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OMG i have a Model M keyboard!

This instructable has been removed by the author.

42 comments
Jan 16, 2012. 7:12 PMthe_burrito_master says:
I feel so bad for destroying my model M keyboard :C it worked too. idk I was a kid who liked to see inside things ,and an old computer keyboard that was obsolete was worth it.
May 29, 2011. 2:36 PMstaida says:
I have a Model M and a newer (well... quite old but newer than the M) Dell QuietKey mechanical membrane based on it. My favorite however is my current KB which I was surprised to unwrap for christmas this year, sporting MX Blues the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate mechanical backlit.
FINALLY someone realizes that mechanical keyboards are worth the money and took the gamble in creating one though it was quite expensive for this market.
Now I can stop trying to backlight my QuietKey. Glad I hadn't routed out the numbers yet. Though I was going to post that here.

Finally - this is not an instructable and should definately be removed along with the offensive language. It's a vulgar useless post which, though it allowed me to brag on my KB's and hear about others - should go.
Mar 31, 2008. 5:04 PMgamer says:
Language. except for that, nice pictures, and nice keyboard. may i suggest modding it and connecting it to te guts of a usb keyboard, and then you will have a "One of a kind, IBM model m usb". -gamer
Mar 20, 2010. 9:07 PMTreknology says:

Models Ms are highly valued by REAL typists. The keys offer resistance, and then when the spring buckles it completely collapses providing the tactile feedback to the typist.

Upon opening a Model M keyboard, one is usually confronted with a metal plate covered in small screws holding all the buckling springs in place. It is extremely unwise to open this section--you will have springs and buckling actuators everywhere.

In fact, some of the last ones (cheaper) don't even have the screws, just plastic welds, which means the internals are unserviceable. Unbeknown to most people, the Model M is actually a membrane keyboard, NOT individual switches, so rewiring the internals to a new decoder board is unviable.

Just stick a USB converter on the plug end, and enjoy "battleship" quality that no longer exists in modern "disposable"  keyboards.

Mar 24, 2011. 1:20 PMtha_jonez says:
"and enjoy "battleship" quality that no longer exists in modern "disposable" keyboards."

Not entirely true. In mass produced versions, yes. You are correct. However, look up Das Keyboard (Pro Silent model being used to type this btw), Happy Hacking Keyboard, Deck Keyboard, or just a general search for "mechanical switch keyboard". You'll find many equal or better (than the IBM M) quality units available (cherry switches in the "M", which are bettered by the Topre switches). OTOH, they are EXPENSIVE! :)

To the OP: NICE!! That is an awesome freebie! Enjoy your foray into the world of mech kb's. They are the best :D
Oct 15, 2009. 1:35 PMjoeofloath says:
I have an early 90's HP-UX workstation keyboard. I use it on the(ubuntu) family desktop because it's so clicky (for annoying mother whenshe's watching TV) and doesn't have windows keys.
Jun 25, 2009. 8:25 PMScubaSteve says:
i know i have a pre-windows keyboard im my attic somewhere....it came from the era before computer mice...if only i could find it...
Mar 31, 2008. 12:26 PMKozz says:
Uhm... congrats on your ownership, but this doesn't qualify as an instructable. If you were to write up some descriptions on how other people could find and identify Model M keyboards, explain how to benefit from ownership of a Model M, tell us how to repair or mod the Model M, etc. then you (might) have something.
Mar 31, 2008. 5:41 PMKozz says:
Well, from the overview,
What can I use slideshows for?
Slideshows are for showing off photos of what you made or did, but don't have full instructions to create an Instructable with.

