Model M keyboard from 1986. I got it working on my modern PC!

[@sharktastica]

Admiral Shark here! Thank you for your kind words, I'm glad my site's content was helpful! It always means a lot to hear my work has helped someone.

[@VeronicaExplains]

Oh my wow, thank you for the awesome site! It really is helpful and I highly recommend it!!

[@FernandoFischer6048]

​@@VeronicaExplains my apologies I was zapping on the 24 minute video, I guess I mised those three seconds you were typing! :)

[@bsadewitz]

Your site has been an invaluable repository of information for me as well, and it's aesthetically pleasing to boot. I don't know of another with such an exhaustive catalogue of models. Thanks.

[@sharktastica]

@@VeronicaExplains Thank you! :)

[@sharktastica]

@@bsadewitz Thank you for your kind words, glad you liked it!

[@mxg75]

The “Open Apple” terminology comes from the Apple II line, where there were “open apple” (an outline of the logo) and “closed apple” (filled in logo) modifier keys. Some early ADB keyboard are used on both Macs and the IIGS, so had both symbols. The Apple key got replaced with the knot Command symbol on the Mac 128k. Steve Jobs saw an Apple logo as part of every keyboard shortcut listed in the menu, declared “We’re using the Apple logo in vain,” and had Susan Kare come up with an alternative. She found the ⌘ symbol in an international symbol dictionary. It comes from Sweden, where it’s used on road signs and maps to mark a point of interest or a campground.

[@WarrenPostma]

I did not know that. I never knew what the heck that ⌘ glyph was for. I mean I know it means "Command" but it's a dumb/unexplained bit of Mac cult.

[@blufudgecrispyrice8528]

That's pretty cool.

[@kdietz65]

The ironic thing about this is back in the day, when I owned and used an IBM XT, PC magazines of the time had numerous advertisements and reviews of alternate keyboards. Not everyone liked the original keyboard at the time. Now they are nostalgic and in demand. It's a little bit like old camera lenses that had various optical flaws, reviled by their owners at the time, but now sought after to recreate and remember the "character" of the old lenses.

[@mrz80]

I never was much of a fan of the Model M, tho I had at one time accumulated a hefty stash of 'em from dumpster-diving at work. I like a bit less resistance when I type, and my wife hated the noise (an issue when you're up half the night trying to fix stuff at work from your desk at home!) I've managed to build up a healthy stock of later membrane IBM 'boards, some ps/2 and some USB, which should last me 'til I run down the curtain and join the Choir Invisible.

[@WarrenPostma]

Back in the day PC Magazine and PC Shopper gushed over the NorthGate keyboard which took the IBM PC and AT keyboard layouts and basically combined them giving you a bunch of keys where the XT function keys were (far left) as well as the row of function keys at the top. They gushed over it's utility and the fact that it had just MORE keys. I think they had Macro capability on these extra keys. There are gaming keyboards in the modern era that to me seem like descendants of the Northgate OmniKey keyboard. If I could find a nice working OmniKey at a good price, I'd jump on it, for the pure nostalgia. I had one back in the day.

[@kc7klz]

Now this video brings me back memories from one of my past lives. I was a desktop support technician in the mid-90's. I made side money picking up old keyboards from the thrift shops, rebuilding them and reselling them. I could buy them for about $5.00, and after doing a full refurbish, I would sell them for between $30 to 60. I did a lot of the old IBM spring keyboards. I loved typing on them.

[@boo_1096]

Love the editing in this video, the new intro rocks aswell!

[@davidbunnell2912]

At least 10 years ago I bought three Model M keyboards on eBay™ with two as backups for when the first one wears out. Still on the first one. My last computer had a PS/2 port, so I had to get the Soarer's Converter for my new machine; I had yet to do any remapping, instead relying on software remapping on my dual boot system. Using your explanation, I've now got an operational super key for Windows. For those of you who don't use many keyboard shortcuts, Windows does not allow some of those keyboard shortcuts with a software remapped key. Now I have my Windows Super Key shortcuts back! Thank you, Veronica! A note for Windows users: All the steps here worked except the .\scwr command for me I got this: scwr v1.10 scwr: looking for Soarer's Converter: found scwr: reading file: failed too short Instead, I just dragged the .sc file onto the scaswr.bat file found in the tools folder in the Windows Version of the tool. The .bat file converts your script into binary and uploads it to the Soarers Converter in one go.

[@ringo8410]

I don't have any words of wisdom about your keyboard; I just want to say how cool it is that you found a Model M! My Dad had an IBM computer (not an AT) in the mid '80s and we had a keyboard just like that. Awesome channel!

