IBM 5251 keyboard review (beamsprings)

Skip to 15:15 for a typing demonstration with the solenoid off.
Skip to 15:43 for a typing demonstration with the solenoid on.
Buy a beamspring controller here: www.ebay.com/itm/Xwhatsit-IBM-...
Download the layout file here: s000.tinyupload.com/?file_id=7...
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My other keyboard reviews: • Thomas' Keyboard Reviews
I'm Thomas and I do keyboard videos and reviews. Today we look at the IBM 5251 keyboard, a massive behemoth that uses the famous beamspring switches. This one took around 4 hours to film, and several hours to edit as well. Hope you enjoy the video!
The practice sentence was: "Hello my name is Thomas and I'm typing on an IBM 5251 right now. Well, what more can I say that I haven't said already? It's absolutely magnificent!"

[@willrun4fun]

5:15 holy crap, imagine an office full or those.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Literally heaven.

[@PaulyRenzeth]

Most of people arent as whiny back then certain offices are full of literal typewriters back then

[@deviljelly3]

I worked in one... It was such a scene

[@gregd6022]

Turns into noise actually...

[@chintimin]

I honestly find how quiet most offices are really difficult because literally any god damn noise or conversation suddenly becomes a distraction. Are we here to work or stand in a library?

[@flumiie]

9:05 I never expect that you can ever do that kind of voice

[@XalphYT]

11:09 “Because numpad enter is the best enter key.“ *Cries in TKL*

[@matasa7463]

Get yourself a 96% keyboard, and still get that numpad with basically TKL size.

[@Benrob0329]

Start a petition for Unicomp to make these!

[@Chyrosran22]

Haha, if they can't even make an SSK, this is right out xD .

[@mike52787]

no way in hell man. would be ultra expensive, ultra complicated, and just something that unicomp wouldnt or couldnt bring to the table.

[@svetoslavivanov7905]

I was thinking the same thing - why the hell Unicomp does not make SSK variants? Is it so hard?

[@Chyrosran22]

They would have to get completely new tooling, moulds, controllers, even some new specialty keycaps.

[@eightmegsandconstantlyswap8862]

Would it still be worth buying with Model M caps? I wouldn't think it'd be difficult to use the beam spring design with a membrane, which would eliminate the need for a specialised controller. The tooling costs to produce the switches and casing would be the main issue though, I'd say you'd be looking at at least €30k to get dies made. In addition, they look quite complex to assemble and labour isn't cheap.

[@Avalon1489]

That keyboard is gorgeous.

[@glared]

Avalon goddess of keyboards forever

[@y11971alex]

Congratulations on obtaining your very own beam spring keyboard! I think of so many people in the market for one, you deserve one the most.

[@oliharding]

Jesus imagine taking this to a meetup and big-dicking it out onto one of the tables...

[@y11971alex]

Oli Harding that happened in Toronto 2017.

[@0M9H4X_Neckbeard]

Also happened in Darmstadt in 2016

[@notsmartdum]

Also at the meetup in Berlin this past year. Dick waving was a tie between this (www.meetup.com/Berlin-Mechanical-Keyboards-Input-Devices-Meetup/photos/27839250/#461883335) and a dude's HHKB with japanese hipro keycaps, bke domes, and a Hasu bluetooth controller. It was like 4 expensive AF keyboards collapsed into one.

[@Chyrosran22]

And in Utrecht, 2018 xD .

[@Kori-ko]

And in Texas twice 2018 :p

[@andljoy]

Plenty of space for battery , bleutooth that badboy and use it on the train to controll your smartphone

[@Chyrosran22]

Hahaha that'd be fucking awesome! xD

[@LourensRolograaf]

Please use a lead-acid accu for that?

[@chickenpower5732]

We need a giga-chad to bring this into our world.

[@squirlmy]

@@Chyrosran22 Raspberry Pi 400 internals, installed in this.

[@chickenpower5732]

Oh how this has aged

[@themaximus144]

If I ever win the mega millions lottery I promise to bring beam springs back to the faithful.

[@plazasta]

so we're two who wanna do that then!

[@ryandevan2793]

to quote Starsky & Hutch, DO IT DO IT! :)

[@agrisimfarming]

The guys behind the new model f keyboards did it recently

[@JohnWayne-hq1ns]

15:36 He used his thumb to press the space bar!!

[@Jojo11119]

IT'S EVOLVING

[@Chyrosran22]

I did?!

