deskthority

Here are some pictures of an early IBM Personal Computer 83 key Model F keyboard. This was the keyboard used with the IBM 5150 PC and the IBM 5160 PC XT computers. The earliest of IBM 5150 PC keyboards were slightly different, hence there are two types of IBM PC keyboards. The one most commonly found is the Type 2. The Type 1 keyboard has different internal electronics with an extra RESET pin activated (used to reset the keyboard on power up). The Type 2 keyboard does not have that pin connected and performs the keyboard reset internally when powered on. Both, however, still use IBM’s “XT” protocol for communication.

While the Type 1 keyboard appears to always have a metal keyboard connector that mates with the IBM PC, not all IBM PC keyboards with a metal connector are Type 1. The only true way of determining if an IBM PC keyboard is type 1 is by opening it and checking for the elongated internal PCB with the extra electronics.

If you happen to have one of these, I have a friend who needs one so please PM me. I will be pairing this with a very early IBM PC.

Note: I have updated the Wiki with the Type 1 and Type 2 information. Also note, I have more pics on my website here.

Here are some pics for comparison:





Here is more pics of the keyboard itself:

Wow, I didn't know there was an early variation. I've seen some with the metal connector before though on eBay. Damn, now I'll need to find a type 1.

I never knew about those, damn this is a kickass controller !

GLWS ! (Good Luck With your Search)

Those photos are beautiful. I hope you find your keyboard.

Great find! The Type 1 explains a couple of the unused features of the XT case; the screw bosses for the small daughter board, and the slot for cable retention. These are not used in the more common Type 2 keyboards but remain as the same molds were most likely used.

I have a Type 2 with metal connector from December of 1981 so the transition was sometime before this. Given that the PC was introduced in August of the same year, the Type 1 keyboard was produced for a very short period of time.

The Type 1 and Type 2 designation comes from the IBM PC XT Hardware Reference Library Appendix D where there are logic diagrams labelled "Keyboard - Type 1" and "Keyboard - Type 2".

Nice, the XT is such a great keyboard. I actually prefer the XT to the AT layout for its compatness. The build quality of these is supreme.

Wow the metal plug looks so much slicker than the plastic one

Sent from my SM-G965F using Tapatalk

Extremely informative! I'll keep an eye open for this!