[@hackersarchangel]

I love how you cite your sources in the correct format by including the date and stuff. Very cool. I happen to have two PS/2 models M’s. One made in May 1987 and the other made in 1992/1993. I use one and have been keeping the other as spare parts, but now I may try and offload one so I can spring (punny) for a Unicomp version. I can’t imagine it would be substantially different.

[@VeronicaExplains]

That's a great pun. And some folks say the Unicomp ones are very different, others disagree. Totally depends on your perspective and comparison, I suppose. I'm no expert, but my understanding (could be wrong) is that Unicomp's designs are based around the later models, which are different from the early ones. Lighter, different key feel, etc. Again, I might be wrong- sources are *highly opinionated* and I tend to just say "use what you like". What I like about my Unicomp is the super/menu keys and the USB. Keyfeel is similar, although this IBM Model M certainly feels like I'm pushing "less hard" to actuate a keystroke (although not significantly less).

[@captainpondscum]

@@VeronicaExplains I have both. The Unicomp ones have an all-in-one keycap/stem. You can't swap the keycaps the way you demoed in the video, and I don't think the sound is quite the same, but the feel is nice! P.S. This was the first video of yours I found, and I very much enjoyed it! So cool that you're doing COBOL. Very few people know where the 80 column limit came from-one Python job I had enforced the PEP-8 style, which limits line length to 80 characters, and when I joked that we were writing punchcard-compliant code, I just got blank stares!

[@mgsp5871]

The Unicomp i bought is now dead after 3 years. Some of the scanlines seem to be broken. It had the same feeling but the mechanical quality is not the same as the original. So i am back on the original M without extra keys. I have 2 M's and i hope i can use at least one of them until my retirement.

[@xb0xisbetter]

I hope the 87 one is the daily driver. There's no reason to sell an original to get a Unicomp if there's nothing wrong with it. They are most like the later Model Ms because Unicomp was founded by former IBM employees and were manufacturing Model Ms for IBM after they stopped making them themselves and sold their tooling to Unicomp.

[@mccuba48]

Bought one back in the nineties in CompUSA for 99 dollars... and rescued some from my old job that were going to the trash. Still in use today daily.

[@gravitationalslipstream]

One of the better Model M videos on KZbin. An early 1987 model #1391401 is my daily driver, it's a great keyboard and sees more use than other Model Ms and even a couple vintage Model Fs I own (not to mention, a hundred generic mechanical keyboards). This is a nice video for people new to the Model M world. Thanks for posting!

[@argvminusone]

Pretty amazing that a 38-year-old keyboard still works. Your average '00s keyboard didn't last that long.

[@solomonthatcher7247]

Just found your channel recently, and I love the videos! I just bought a Unicomp Model M a few days ago, and am so excited to see it arrive. Can't wait to see more videos in the near future!

[@murgerowitz]

30 years in Tech here and like literally - is there anything Veronica can't explain? Love the work girl.

[@FlukasMcDoogle]

I loved the Model M! I want a clicky keyboard, I'm not interested in the M or restoring one personally, but I appreciate people like you and others keeping good old still useful tech like this alive. Great video! And nice work!!! This is like a walk down memory lane. Thanks for the nostalgia trip, and Rock on, Veronica!!

[@ranman1959]

I worked on IBM mainframes for decades. I had a few of these over the years; I think I finally got rid of the last one a few years ago. I believe these keyboards were very similar to the ones supplied with the old 3278 and 3279 terminals, at least as regards to the actual build quality. I wrote a lot of COBOL code back in the '70s & '80s!

[@mrz80]

I dunno about the comparison to the 327x keyboards. I never had to do the "pick it up a foot or so and drop it" repair (keys on the 327x keyboards would get stuck if the keyboard got dirty or had something spilled on it, and picking it up and dropping it would invariably unstick the stuck keys) with a Model M.

[@bringyourownbrilliance4353]

I discovered your channel today. I love your content! Best wishes to You, for continued success! From London, Ontario, Canada.

