SNKB-M1987-BT2-122
Notes
This was my first vintage IBM keyboard and now the flagship of my collection. In a way, the performance of this keyboard ensured I got sucked into and stayed with this hobby. So sufficed to say, this keyboard holds great sentimental value! This keyboard was also featured in my Differences between and classifications of 122-key Model Ms comparison topic.
| Full Name | IBM 3197 Color Display Station Typewriter Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1390886 |
| TypeType A designation from my own type naming scheme used to categorise this keyboard with or from others by their common features and market intent but may/may not be derived from official names. |
Model M Type II 122-key Converged Keyboard |
| NicknameNickname A [keyboard enthusiast] community given name for this keyboard. It can be a shortening of its name and properties, a more abstract term, a real-life reference, or metonymy. |
Battleship |
| Known Host SystemsKnown Host Systems A list of known host systems this keyboard could be bundled with or at least designed specifically to operate with. This could be terminals, desktop PCs or laptops. |
IBM 3197 Color Display Station (IBM 5250 family) |
| Key-switchesKey-switches The name of the known switching mechanism that lies under this keyboard's keys. |
IBM membrane buckling springs |
| Original KeycapsOriginal Keycaps The keyboard's original keycaps' material and text/symbol printing technique. |
PBT with dye-sublimated legends |
| FeetFeet The style of this keyboard's flip-out or extendable feet. If applicable, this may also state how many levels of height adjustment are available and whether the feet could be rubberised. |
Single-setting elongated flip-out feet |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM scancode set 3 |
| ConnectionConnection The keyboard-to-host connection. This is could be a description of a cable (its colour, whether its coiled, whether its detachable, and what connector is at its end) or the name of a wireless technology. |
Grey coiled-style fixed DIN (240) cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
120% |
| Production Date | 1987-11-29 |
| Acquisition Date | 2019-08-30 |
About this keyboard type
The Type 2 122-key Model M was a supplement to the Type 1 "M122" Converged Keyboard, introduced less than a year after them. The Type 2 "M122" was formally introduced in June 1986 with the 3270-family IBM 3191 Model A10 and B10 Display Stations and the 5250-family IBM 3196 Model A10 and B10 Display Stations, which were intended to be "attractively-priced" alternatives to earlier terminals with Model F keyboards such as the IBM 3178 and 5291 Display Stations. In essence, Type 1 was primarily used for terminals that were largely introduced before "M122s", whereas Type 2 was primarily used for the following generation of terminals introduced after Type 1. In February 1987, Type 2 was utilised with the 5250-family IBM 3197 Model C10 and CD0 Color Display Stations and 3197 Model D10 and DD0 Display Stations. Finally, in March 1988, the Type 2 was again used with the IBM 3206 Display Console.
Type 2 "M122s" were effectively a minor iteration of the Type 1 design, retaining the same overall aesthetic from above but began to migrate away from its Model F origin underneath. They are likewise nicknamed "battleship" or "battleship-sized" keyboards due to their sheer size. Besides the Model M-based FIB Keyboard Controller, "M122s" are in general the largest Model M keyboard designs. Being a Converged Keyboard, they have their recognisable top 24-key and lefthand side 10-key function key banks. The 24 keys typically have either "PFxx" (IBM 3270-style) or "Cmdxx" (IBM 5250-style) nomenclature legends. "M122s" typically used typewriter-style functional layouts, but data entry versions were technically available with IBM Card Punch-style alphanumeric legends.
Type 2 "M122s" remain similar looking to Model F Converged Keyboards and are essentially indistinguishable from the top. The best way to differentiate between Model F and Model M Converged Keyboards is the former's use of a black-painted metal bottom cover piece and the latter's use of a dyed pearl-white bottom cover piece. However, the most notable change from Type 1 to Type 2 granted another way of differentiating them - Type 2 "M122s" abandoned the two-setting riser style feet in favour of 'Model M-style' flip-out feet that can only be adjusted from underneath. As such, Type 2 lacks the large grey circular buttons on both sides that Type 1 retained from its Model F predecessor. The usual plastic used for the cover pieces is believed to be PVC. Type 2 usually connected to their host terminals via a permenately attached grey coiled cable terminating in a 240-degree 5-pin DIN plug with a 90-degree plastic jacket. They exclusively used IBM silver-square badges regardless of generation. Some keyboards for 3270-family terminals may have an 8-position DIP switch bank for setting keyboard ID.
