SNKB-F1984-XTT-83
| Full Name | IBM Personal Computer Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1501102 |
| 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 F/XT PC Keyboard |
| 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 5150 Personal Computer (IBM 5150 family) IBM 5160 Personal Computer XT (IBM 5160 family) |
| KeyswitchesKeyswitches The name of the known switching mechanism that lies under this keyboard's keys. |
IBM capacitive 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 riser feet |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM Mode 1 (scancode set 1) |
| 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. |
Black coiled-style fixed DIN (180) cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Navblockless |
| Production Date | 1984-02-03 |
| Acquisition Date | 2022-04-03 |
About this keyboard type
The IBM 5150 Personal Computer was an Intel 8088-based microcomputer released in August 1981 that thanks to its open architecture and software support became the basis of the "x86" PC family that continues to dominate desktop and laptop PCs to this day. The IBM Personal Computer Keyboard is the most common and widely considered to be the definitive Model F keyboard. After debuting with the 5150, it was later reused with the IBM 5160 Personal Computer XT released in March 1983 which is what the the PC Keyboard derives its common nickname from - F/XT. The F/XT played an important role in establishing the PC as a high-quality computer and solidifying buckling spring-based keyboards as IBM's go-to for well over a decade after its release. Relative to the competition, the F/XT brought unsurpassed reliability and build quality to the mix but arguably suffered from a layout too different from others. Most notably, the F/XT along with its predecessor and successors are criticised for their use of stepped multi-unit keys to reduce the need for stabilisers outside of the spacebar.