[@patrickallen2998]

Well, I mean, just one year after the release of the original Model M keyboard (which was designed mostly for their mainframes), IBM made a consumer model. This one used a simple PS/2 connector. You just need a PS/2 adaptor to make that one function if you don't have the PS/2 connector on your PC. Costs about five dollars on Amazon for one. Some people say the PS/2 model isn't as heavy as the original model and isn't QUITE as tactile, but they still used the exact same keyboard layout and the same Buckling Springs trigger mechanism for the keypresses. I would say for simplicities' sake, if you just want a great keyboard, this is the model you should get because one adaptor and barely any computer knowledge and you can just plug and play. I would only get the first model of the M keyboard if you're really a collector and are willing to do a bit more work to get it running on your computer. The first gen model M can cost upwards of 60 - 75 dollars more per keyboard just for the collectability of it. Also, Lexmark made several iterations of the Model M in the '90s, and they are almost just as good as the original PS/2 model because they got the design directly from IBM. You might even prefer these as they are not almost five pound keyboards like the original, they are more like 3 lbs and still sturdy and amazing clickers. Today, a company called Unicomp (spun off of Lexmark) actually makes a Model M keyboard that works over USB and the reviews have been quite good. I have never used one of these, but again, they use the exact same swooping keyboard layout and the Buckling Springs trigger mechanism (which is still rated to over 50 million activations per key!). And bonus is that these keyboards are easy to plug and go, and will only cost 45 or 50 dollars instead of over 100 dollars for an IBM or Lexmark Model M. So honestly, there are lots of great ways to try out a Model M keyboard for yourself and see what the hype is all about. The legacy lives on today as they're still making version of the M with the exact same layout and function in 2023.

[@rudelchw]

I first used one of these keyboards back on 1989, when the company I worked for got me a new PS/2 Model 70 (top of the line, with an 8514/A graphics card for a whooping 1024 x 768 resolution :) ... I kept that keyboard for many many years, carrying it on to the newer PCs that the company used over the years, no newere keyboard was better and the windows key didn't meant much to me. When I retired, I did so with that keeyboard among my stuff, and used it for many more years on my home PC, until recently, when motherboards dispensed with the PS/2 interface .. it was really durable, lasting in constant use for over 25 years. Love your channel btw. Cheers!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you so much!

[@TradieTrev]

You're so agnostic, potent and to the point! Probably one of my favorite linux channels, hat's off my dear.

[@ericcacciatoribellini7772]

your content arrived in Brazil and hit me hard. thank you so much for these wonderful videos.

[@hermask815]

The only Keyboard to fight off zombies in the apocalypse.

[@vitajazz]

I actually have a Lexmark model M buckling spring keyboard with the two Windows keys on a PS/2 connector. It has always been my favourite keyboard. Only a few weeks ago I discovered that this was a collectible item, even though I'd picked it up at Goodwill for $2. Thank you for telling us the fascinating background to this classic.

[@bsadewitz]

Believe it or not, those are the *worst* of all the IBM buckling spring keyboards in terms of build quality. And by that I mean, of course, that they're excellent. 😂

[@bsadewitz]

Pretty sweet that you got like a 98% discount, haha.

[@bsadewitz]

The model Ms from the 1980s are significantly more robust--some have steel backplates, IIRC, or at least considerably thicker plastic. The IBM 4704 banking terminal keyboard's body is thick CAST ZINC.

[@xb0xisbetter]

@@bsadewitz I don't think anything held together with plastic rivets has good build quality. I have a few 4704s, mostly repros.

[@bsadewitz]

@@xb0xisbetter Why not? They don't become a point of failure until they start disintegrating. Plus, you're comparing them to a keyboard made of cast zinc alloy. How many of those are there, one? Not everyone has $500 per keyboard to spend. My father ran a business with a large warehouse years ago, and they had all model M keyboards at every terminal as well as their desktop PCs. He never mentioned the slightest bit of trouble with them.

[@TomasGregovich]

How did I not find this channel earlier, this is my favorite kind of content. Awesome stuff!

[@TheShannonagains]

Awesome video; the first Christmas present my wife got me back when we were dating was an old model m that was sitting in a run down shack on her property. It was disgustingly corroded but she knew that I had wanted it. It was unfortunately not functioning, but after some tinkering and exploration, I managed to use some parts from a rubber dome model m to repair it and then bolt mod them together. I love it so much! Can't say how a bolt mod feels in comparison, but it helped in the teardown.

[@livvy94]

Hearing someone refer to the command key as the Open-Apple key unlocked a whole bunch of memories! I remember teaching my fourth grade friends what copy and paste was, and them chanting "Open-Apple X, Open-Apple C, Open-Apple V, V, V!" like a rap song 😂 must have been around 2004. The school had a room crammed with Bondi blue iMacs loaded up with the At Ease launcher (to stop people like me from missing with the settings... I used to get around it anyway 😅) and a bunch of edutainment games!