So yes, it's a slideshow, but it doesn't really showcase anything that you made or did. And yes, Model Ms rock. I've got one myself. :)
Apr 4, 2009. 6:04 PMArbitror says:
He did do something. He "asked for it" at school, and got one.
Oct 29, 2008. 5:29 PMemergencydpt.com says:
Young man, don't curse. It will rot your teeth and make people think you are cool.
Oct 24, 2008. 8:25 AMCorpy says:
Yay i have that :D are that too a model M ? btw i have old IBM for that too:D
May 6, 2008. 12:45 PMgeekdude says:
i am using a model m right now. i love it. mine was made in 84. and i also have a whole bunch of alps type keyboards. i got a snap in cable from ebay to switch to ps2.

here are some good sites with info about model ms
http://www.geocities.com/jszybowski/keyboard/index.htm
http://www.preater.com/modelm/

im thinking about opening mine up, cleaning out the dust, maybe dyeing it black, soldering in some ultra bright leds, possibly adding some glow wire under the keys.
Aug 31, 2008. 1:59 AMkaramouza says:
I know that you REALLY have to do all those hacks on your keyboard ('cause YOU ARE a geekdude after all), but please don't !!!! Or at least don't let us know about it!!! It really breaks my heart (yes, ok, I'm a geek too, thank you very much)
Aug 31, 2008. 7:48 AMgeekdude says:
i could do it to one of my alps mechinism keyboards, maybe my mac adb one.
Apr 1, 2008. 11:12 PMYerboogieman says:
does it have LED's? or light bulbs?
Jul 21, 2008. 9:20 AMmikegraham says:
It has three very small oil lamps.
Jul 21, 2008. 11:32 AMYerboogieman says:
lmao!
Aug 17, 2008. 6:47 AMkaramouza says:
Consider yourself lucky. Those babies are indestructible, you can easily remove the keycaps and clean them one by one and BTW the springy cord is detachable, so you can unplug the keyboard without fiddling with the PC sockets. And not to mention the clicky sound which is a story apart... For the record I own four fully functional 1988 m keyboards and still trying to find those black ones from the 90's.
Aug 16, 2008. 11:31 AMxXJakeXx says:
i had one back in the day.... i spilled sprite on it.
Apr 2, 2008. 3:56 PMGoodhart says:
:-) I think I still have my old AT/XT keyboard from my old 286 or PS2 (computer) from way back when. It looks a lot like the you picture. Mine has a little switch in the underside for changing between XT and AT mode :-)
May 5, 2008. 9:37 PMYerboogieman says:
i had a 286 laptop :-D
May 6, 2008. 6:58 AMGoodhart says:
I remember those. Where I work got rid of a bunch of them way back when they upgraded, and I got one. It lasted nearly a year before the floppy drive died and would not write properly anymore. :-( It had a game pre-installed on it....something to do with kingdoms and such. It was a very slow moving and hard to follow thing....I can't remember the name of it....its been too long :-)
Mar 31, 2008. 5:10 PMjoehadac says:
lol it looks like a keyboard u would steal from a school lol
Mar 31, 2008. 5:42 PMKozz says:
A guide like you're suggesting would definitely be worth reading. Looking forward to it!
Mar 31, 2008. 1:16 PMWilliz says:
This isn't an instructable...
Mar 31, 2008. 1:47 PMac1D says:
how to find a model m keyboard: look at the garbage around your house, yoiu will find tousand.
Mar 31, 2008. 2:57 PMkillerjackalope says:
On an odd note we have a laptop with the same keyboard lettering, I remember finding Bloq Mayus under a sticker and getting curious from there, it was great because my borthers can't touch type.
Mar 31, 2008. 1:27 PMT3h_Muffinator says:
Er.... what's so cool about Model M keyboards?
Mar 31, 2008. 1:29 PMmrbob1000 says:
there loud and click alot... they also make you want to scream out things from the 80's...
Mar 31, 2008. 1:28 PMmrbob1000 says:
i own two... on the back of the keyboard it says "model m"
Mar 31, 2008. 1:25 PMabzman2000 says:
my school had one just like that except no removable cord, but I got greedy after that and ordered an older one from ebay 14FEB92(not the oldest, but older)
Mar 31, 2008. 12:31 PMNeonLime says:
It Was Born Exactly One Week After i Was ;D

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Author:santy22
Amateur everything.