[@edwardstables5153]

You are, he just has a reputation for not typing properly.

[@gavincurtis]

It's those God damn smart phone touch keyboards...destroyers of proper typing habits.

[@xander1052]

The Dollar Guy even I type with a thumb, most do

[@erinwiebe7026]

I can't get over how ridiculously next level over the top this is. Nicely done!

[@petermcd4969]

Excellent video! After your 3278 review convinced me to get a beamspring, a 5251 in dire need of restoration and an xwhatsit are in the mail to me. Looking forward to joyous beamspring typing.

[@malikalimoekhamedov2468]

It doesn't get any better than this! Lovely videos. All of them.

[@gillyt629]

Back in the day, I worked at a bank with an IBM System/36 that had many of these terminals. We replaced them with IBM P/C's and clones with an ISA board installed that allowed the P/C to emulate the 5251 terminals. We threw away so many of these terminals, that it breaks my heart to know that they would someday be so valuable. These terminals where really a joy to work on because they were, as you have demonstrated, so tough. Thank you so much for this peek into IBM's colorful history. Keep up the good work! By the way I actually kept a model F keyboard from an IBM XT that is in mint condition. Cheers...

[@RaymondHng]

I was working in a hospital in 1999 where we were chucking hundreds of Model M keyboards into the dumpster.

[@ashurgeorge4604]

What a treasure... and that easy USB conversion is a dream come true. I'll keep my eyes peeled for one of these unicorns in the wild. Great upload Chyrosran22 !

[@Jerry_from_analytics]

Get this man a Space-cadet keyboard to review please.

[@NautsuJJR]

your wish has come true

[@gerrytemple5044]

Damn I LOVE this (enhanced) sound! And what a beauty it is. Thank you for this channel - brilliant job mate!

[@tuftman6092]

Wow! It sounds amazing. I really like the sound without the solenoid.

[@pkrail]

I remember well these keyboards back in the day. I honestly cannot remember one ever failing and needing service or replacement, ever. THey were solid heavy and indestructible much like the old telephones back then..It was also basically the same mechanism that was in the IBM keypunch.... A huge disappointment was when the new lighter plastic bodies came out,, while the keys themselves were essentially similar, the feel was gone.

[@erehttuo6994]

"And the case itself is basically the Iron Throne" That line made me subscribe to you.

[@jkalin196511]

When the solenoid is on, it reminds a little bit of Selectric II or III, but not as loud. Cool keyboard!

[@MiguelFarah]

Excellent video! Thanks for sharing it. ... now I want one of those as well. I have to wonder how many, if at all, made it down here back in the day.

[@CaptainFabulous84]

I just bought one of these. So excited!

[@NigelMontezuma]

If you REALLY want to make it sound like a typewriter: 1. Don't hit the solenoid when you press the spacebar. 2. Induce a 1-second delay to the solenoid after you press the Enter key 3. Hit the solenoid more than once per keypress on the Backspace or Delete key 4. Keep hitting the solenoid when you hold down any of the alphanumeric keys for more than 0.5 seconds.

[@TrebleWoofer1]

wonderful review as always! My GOD that sound is savory! :)

[@DavidWonn]

Having worked with AS/400s with their 122-key terminal keyboards, I now see how this particular keyboard inspired both the Model F and the 122-key layouts with their 24 function keys above. I’ve since acquired clones of the 122-key layout with PS/2 connectors, but this looks and sounds awesome in its own right.

[@MikeHoltackers]

Thomas... Thanks for introducing me to vintage keyboards via this channell! Just got my first vintage one: dell at101 old logo (2nd generation, made by silitec)

[@Chyrosran22]

Ah, the model 97? That's a nice keyboard :) .

[@MikeHoltackers]

Yepm that one :) I use it at work, and myt colleagues LOVE it

[@Lululemon2023]

Fantastic product! Fantastic review!

[@MonochromaticYukari]

I just keep replaying the typing demonstration with the solenoid on. There's something about it that makes me just have a really wide smile.

[@vgbondarev]

For anyone wondering, you can buy keycaps that resemble these very closely, but with MX compatibility. Drop MT3 Susuwatari, if you're interested.

[@wisteela]

Superb video. I love your style. Subscribed. I'm currently in the process of acquiring one of these terminals, which I plan to get connected to a suitable computer. Hopefully I can also get a spare keyboard for conversion.

[@greyareaRK1]

Fucking gorgeous keyboard. And those keycaps - good thing I was already sitting down.