[@VeronicaExplains]

I always snap back to computer lab with the Apple II, learning how to type on some Word Processor, and the teacher talking repeatedly saying "Open-Apple-S will save to disk" to all of the kids. In my mind it'll just always be "Open-Apple" and not Command. :)

[@kevinchastain727]

Love this channel, have learned some things I never heard on other sites. I will now have to do this with my old IBM key board just because it can be done. I was told that COBOL and Fortran was still used because of the accuracy of the mathematical computation that is necessary in things like aerospace and banking, where even a small rounding of numbers will become a big problem.

[@mrz80]

The bean-counters love having their software in COBOL on IBM mainframes because the S/360 and its descendants have BCD math capabilities in hardware, so you didn't suffer the uncertainties of converting your dollars and cents into floating point binary.

[@moriendus]

I had one of these keyboards growing up and your channel makes me nostalgic.

[@meowcula]

Your videos just keep getting better.

[@tvsmed]

Finally you're back! This is not just about the writing experience. But also that look! and that clicky sound. Sure the Unicomp is a good keyboard, it just doesn't sound right. The model M was the first keyboard I ever used, on THE AT and then ps2. I still miss that keyboard. It was is the definition of the PC keyboard. I wonder how much impact the IBM typewriters had on the design. Those typewriters had marvelous keyboards. Thank you for another great video. ❤️

[@eduardpopescu9109]

yes, this bring back memories indeed...

[@brianhonaker]

I also have a Model M and retired it because the active adapter I was using needed to be unplugged and re-plugged every time I rebooted the PC. Thanks for the new adapter. Time to drag it back out for my Raspberry Pi!!

[@mikebrophy]

Yellow card - minus 10 points for not using the phrase "kitty wampus" once in the video! 😉 Seriously though, great video. I used the Model M for years and a few years ago got the Unicomp as a holiday gift and love it, except my aging fingers and arthritis didn't like the keyforce required after a while and I've settled on shallow Cherry Blues which are fantastic. But I'll always have fond memories of the Model M. Also, the Model M is not open work environment friendly, but perfect for a private office/at home alone.

[@tibbydudeza]

I once worked on the original IBM PC AT with Model M keyboard - now use a Logitech G series mechanical keyboard - love the clack but at work for courtesy to my colleagues is a MS Keyboard.

[@spiffyleek5220]

That intro was sooo sick let alone the entire editing on the vid

[@ArthurDent75]

Your t-shirt is absolutely brilliant! Love it!

[@wmgreenleaf5671]

Great video, go ahead with the modifications when you rebuild this keyboard ! Always enjoy your content.

[@matthouben4242]

Your statements at the end about legacy software is spot on. Programmers of Cobol, Fortran and even Assembly language will not be out of work soon.

[@esra_erimez]

My dad bought 2 Model M keyboards in the early 2000s before they were cool. He put APL keycaps on one of them. It is a geeky coolness at a whole other level.

[@bsadewitz]

And Model M keyboards were ALWAYS cool. ;-) My dad was in charge of a branch office of a company that used all IBM hardware (like the desktops, and also an AS/400 with terminals all over the place). They had a huge bin in their warehouse with PILES of extra model M keyboards in it (because they just don't die). Everyone in our house had one. That bin would probably be worth easily $10,000 now. Believe it or not, the model M was actually IBM going all "cheapo" back in the day. Seriously. They were designed with cost savings in mind over the model F. The IBM 4704 banking terminal keyboard from the 80s had a body of CAST ZINC. And the buckling spring mechanism was itself designed as a less costly substitute for "beam springs", which is what they used in the 70s into the early 80s prior to the introduction of the PC for their mainframe terminals, etc. deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=16725 www.ibm.com/ibm/history/exhibits/vintage/images/overlay/4506VV4024.jpg LOOK AT THAT BEAST!

[@booboo699254]

You can still order the APL keycap set from Unicomp :)

[@mrz80]

Lord does that take me back! My dad was compulsive about APL, to the point of equipping one of his early PCs with the STSC APL interpreter that came with a character set ROM for the MDA.

[@Dokkalfar-eh3sk]

definitively, I love this video, I came here because I had the curiosity on whay if I use a model m, or any classic ibm keyboard without a power key, not the answer I waited, but Much better on what I thought

[@robertobissanti]

Awesome t-shirt!!! The Ethernet colors cables mapping for me is like as a nursery rhyme.

[@ThatOneGirlThatPlays]

286 was my first pc too! Even in the school pc lab. I’m watching this to get to know my old keyboard better.

