IBM model M keyboard variations and value? \ VOGONS

IBM model M keyboard variations and value?

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First post, by Lylat1an

Posted on 2022-08-29, 02:55

Lylat1an Offline

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How many versions of this keyboard are there? I've seen at least 5:

Square badge.

Square badge with no "Lock" LEDs.

Black square badge with silver lettering. (May have been custom/replaced)

Blue-lettered oval badge.

Gray-lettered oval badge.

Which of these are the rarest/most valuable? Are there any known differences in quality or quirks?

Reply 1 of 2, by dionb

Posted on 2022-08-29, 07:55

dionb Offline

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There are a *lot*:
https://deskthority.net/wiki/IBM_Enhanced_Keyboard

Four main generations:
- 1st gen square badge
- 2nd gen oval grey-lettered badge
- 3rd + 4th gen oval blue-lettered badge

Within each generation multiple models, including outliers with rubber dome instead of buckling spring, and those XT boards (without LEDs) in 1st gen. Generally the older and more unusual (space saver, industrial grey, black etc) the more valuable.

As for differences in quality... the older the better. Recent Unicomp versions unfortunately compare badly with first three gen boards.

Reply 2 of 2, by davidrg

Posted on 2022-08-29, 10:55

davidrg Offline

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Probably the RS/6000 variants are some of the most rare just because fewer RS/6000s would have been sold than regular PCs. They're the ones with a "Ctrl/Act" key cap on the right ctrl key and an actual speaker behind the grille in the bottom. I guess the industrial variants may be more rare, and the most rare is probably some model with custom key caps.

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