[@Michael-pg7rv]

What a beautiful piece of technology. This belongs in a museum behind glass lol.

[@IDontKnow-pf6en]

this brings back good memories.

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

Those bezels are looking a little slim. ;) also, congrats on getting the dream board!

[@husnainanwaar1992]

You're is best review channel on KZbin...

[@Karthig1987]

Nice video. Glad someone linked me to it. wanna get a model f and a model m someday just to try them out

[@JanKamilRembisch]

Thank you for a great video!

[@dhoffnun]

*N O I C E*

[@batchout]

Oh those keycaps are divine!

[@FukUrselfHard]

"The whole physical installation is 09:05 " - Chyrosan22

[@Spearra]

God I can't wait for Kono to finally release the "Keystone" keyboard and the Beam Springs to go along with them! Throw on some SA caps and BOOM, reliving the good old days of keyboards! Now whether or not it lives up to that, I guess we'll see in early 2020 once they start shipping them out.

[@mr.ethings1545]

that case is beautiful especially when paired with the original monitor!

[@bird718]

that keyboard makes amazing typing sounds

[@lettuce7378]

like how you used the B, F, and M keycaps for the switch demo

[@yellowchino3883]

This is the perfect keyboard for discord calls and no one can tell me otherwise.

[@gamecritic5500]

You should do voiceovers on shows and stuff. You’d make millions. I’ve never heard a voice like yours.

[@paulwary]

Yes the HAL 9000 should have his voice. Or the time signal ... "at the third stroke, it will be nine fifteen and twenty seconds ... beep beep beep"

[@Ferrichrome]

HOLY crap. That's all I can say. And I thought the model M was hardcore. This thing just takes it to another level.

[@mx_nana_banana]

With the solenoids on, this is the best sounding keyboard ever

[@jintaejoo]

I love the sound!

[@Neightr0]

I'm not sure if this has been said already, but it would be so neat to be able to buy mechanical switch keychains like the ones in the videos! (Maybe just not rare switches that are no longer produced like the beam spring.) Imagine mechanical switches becoming the hot new fidget toy.

[@SilentJoNn]

hello have you made a video about the romer g switches? if not are you gonna make one? :p

[@UberMassiveGaming]

You can install your own solenoid into qmk compatible keyboards now! The circuit is super simple and the parts cost under $10.

[@kellandrasue]

How can I add a solenoid to a modern keyboard? Such as a gmmk pro or some generic Amazon pos?

[@Maxi23543]

Hi chyrosran. I recently found out that model f labs is making a new beam spring but soon after that I found out that there is anouther modern beamspring being made by keystone and I was wondering whitch one would you recomend me to wait for?

[@marcoguilherme2477]

Não vejo a hora de comprar meu 5251!

[@artman40]

I'd love to see full-sized variation of this although it's unlikely to happen. I wonder if multiple solenoids would fix the solenoid activation problem so if you'd press keys very fast, another solenoid would activate if the first one is in use.

[@Chyrosran22]

The big problem with the solenoid is really that it causes chattering if you set the delay to too short. Although this is speculation at this point, I suspect it might be because the jackhammering causes a change in capacitance with pressed keys - the assembly is extremely sensitive after all.

[@Willibef]

No solenoid needed, typing without it sounds extremely pleasing.

[@gregd6022]

Wow, HAL is posting videos!

[@chill_pop3385]

why does tping with the solenoid on sounds like a bb gun or paintball gun?

[@danieljones6940]

The download link for the layout file doesn't seem to work anymore, do you have a different link? Thank you!

[@dryoldcrabman6890]

Can you upload your layout file again? And what did you replace your insulation mat with?

[@Kyle-pj2vc]

This looks amazing, now I want to own one.

[@RaymondHng]

$3,000 on eBay.

[@DrowningInTea]

Hi Thomas, where do you get the key rings at 2:28? I really want these keyrings.

[@pkluv3085]

thinking of picking one of these up, does it have via support?

[@intel386DX]

amazing keyboard! thanks for the review ! :)))

[@purpleravenstar]

Bought an IBM Model F a month ago, now I wonder how the F got its layout from.

[@hanakomisa]

Looks like this keyboard + Solenoid on would be a good alarm for me

[@qubex]

I have a working 5251 terminal and I’ve been wanting to convert it for use as a serial console for ages. Anybody have any idea?

[@Snack-Break]

That spacebar rattle...pog.