[@catherineholloway5550]

I am a 90s kid and used a hand-me-down model m keyboard with a hand-me-down 386. I had no idea that the hardware I thought was lame because it was old had so much cachet until I showed photos of my childhood bedroom to my keyboard enthusiast coworkers.

[@srmillsap]

Love this video, it has all the snark and I am here for it!

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you!!!

[@enderbrine3000]

I have bolt modded several model Ms. It’s honestly preference. For model Ms with some of the plastic rivets falling off, the key feel is lighter and sounds hollower than when the rivets are tight and intact. When you bolt mod, you can sometimes tighten more than the rivets ever did, making the key feel even firmer than it ever did. It’s all preference really.

[@fedoraguy5252]

I use to work at a UPMC hospital and we had a storage area with old model m keyboards with stickers just like that on the keys. It was used with some old word processing software that they used to check people into the ER.

[@NachtmahrNebenan]

The classic keyboard really brings a satisfying experience of its own. But it also could test the relationship with your partner 😄

[@captainpondscum]

Oh yes. That's why I have two keyboards at my desk! 😂

[@mauriciorosales1259]

I have two similar ones in my office, one with a PS2 connector and one with an AT connector. This makes me want to get it working. It feels so satisfying!!!

[@W1ldTangent]

I have a ThinkPad T430 that I've modded with the Tx00/Tx10/Tx20 keyboard, including reflashing the EC firmware to properly map it. Best mod ever, nothing beats a 7-row keyboard!

[@danielho5635]

I've used many many keyboards over the years including: original IBM PC, PC/AT (Model M), Northgate OmniKey, Gateway AnyKey, Dell's SK-8135, etc. etc. My biggest gripe against the Model M is that the spring is way too stiff. Your fingers will get tired in an hour or two of typing ( I type 110 wpm). For me, ergonomics and comfort are my top priorities. I currently like the Kinesis Freestyle2 (rubber dome) and Kinesis Freestyle Pro (Cherry Red Silent). I also switched from QWERTY to Colemak about 10 yrs ago and love it. My all-time favorite keyboard is the one on the IBM 3178-2 terminal. OMG!!! What a dream!!! If you imagine having a keyboard with the lightness and quietness of a rubber dome w/ the tactile feel of a MX-Brown, that would be the keyboard of an IBM 3278-2 terminal. Oh yeah .. my other BIG GRIPE w/ the IBM Model M is how IBM moved the left Control key from above the left shift key to below the shift key. STUPID!!! Curse you IBM.

[@WarrenPostma]

I have very strong fingers and I can type 110-120 wpm for hours without tiring on most buckling spring keyboards. I don't mind rubber dome keyboards if they are well built rubber dome keyboards with a stronger backplate and less flex than the cheap crap.

[@NaNa-kj2gw]

I fished my Model M from the trash at AAA, which I worked for back in 2010. Thoroughly cleaned it. Have been using it at every company I've worked for since, and still going strong.

[@Ben-bf4gn]

NICE, my first exposure to the model M, was on an orginal IBM PC XT that my dad had purchased to work on the disseration for his PhD, (this was back in about 1985 or so).

[@kitrod]

@@Ben-bf4gn An original XT would have come with an even better keyboard, a Model F.

[@clark-r]

Really huge thanks for going through this. Finally got to prodding around on this project for my Model M, and you REALLLY helped. Much appreciated! (:

[@lonewolf31337]

I always enjoy your videos so much. Very informative for the enthusiasts. Thank you

[@johncrunk8038]

How nostalgic. I have my model m from a boat anchor ps/2 server that I rescued from a company I worked at. They were closing down a building and I took a truckload of good stuff. My model m has been diligently serving on my HP Z800 for several years. We shoiuld all work so well after 35 years.

[@floycewhite6991]

IBM Selectric. Pure pleasure. Every key feels different, so you know if your hands are too far left or right.

[@KodiakWoodchuck]

Great video! I use a model m as my daily driver (as a developer) and it's really helped with wrist and finger pain over a membrane keyboard. I think a better keyboard has yet to be invented. On the bolt mod question: Once the rivets deteriorate, which they eventually will, maybe it'll be years (the '92 I use at home has been in service for years without), maybe soon, the keys will get less reliable. The bolt mod permanently fixes this. I don't think it changes the feel much if at all from a properly riveted keyboard that has no broken rivets. You can get new springs on eBay or from unicomp for your end key.

[@jimbrown5518]

Just what I came here to say, There is no reason to do a bolt and nut on a Model M unless the keys become mushy. I have one Model M that needs it and another that doesn't, the difference is unmistakable your Model M will feel unresponsive and the key feel will be like a rubber dome. It is caused by the plastic fasteners breaking and the backplate not being solidly held against the membrane/key assembly.

