IBM 5251 keyboard review (beamsprings)

[@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?

[@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

[@flumiie]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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!

[@Avalon1489]

That keyboard is gorgeous.

[@glared]

Avalon goddess of keyboards forever

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jerry_from_analytics]

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

[@NautsuJJR]

your wish has come true

[@erehttuo6994]

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

[@malik.alimoekhamedov]

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

[@tuftman6092]

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

[@vgbondarev]

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

[@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.

[@jkalin196511]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 !

[@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.

[@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.

[@CaptainFabulous84]

I just bought one of these. So excited!

[@FukUrselfHard]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@dhoffnun]

*N O I C E*

[@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

[@techmouse.]

Also, holy crap! 15:18 Why don't any of these keyboard enthusiasts know what home row is??

[@gerrytemple5044]

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

[@Michael-pg7rv]

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

[@UberMassiveGaming]

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

[@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"

[@theq4602]

This thing is so heavy you need a CWP just to carry it around the office.

[@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.

[@bird718]

that keyboard makes amazing typing sounds

[@Willibef]

No solenoid needed, typing without it sounds extremely pleasing.

[@IDontKnow-pf6en]

this brings back good memories.

[@technojellybeans]

those keycaps are delicious

[@batchout]

Oh those keycaps are divine!

[@greyareaRK1]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@yellowchino3883]

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

[@gunks_getaway]

Too bad, that with all of the popularity of these old keyboards, that no one makes replicas. I know Unicomp has the M and F, but These old "terminal" style keyboards are much more unique. Would be a great addition to a reading den with a computer...

[@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.

[@husnainanwaar1992]

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

[@mx_nana_banana]

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

[@Doty6String]

Back when they used to build shit right. This thing is absurdly overbuilt, that solenoid is absolutely over the top.

[@TrebleWoofer1]

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

[@PhilipAlexanderHassialis]

"It's insanely smooth... and it's not even lubed". Aha.

[@ForgotMyOrange]

That's what she said

[@tashagodspell]

8:06 "unscrew the ground" my dumbass *looks down* holy shit...

[@mr.ethings1545]

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

[@legendarylinc0762]

The solenoid makes it sound like a gun firing

[@Press1ToParty]

The sound of those keys is pure music

[@hanakomisa]

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

[@JanKamilRembisch]

Thank you for a great video!

[@TheStewieOne]

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

[@InvidiousIgnoramus]

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

[@Snack-Break]

That spacebar rattle...pog.

[@marcoguilherme2477]

Não vejo a hora de comprar meu 5251!

[@radioactivehalfrhyme]

Without the solenoid, it sounds a little like a wonky percussion instrument from a Frank Zappa album.

[@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

[@Lululemon2023]

Fantastic product! Fantastic review!

[@alpzepta]

IBM = Intelligent and Best Machine

[@Turbo_TechnoLogic]

This is the keyboard equivalent of sandals with socks. Imagine someone working with this in a crowded office.

[@ellenorbjornsdottir1166]

Bass James May?

[@Jezee213]

wow, your voice is like a marshmallow made of silk!!!

[@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.

[@nathanlamaire]

11:15 "If anyone could survive without 'delete' key" This is the case for one of my friend, who always press right arrow key and backspace every time, it's so infuriating.

[@hazzula]

sounds like making popcorn when the solenoid is off

[@Karthig1987]

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

[@kerc]

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

[@MrGreenCheddar]

I am curious what is the price range on something like that? You don't have to say what you paid but, what is the high and low price on obtaining and converting it? Awesome videos, totally thumb up every one, and have subbed for quite a good while now.

[@Chyrosran22]

Prices on these have soared recently, they tend to go for hundreds of dollars nowadays.

[@MrGreenCheddar]

Well that board is absolutely dead sexy. It truly is a beautiful piece of history. Congrats on acquiring that gem.

[@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!

[@JustEpik]

Let's not tell this guy that tofu60 with lubed glorious holy pandas exists

[@deviljelly3]

It also came with a slightly larger and heavier case goo.gl/images/e6rmAK I spent thousands of hours on this board as a kid... It was lovely... I didn't appreciate back then that I was working on the pinnacle of keyboard technology

[@HeadShotKilla10]

those alphas sound amazing without the solenoid but dam that space bar is awful IMO

[@stroggosaw299]

7:55 Barely an inconvenience.

[@gregd6022]

Wow, HAL is posting videos!

[@Kyle-pj2vc]

This looks amazing, now I want to own one.

[@RaymondHng]

$3,000 on eBay.

[@thethriftyfawn]

I want one of these!!! 😍😍😍

[@tc227]

Another beam spring! YES!!!

[@lettuce7378]

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

[@arsnakehert]

My god, what an absolutely sexy keyboard. I've actually fitted my little mechanical keyboard with keycaps shaped like those, I love that green phosphor monitor-era aesthetic even though I was born already in the age of Windows 3.1 and the like.

[@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.

[@AM1N4L]

This is one beautiful board. edit: How much did it cost?

[@ryanchung5079]

AMINAL you can get one with the original pc for like 2k

[@y11971alex]

These things go for around $400 in their original state and in excess of $600 when xwhatsit converted.

[@Crazyollie123]

that is if you can find one though

[@matthewpalmer9820]

y11971alex I just paid 140 for one. Consider me lucky.

[@josephphillips865]

Really good price.

[@TexDrinkwater]

What is this using the spacebar with your first finger rather than your thumb nonsense?

[@MickehPuppeh]

My God, what a find. Where did you get it, and how much did it cost? I don't know if I could ever get used to the insane height of this thing, but man, would I still like to own one.

[@Chyrosran22]

Don't worry, it wasn't a recycling centre find :p .

[@SockyNoob]

I'm not sure if you know this, but there's a company that is making new IBM Model F keyboards. Limited production run. The site is literally "Brand New Model F Keyboards". If only Unicomp and this site teamed up and kept on making them.

[@Chyrosran22]

Yeah, that's Ellipse. I really admire him for the effort he's making, but I already have several Models F, and I'm not into the whole space-saving thing.

[@purpleravenstar]

Socky Noob I sure damn wish they did (Unicomp is like 1.5 hours driving from my house), but they are a small-shop operation nowadays, so procuring new equipment, tools, moulds/dies and labourers as well as MRO will be a tough call :(

[@aleksandersats9577]

our school has that and it's only for display sadly

[@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...

[@danieljones6940]

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

[@techmouse.]

As a cherry blue user, the solenoid seems like a straight upgrade. I was working on a similar concept. But I'm an american so my version of this solenoid idea was to mod a keyboard so it would fire a gun at every key press. *BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG* "Oh, daddy must be replying to somebody on youtube again."

[@johnbreaker3874]

If i'm typing this keyboard, no one gonna sleep well.

[@KangoV]

I used to use those terminals. They were affectionately known as Russian Fridges!

[@andresgallego5727]

Is there any modern solenoid keyboard?