[@andresgallego5727]

Is there any modern solenoid keyboard?

[@TheStewieOne]

I didn't know that you space with the index finger. Glad that I'm not the only one.

[@off_on_one]

Man, I need one of these for english class... everyone already hates that I use a laptop to type, this would make it so much better!

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

So beam spring is the intact you know where, and buckling spring is the mutilated version? (Trying to keep my comment clean, pls tell me if too unclean) Is there no way to add a solenoid to an M?

[@Y0KAl]

are there any modern keyboards that use beamspring-like switches? they just sound so cool and nothing like cherry style switches.

[@maxtwentynine5968]

nice .will this work on mac os ? is the software compatible ?

[@cjmegatron81]

Can you upload the layout file again?

[@kenk4158]

I feel like you could get pretty close to this sound with SA keycaps and the right switch. Maybe box royals? Am I crazy?

[@andybullis1140]

You've pre-ordered your Keystone Analog Mechanical Keyboard with Silo Beam Switches, right?

[@deviljelly3]

The 3279 did graphics... A mainframe terminal back ported to the System/38 AS/400 The software api for graphics was called GDDM... It was a bloody horror... I used to write to it... When I was 18... Wasted teen years

[@deviljelly3]

This brings back memories... Were you aware they did a double unit... Two terminals back to back in a single case... It weighed a literal ton...

[@hazzula]

sounds like making popcorn when the solenoid is off

[@frustin]

hello support i have a problem... Support: have you tried pressing "Field Exit"?

[@bakakafka4428]

What current keycap profile would closest match these vintage keycaps? SA, MT3, ASA....?

[@robbinhasseltof4428]

SA looks close with the size and position of the legends

[@technojellybeans]

those keycaps are delicious

[@Press1ToParty]

The sound of those keys is pure music

[@violentinstincts]

does it also have the issue where too rapid keypresses are not recognized? also, how much did you get this thing for? yet again 50p from your recycling center?

[@Chyrosran22]

That issue is completely dependent on the setting of the solenoid. If you switch it off altogether, the issue disappears.

[@Malagon194]

I have an f107 with a clicker and when i map one of the keys to Exp. Toggle and click it it only makes the beeper go crazy lol. Anyone happen to know how i can made it toggle the clicker on and off?

[@Chyrosran22]

Luis Ortiz you can turn down the volume ;) .

[@denvera1g1]

After seeing the ebay prices for these, i cant beleive we thew out 3 check typing machines with these keyboards, with functional solenoids in 2 of them, or maybe the 3rd one was turned off

[@jebclarianes5419]

Where can I find these type of keycap nowadays? Those are killer looking and im not sure if its SA profile or even higher profile. Please enlighten me. Thank you

[@thethriftyfawn]

If you know of anyone throwing away a broken IBM selectric typewriter, perhaps the keys could be harvested?

[@robtop9528]

When is the new postal game coming out

[@zendorphan]

That's beautiful.

[@gavincurtis]

So the solenoid was the training wheel from transition of typewriter to computer terminal? Learn something new every day. Knowing IBM, I bet they had a delay circuit for the relay to match the Selectric typewriter's mechanisms delay. It sounded like it in the demo.

[@RaymondHng]

These 5251 terminals were used in data processing environments where a data entry operator was rapidly touch typing while reading the source documents, not looking at the screen. It's called "heads-down data entry" in industry parlance. But whenever the operator pressed the wrong key, the computer will lock the keyboard by turning off the solenoid. Not hearing the solenoid clicking when typing keys is the audio cue for the operator to look at the screen to see the nature of the error, press the key (located left of the space bar), and continue typing with the correct key.

[@tc227]

Another beam spring! YES!!!

[@olivergaskell5201]

Pretty sure MT3 Susuwatari keycaps were based on this keyboard, if you want a modern version

[@outtheredude]

Woah. This breadbox like beast with the solenoid off is like you're mightily crushing beer cans with each key press. :-O

[@oliharding]

Only nine of the apple keyboards? those are rookie numbers, anything under 16 is lightweight imho /s

[@TommyFenstermacher5150]

It seems that the Chyron Aircraft Carrier is more your type of board, then.

[@kerc]

I learned to program using this keyboard, on a System/36.

[@deviljelly3]

The 5251 connected over a cabling system called twinax... It ran at 70 volts and a bunch of amps ... Ours was badly grounded... Shocked multiple times

[@AvroBellow]

LOL I love this keyboard!