[@networkdwarf]

Nice video, good memories from those long gone days (age 51 here). Thank you!

[@esaedvik]

Never had one of these myself, IIRC, but a bit before I moved to PCs from a C-64, friend of mine had an IBM XT and the moments we spent smashing that keyboard definitely still bring a tear to my eye. Just seeing the keyb fills me with joy. Remembering games like Where in the world is Carmen Sandiego, alllll the Sierra games, Eye of the Beholder etc. A+ memories.

[@jonaskeepauthor1935]

I had one of those, I loved that thing!

[@Halb_Wert_Zeit]

I just stumbled over your channel. Somuch fun! Thanks.

[@Phil_Goodman]

thank you so much for making this video

[@dylan.t180]

Lovely keyboard thanks for the video really enjoying your uploads

[@rwl0323]

Love the history lesson here! Please do more!

[@oleurgast730]

Actual the best feature of the soarers converter is supporting the terminal keyboards (layer 3 protocol). For normal model M it is a bit of overkill, as the DIN->PS/2 adaper and a PS/2->USB adaper work quite well and are extremly cheap (or still flying around anyways). So if you do not need makros or remapping, that might be the way to go (esp. if not changing the keyboard between different OS or computers). But terminal keyboards are a totaly other world - and sometimes a lot cheaper. I spend about 40€ a few years ago in good condition, while the normal model M already passed the 150€ mark. Soarer's converter was not available as "ready 2 use" solution back than. I had to solder it myself using a Teensy. But it worked perfectly. As I am from germany, many symbols often used are not available on normal keyboards - like the typographicly correct quotation marks. While using word, you can set an option to automaticly replace normal quotation marks by typographicly correct ones for the german language. But sadly, it becomes hard to use the normal quotation marks than (for code f.e.). So with all those extra keys, it was easy to set them to macros, to simply send the alt+keyboard number unicode. So no need to remap anything, as there are a lot of extra function keys. Of course, if you do not have this specific problem, I would still recomend to use terminal keyboards for example for OBS. Just use the extra function keys for switching scenes. Pretty usefull, as you do not need fancy combinations as hotkey, still can use the keybord for normal typing but call scenes without problems by one keystroke. As I used an old version I do not know if there is a function to make use of the unused I/Os, but it would actualy nice to trigger a KMV-switch by the capslock key, to use the keyboard on two computers....

[@thanismurugathas2929]

Wow thank you so much! I was thinking about getting a terminal/RJ45 connector Model M but I was unsure if it works with modern computers. Hopefully a Soarer converter would work as you say!

[@billv4987]

This video really delivered. In uni in the 90s we had an IBM AIX terminal lab with buckling spring keyboards. I cherish the memory of the exquisite keyboard racket caused by a bunch of nerds chatting on IRC.

[@VeronicaExplains]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@mrz80]

What kind of terminals, do you remember? 3151s or 3161s? Or the really ancient 3101s?

[@billv4987]

@@mrz80 I believe they were Xstation 120. In retrospect, a workstation as opposed to a terminal.

[@SixOThree]

I don't have experience with the bolt mod but this keyboard has a "history of use", so in my book it's a candidate for modding. Great video, fun stuff. There are enough of these keyboards in museums. Letting this thing sit unused would be more of a travesty.

[@geografiainfinitului]

I know my comment is too old but I modded 8 Model Ms and I had one model like Veronica's and the barrel plate cracked I found a way to mod that will not crack the barrel plate.

[@kaeptnkrunch9212]

My personal choice, Model M for PC and Extended Keyboard I for Mac. I'm happy with this combo 😊

[@jikissgamer]

This video was excellent, I really enjoyed watching it. You have some very extensive knowledge about these keyboards. On the subject of bolt modding, I would only recommend it if the plastic rivets have broken off. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it since a bolt mod doesn't really affect keyfeel, it's more of a repair.

[@Rothkeen]

Just found your channel. I love your delivery and video editing. You got another sub.

[@DanielAfonso-IT_Consultant]

I do love the feel of model M but your sound test reminded me how much better modern, high-end mechanical boards are at controlling for all the noises that drive everyone around the typist nuts. But, wow, great job cleaning it up. They still look great after all these years.

