My IBM keyboard/typewriter collection (2025)

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modelf

07 Jun 2025, 11:18

I started collecting IBM and IBM-adjacent stuff in 2022. Most of these I found "in the wild," as opposed to online and retail. (Exceptions are the Wheelwriters, both of which came from a thrift store.)

This is most of my collection (of the ones that are assembled and working). I did own a model M industrial at one point, but sold it in order to buy... another model M.

(I also posted this at imgur to link it to reddit and a few other places.)
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This one is first because it's my favorite. (I've passed on opportunities to own IBM beam spring keyboards. They were too expensive, and I couldn't find an example that was clean, functional, and fully converted for use on modern computers.)<br /><br />This is a 1981 model F (&quot;IBM Personal Computer Keyboard&quot;). Made in the USA. Unrestored. I did clean the case and barrel plate, and run the keycaps through an ultrasonic cleaner. My &quot;daily driver&quot; among any computer keyboard for everything but gaming. On an average day, this keyboard clocks in at 6 lbs (2,722 grams).<br /><br />.
This one is first because it's my favorite. (I've passed on opportunities to own IBM beam spring keyboards. They were too expensive, and I couldn't find an example that was clean, functional, and fully converted for use on modern computers.)

This is a 1981 model F ("IBM Personal Computer Keyboard"). Made in the USA. Unrestored. I did clean the case and barrel plate, and run the keycaps through an ultrasonic cleaner. My "daily driver" among any computer keyboard for everything but gaming. On an average day, this keyboard clocks in at 6 lbs (2,722 grams).

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I have a few other model Fs (most are in scrap condition) and many parts. Here's the top case from an ongoing restoration project of a 1982 model F.<br /><br />.
I have a few other model Fs (most are in scrap condition) and many parts. Here's the top case from an ongoing restoration project of a 1982 model F.

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1984 model F (PC/AT). Great condition, works, but I prefer the layout and feel of the 1981 and 1982 boards. This is the heaviest computer keyboard I own, weighing in at 6.2 lbs (2,800 grams).<br /><br />.
1984 model F (PC/AT). Great condition, works, but I prefer the layout and feel of the 1981 and 1982 boards. This is the heaviest computer keyboard I own, weighing in at 6.2 lbs (2,800 grams).

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1986 model M keyboards (part numbers 1390120). The top one (May '86) I found in pieces under someone's camper parked in their backyard (with mud and bugs and grass and leaves inside). The middle one (same month/year) was also in not-so-great condition; both of these got extreme cleaning and the ultrasonic treatment. I screw-modded the top one (replaced the internal plastic tenons that hold it together with M2 machine screws).<br /><br />The lower keyboard is from January '86, among the first personal computer-compatible IBM model M keyboards ever made.<br /><br />Although these are not as rare or valuable as IBM's 1390131 model Ms, I like these better. They're heavy, solid, and I don't need the LED &quot;lock&quot; indicators. The January '86 types and feels the best, and is the heaviest model M I own. All three have their original controllers with squarish &quot;crystal&quot; oscillators and gold toned &quot;rainbow&quot; steel backplates.<br /><br />.
1986 model M keyboards (part numbers 1390120). The top one (May '86) I found in pieces under someone's camper parked in their backyard (with mud and bugs and grass and leaves inside). The middle one (same month/year) was also in not-so-great condition; both of these got extreme cleaning and the ultrasonic treatment. I screw-modded the top one (replaced the internal plastic tenons that hold it together with M2 machine screws).

The lower keyboard is from January '86, among the first personal computer-compatible IBM model M keyboards ever made.

Although these are not as rare or valuable as IBM's 1390131 model Ms, I like these better. They're heavy, solid, and I don't need the LED "lock" indicators. The January '86 types and feels the best, and is the heaviest model M I own. All three have their original controllers with squarish "crystal" oscillators and gold toned "rainbow" steel backplates.

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I found this May 4, 1987, model M in its original box, plastic, styrofoam, and accessories (like an odd heavy black, uncoiled, AC power cord). It has a shiny iridescent steel backplate, and is the second-heaviest model M in my collection. I added Unicomp and other aftermarket keycaps to spruce it up.<br /><br />.
I found this May 4, 1987, model M in its original box, plastic, styrofoam, and accessories (like an odd heavy black, uncoiled, AC power cord). It has a shiny iridescent steel backplate, and is the second-heaviest model M in my collection. I added Unicomp and other aftermarket keycaps to spruce it up.

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I found this early 1988 model M at a tag sale, in new condition. It's lighter than the 1986 and '87 keyboards. Added dinosaur stickers to a few keys.<br /><br />.
I found this early 1988 model M at a tag sale, in new condition. It's lighter than the 1986 and '87 keyboards. Added dinosaur stickers to a few keys.

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The top is a 1996 Chicony KB-8923 (rebranded as IBM). It's pretty great to type on. I'd rate it as the second-best &quot;rubber dome&quot; keyboard I've used. The bottom is a Unicomp Classic. There's no label on the case, but I'd estimate it to be have been made between 2018 and 2023. I discarded the Unicomp keycaps and replaced them with a set of one-piece keycaps (1995) from Lexmark. For a smoother typing feel.<br /><br />.
The top is a 1996 Chicony KB-8923 (rebranded as IBM). It's pretty great to type on. I'd rate it as the second-best "rubber dome" keyboard I've used. The bottom is a Unicomp Classic. There's no label on the case, but I'd estimate it to be have been made between 2018 and 2023. I discarded the Unicomp keycaps and replaced them with a set of one-piece keycaps (1995) from Lexmark. For a smoother typing feel.

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No idea when this was made. In nearly mint condition, fully functional. Oldest piece in my collection.<br /><br />.
No idea when this was made. In nearly mint condition, fully functional. Oldest piece in my collection.

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My &quot;daily driver&quot; typewriter. 1987 IBM Wheelwriter 3 Series II. Never needs maintenance. I did refurbish the key tray area and clean it.<br /><br />.
My "daily driver" typewriter. 1987 IBM Wheelwriter 3 Series II. Never needs maintenance. I did refurbish the key tray area and clean it.

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IBM 6779 typewriter in a light &quot;military olive drab&quot; colorway. Best guess on the mfg date is 1989. I don't use it as much as the WW3S2, but it's an interesting machine.<br /><br />.
IBM 6779 typewriter in a light "military olive drab" colorway. Best guess on the mfg date is 1989. I don't use it as much as the WW3S2, but it's an interesting machine.

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Above unit in natural light.<br /><br />.
Above unit in natural light.

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Output sample between the Selectric and Wheelwriter. Top and bottom items typed on the Selectric; middle items typed on the Wheelwriter 3.
Output sample between the Selectric and Wheelwriter. Top and bottom items typed on the Selectric; middle items typed on the Wheelwriter 3.
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Falkenroth

07 Jun 2025, 18:26

Nice collection. Haven't got into the typewriters yet and think I should just stay away. At least for now.
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modelf

08 Jun 2025, 03:14

Falkenroth wrote: 07 Jun 2025, 18:26Haven't got into the typewriters yet
Yep it's a whole other dimension. I wouldn't be into them except for, as a kid ('80s-'90s) we couldn't afford a PC. My mom found a working Underwood #5 at a garage sale ($10), it was fascinating to figure out how the mechanism worked. Later I earned some money to buy a Smith Corona electronic typewriter. I used it for homework, making lists, short stories... taught me how to write. Use them now for addressing envelopes, filling out forms and the like.
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