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¶ Summary
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IBM Enhanced Keyboard |
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|---|---|
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| Manufacturer(s) |
IBM (1984 - 1999) Lexmark (1991 - 1996) Maxi Switch (1994 - 1998) Unicomp (1996 - present) |
| Branding |
IBM Lexmark Unicomp Dell etc. |
| Layout |
101/103/104-key ANSI 102/103/105-key ISO |
| Keyswitches | |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimation PBT |
| Interface(s) | XT, AT |
| Weight |
2.38kg (Gen 0) 2.24kg (Gen 1) 2.06kg (Gen 2) 2.00kg (Gen 3) 1.67kg (Gen 4) |
| Dimensions | Unknown |
| Year(s) Produced | 1985 - 1999 |
The Enhanced Keyboard is a keyboard originally produced and sold by IBM. Widely considered the definitive Model M keyboard design, the Enhanced Keyboard was IBM's choice PC and terminal keyboard of nearly a decade after its release and still remains in production as the Unicomp Classic. Over the 36 years it has been produced, a great number of variations have spawned with differing layouts, interfaces, and branding. However, the hallmark of all Enhanced Keyboards is the 101/103/104-key ANSI and 102/103/105-key ISO layouts developed from IBM's earlier terminals and the DEC LK201 it solidified for the market and have become the standard for all PC-compatible keyboards.
¶ Details
Info on history on how the layout was created (getting users to rearrange keys)
¶ Variants
Explanation on different generations, colors, and layouts
¶ Generations
Throughout the years, the Model M underwent production changes over the years. These can usually be considered cost-cutting measures, but some could also be considered improvements to the design. The community has categorized these major changes into “generations." It should be noted that changes in manufacturing did not happen at the same time, thus, you may sometimes encounter a Model M that is from a certain generation, but may have characteristics of an older/newer generation. The dates listed for each generation are also not agreed upon, and are provided as estimates.
¶ Generation 0 (1985)
2 variants in this category: IBM 3161 (no locklights, silver square metal badge), or Industrial Model M (dark gray with hint of olive color, black square metal badge, 1388032, came with IBM 7531 or IBM 7552)
They weigh 2.38kg and have a 1.3mm backplate.
¶ Generation 1 (1985? - 1987)
A common variant of the generation 1 keyboards shipped with the IBM PC AT, usually with the part number 1390136. They had a weight of 2.24kg, with a plate thickness of 1.2mm. These backplates were also either heat treated or plated, which gave them a rainbow finish (originally a matte color, but later shiny). Unlike later Model M keyboards, they shipped with a black coiled SDL to 5-pin DIN cable, and featured a metal square silver badge in the top right corner.
Another common variant of the generation 1 keyboards shipped with the IBM PC XT, replacing the Model F XT that came with the earlier units. These were similar to the AT version, but lacked lock-light indicators.
¶ Generation 2 (1987 - 1991)
By far the most common variant of generation 2 keyboards would be the model that shipped with the IBM PS/2 computer. Its part number was usually 1391401 (the most common part number of all Model M keyboards). This keyboard weighed about 2.06kg and had a 1.0mm thick backplate. It featured a white oval badge, with dark gray lettering in the top left corner. It shipped with a pebble (beige/tan) coiled SDL to PS/2 cable.
¶ Generation 3 (1992 - 1996/1999)
Blue badge, drainage channels, 2.00kg, 1.0mm plate, 1391406, detachable or non detachable cable
¶ Generation 4 (1996 - present)
Unicomp, 1.67kg, 0.8mm plate, UB343H4, ABS? case, non-detachable PS/2 or USB.
¶ Gallery
¶ References
- Chyrosran22 - The Ultimate IBM Model M review (buckling springs) [accessed 2022-02-14]