SNKB-M1987-SSK-84
| Full Name | IBM Space Saving Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1391472 |
| 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 Space Saving 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. |
SSK |
| 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 flip-out feet |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM scancode set 2 |
| 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 detachable 6-pin SDL to PS/2 mini-DIN cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Tenkeyless |
| Production Date | 1987-11-17 |
| Acquisition Date | 2019-12-20 |
About this keyboard type
The Space Saving Keyboard (SSK) was the tenkeyless and compacted version of the IBM Enhanced Keyboards available as an option for the IBM Personal System/2 series of computers. These are perhaps the most well-known Model M variant besides the Enhanced Keyboard. The fact that they weren't bundled with any systems and numeric keypads were viewed more favourably during the '80s, SSKs are relatively rare. As an attempt to provide an alternative to the loss of the numeric keypad, a togglable numeric keypad layer is present across the right side of the alphanumeric keys. They have since been spiritually succeeded by the Unicomp Mini Model M.
