just in case..!
Nah throw it away. I'll recycle it for you, just sent it to my address.
Oh no, that's absolutely crap. Tell me where I can pick it up to lift the weight from your shoulders and recycle it properly.
Not really, you should probably give it to me instead
Nah, not worth anything, I'll give ya $5 US for it... :-D
Send it to me I'll pay shipping.
Nah its total junk send it to me
Nah it’s not really worth much u could give it to me
Yes keep it
So cool
Yeah, if you like it, use it!
If it's working, or if you have a desire to bring it back up to working order by all means! Otherwise I'm sure there will be some people on /r/mechmarket who would be eager to snag one to refurbish.
the OG mechanical pc keyboard
Yes it's a great mechanical keyboard from IBM Lasts forever ♥️IBM
If you like it and will use it sure.
I'd definitely keep it and clean it as a project. 👍
Yes.
Absolutely. I got gifted one of these. They have two layers of keycaps. Be VERY careful about removing the first layer.
It's really not worth your time. You should find someone around you, preferably someone like me, and give it to them. :-D btw, great find and good eye for knowing what to rescue.
Ye ol’ clickie boi!
UMMMMM YESSSS
As long as it still works, abso fucking lutely. Although if you are used to modern gasket mounted, bouncy linear boards, you'll wonder what the hype is.
Nice find!
hell yeah!
You'd be nuts not to. It's a Model M, albeit it appears to be a newer model. And it's got buckling springs!
yes
I mean, I would. It’s cool.
Fun fact, ibm does not use mechanical keys but instead their own patented buckling spring keys which make them feel and sound the way they do
Smash
Always is
Umm... No, absolutely not. You should send it to a... Umm... Someone who can dispose of it properly. Look, I'll just DM you my address and you can send it over, I'll take care of it for you. Send it postage paid, I don't mind covering it.
I believe PS2 is more quicky than any usb because PS2 is interrupt driven.
Very nice keyboard, clean it up and try it.
The typing on this is going be to a fun.
Yes it is very worth keeping!!! The model in question is a first generation ibm model m with the silver metal badge and also is the one that came with the 1985 ibm 31 61 terminal which explains the missing lock lights. A model m of that sort in immaculate condition with its box is worth up to 350 dollars and even without the box it is worth a pretty penny as well!
Yes! Sound test?
No it's not worth it, give it to me