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 be terminals, desktop 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.