[@jaycincinnati]

very good, as always. Thank You

[@tintinenen]

thank you straight to the point

[@TheStevenWhiting]

It is the mid 90s, I'm from the UK and in college. I eventually, in about 1994, get onto a computer course. A year later eventually get a 386sx. Some how we end up with a keyboard like this, a clicky one but feels nice. I think nothing of it as I know no better. Years go by and it gets shelved and, sadly, eventually binned. I then have memories of that nice keyboard I had that was a bit clicky. Little did I know it was a sort after keyboard and I'd skipped it :(

[@peachgrush]

Congratulations on getting the Model M! It's an outstanding keyboard. I'm using one myself to type this comment as well :) As far as bolt modding is concerned - I was forced to do it, as my keyboard's membrane got dirty inside and I had to take it apart and clean it thoroughly. And once you open the membrane assembly, there's no way to get it assembled together other than bolt-modding it. However, if all you want is use your keyboard, you'll be completely fine with leaving the original plastic rivets in place. Anyway, you may want to take the outer cover off anyway, as it makes cleaning the keyboard much easier. And really, the Model M sounds and types A LOT better when it's absolutely clean.

[@rhysholdaway]

Ohh. Love the old keyboard. I still use an early PS/2 IBM Model M on my machine.

[@notation254]

This channel is awesome.

[@UpLateGeek]

It was the keyboard that came with the first computer that was mine personally, an IBM PS/2 model 50, so it was interesting to see a "review" from the perspective of someone who also grew up with one. I'm glad I got current my model Ms when I did. I'm even glad I basically paid for it twice because the original one I bought didn't come with a cable. The second one did come with a cable, but was completely dead due to the keyboard controller being dodgy or something, which did make it cheaper. Both were missing key caps and/or stems, so buying the second one was still useful. Perhaps not as cheap as buying the parts separately, but still way cheaper than they go for these days. I used it for probably 6 months before I decided to switch back to a quieter, less heavy board (useful if you have a keyboard drawer that occasionally falls apart right onto your feet). Before that I used a custom Unicomp. The feel and sound wasn't quite as nice as the model M, but it was still pretty good. Being native Colemak was also nice, right up until you start a game and can't do anything until you remap all the keys. I ended up switching back to a quieter keyboard because my ADHD or whatever couldn't handle the noise of the model M. Now I'm using a really awesome Filco with Cherry MX browns, which has bluetooth and can pair with multiple machines so I can quickly switch between my daily driver mac and my windows gaming PC. Honestly I wish I could handle the volume of the model M, but sadly whatever broken part of my brain that couldn't handle it got burnt out from spending too many late nights typing up uni papers. I do like the Soarer's Converter, though. It seems extremely versatile and could probably even solve my problem of using software to switch between QWERTY and Colemak whenever I want to play a game. Probably not so useful now I'm using a wireless keyboard though. 🤔

[@nickchristopoulos9613]

Good one Ronnie! Many thanks, N.C. from sunny Oz land'

[@blevenzon]

Yep I’m getting emotional looking at it, I was 14 programming QBasic on for schools PS/2 my passion for IT was sparked.

[@mcosta3810]

This made me want my old model M keyboard back, even more than I already did! It's easily the best keyboard I've ever typed on.

[@AndrewErwin73]

I am also a vim user. I used to remap caps lock to esc... nowadays, I have the keymaps "kj" and "jk" which = ... so much easier than even caps lock!

[@soldiersvejk2053]

I bought a Unicomp New Model M in early 2021. Had some issue with its USB controller, but was able to get a replacement. Overall a very good keyboard. The only thing is I wish they would have offered a beige color scheme.

[@nicholaslodge2197]

Hi Veronica!!! Just letting you know that I am typing this right now on my Model M!!! The RJ45 to USB converter works amazing with my Alienware Aurora R13!!! LOL

[@VeronicaExplains]

Hurray! I'm glad it worked out! :)

[@eplazai]

I was so lucky to use that Keyboard on an Aptiva 486. I missed so much "that" keystroke sound with the spring totally releasing at the end, is a part of my childhood. Nowadays I have a Keychron K2 with blue-switches (the clicky ones) but It is not the same.

[@Magicrat39]

Been using a unicomp one for 2 years and really like it

[@silvestroroberto9412]

About the spring under the key "End": you can swap it with the spring under a less used key like "Scroll Lock". I have a similar keybord from 1996 with PS/2 connector, (P/N 1393395, italian layout) in perfect working order, it's a true tank indeed.

