SNKB-M1984-WWA-75

Notes

A candidate for the earliest Model M-based keyboard documented.

Original specs/details

Full Name IBM 6747 Wheelwriter 5 Keyboard Assembly
Part NumberPart Number
The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc.
1351000
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-based Typewriter Keyboard Assembly
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 terminals, PCs or laptops.
IBM 6747 Selectric System/2000 Wheelwriter 5
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.
None
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.
Integrated
Production Date 1984-06-27
Acquisition Date 2022-06-30

About this keyboard type

The 1984-debuting IBM Wheelwriters 3 and 5 and Quietwriter 7 were the first vessels of membrane buckling spring keyboards. What would become the Model M as we know them featured on all subsequent IBM and later Lexmark Wheelwriters for the next decade. The layouts of these keyboard assemblies were vaguely PC-like, with a max of T-nav arrow keys, one or two columns of left-side function keys, and occasionally even a numeric keypad section included on various models depending on their market segment. As a result, most Wheelwriter keyboards range from approximately 65 size layouts. The common feature amongst all of them was a split spacebar with the smaller "Code" key being an additional modifier for accessing functions throughout the keyboard.