[@IrrationalExuberance]

Very cool video... I've been thinking about getting my mom a mechanical keyboard because she is an old-school typist (trained in the 1960s on a typewriter as a proper keyboard Jedi, unlike me: a crude, self-taught barbarian who somehow has managed to internalize a vaguely efficient convulsion haphazardly since the 90s...) I was trying to convey to her how some online now allege that keyboard technology has actually degraded / gone backwards and lately there is the whole mechanical revival (such as the cherry switch ones that are trendy now...) I will definitely consider this alternative which you have proposed! She still spends a lot of time inputting bytes and I think it would be cool if she had a moment that was like "awww, yeah, this really was better back in the day... now I remember!" When older people listen to their favorite music, adjacent memories become more accessible, etc.

[@billmiller4800]

My Model M (built like a tank) came with an RJ45 connector and both a PC (*not AT as you mention) DIN connector cable and a separate PS/2 cable to be able to plug into both style of connectors. Both cables are wonderfully long too! Hardware mapping is also awesome when using Synergy or a KVM switch, so much better than software. Sitting beside a 250+ word-per-minute typist on a model M is like sitting in a bunker with a machine gun (or so my coworkers told me). COBOL rocks! Shared memory with some JCL FTW!!

[@tbonedude12]

You said it yourself, the model M is very much a capacitive MECHANICAL keyboard with the switch on the bottom and a buckling spring. Unique design for a switch but it does make it mechanical rather than membrane or optical.

[@MikeWood]

Your disclaimers made me chuckle several times here. One of those Grail keyboards. But as a tool it's a bit steep $$$ to get. I did wonder about the remapping of keys 👍

[@groundluminosity1]

I bought a model-m recreation from Unicomp a couple of years back. It was the best typing experience of my life. I loved it... Two weeks later I felt like my hands were about to fall off. This is a genuine question for model-m users: How do you type on these things for any significant amount of time without incurring a wicked case of RSI? In any case, thank you for the video!

[@Friend-]

I've just never found mine tiring to type on. Maybe the fact that I have somewhat large hands with very thick knuckles has something to do with it, or maybe it's that I've always hammered at the keys with full force even when I was using rubber domes, so I'd already strengthened my finger muscles from my heavy-handed typing style.

[@richard-hawley]

Thank you. I have an old original IBM Model M keyboard but has a missing key-cap I hope to replace thanks to the information in your video. I compiled COBOL on this keyboard, a long time ago. Possibly just after skateboards, and John Travolta.

[@SheeplessNW6]

As well as new keycaps from Unicomp, you'll find that model M keycaps are frequently available on ebay, which may be cheaper (particularly outside the US).

[@DavidHuffTexas]

On tabs vs. spaces, "I'm not interested and you don't need to tell me what you think." ::deadpan Mom stare:: LOL! 🤣Another reason you've become one of my top small handful of computer/tech vloggers...

[@jeddak]

Great video. Thank you!

[@WalterKnox]

I work on a lot of older computers, and a while back some guy gave me an old IBM Aptiva computer from the Windows 98 era. He gave me an old keyboard with it as well, which he said was nasty and he was just going to throw it away. Low and behold it was a (dirty, but in good shape) Model M. It is branded as Ambra, which was supposedly one of IBMs lower end PC brands from back in the day. it is one of the later ones made by Lexmark, but it is still buckling springs, and it is before they got really light and cheap. I still use it on my main system, which is from around 2010, and I don't require any adapters of any sort, it just works.

[@mjscheinberg]

The ASMR of this video alone -- LOVE IT! I remember learning BASIC on the original PC, and the clickety goodness was just so wonderful. I suppose you're not going to cover the original PC jr. keyboard -- which was the evil stepsibling to the Model M? :)

[@VeronicaExplains]

Thank you! I don't have a PC jr. around, but I could imagine having some fun with one at some point!

[@madmike178]

That is a fine keyboard. Good luck with the bolt mod... Only you can say if it feels better for you, subjectivity is a thing. Good luck.

[@Modighen]

I picked up an '88 model M around 2000 and kept it around. I couldn't resist the fact it weighs five pounds and feels like it's made to survive an apocalypse. And now I can adapt it for something that doesn't have an AT connector! Not before the kids are out of the house. I don't want to lose any more key caps.

[@TechnicalTrap]

Thanks for more excellent content.

[@Thankz4sharing]

I have an unforgettable memory of sliding the back plate off of a first generation IBM Model 5150 PC keyboard and having all eighty-something springs fly away randomly. No KZbin how-tos in those days. Two hours later the last spring was found and I could proceed with repairing the broken circuit trace that brought the beast to my shop. I'll look for bolt mod videos to remind me what the inside of those keyboards look like when a more prudent person opens one.

[@rsmrsm2000]

Amazing!!!