SNKB-M1989-BT3-122

Notes

This keyboard was featured in my Differences between and classifications of 122-key Model Ms comparison topic.

Original specs/details

Full Name IBM InfoWindow Twinax Display Station Keyboard
Part NumberPart Number
The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc.
1394324
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 III 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.
Battlecruiser
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 3476 InfoWindow Display Station (IBM 5250 family)
IBM 3477 InfoWindow 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 modular-8P5C ("RJ-45") cable
Form FactorForm Factor
The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor.
120%
Production Date 1989-09-15
Acquisition Date 2019-09-12

About this keyboard type

The Type 3 122-key Model M was a complete stylistic revamp of the IBM Converged Keyboard design, finally diverging from the design language of the 104-key and 122-key Model F Converged Keyboards. The Type 3 "M122" was introduced exclusively for the IBM InfoWindow series of terminals, which unified the formerly separate IBM 3270 and 5250 terminal families under one branding. The first two were the IBM InfoWindow 3471 (3270-family) and 3476 (5250-family) Display Stations that were made available in June 1989. They were joined by the InfoWindows 3472 (3270) and 3477 (5250) in September 1989. The InfoWindow series was replaced by the InfoWindow II series from 1992 onwards with the 3481 (3270, September 1992), 3482 (3270, September 1992), 3483 (3270), 3486 (5250, September 1992) and 3487 (5250, September 1992), and the InfoWindow Modular Display Stations 3488 (5250, September 1992) and 3489 (5250, October 1994). Type 3 remains in production today as the Unicomp Terminal 122 series, produced for individual purposes and third-party terminal and thin client brands such as Decision Data, ComputerLab International, I-O Corporation, NLynx Technologies and Praim.

Type 3 "M122s" took the Converged Keyboard family in a new direction, radically overhauling the "battleship" design from the Model F era heldover by Type 1 and 2 "M122s" and infusing styling cues from the IBM Enhanced Keyboard into it. The design was slightly compacted and made lighter; as such, they're typically referred to as a "battlecruiser" or "battlecruiser-sized" keyboard by enthusiasts to differentiate them from their older and larger counterparts. Being a Converged Keyboard, they have their recognisable top 24-key and lefthand side 10-key function key banks. The legends on the 24-key bank were simplified to a "Fxx" nomenclature for 3270 or 5250-style keyboards where both previously had their own unique format. "M122s" typically used typewriter-style functional layouts, but data entry versions were technically available with IBM Card Punch-style alphanumeric legends.

Type 3 "M122s" are very easy to distinguish from both previous types thanks to their use of the distinct Model M wedge shape profile, oval-shaped IBM branding instead of square-shaped, slimmer bezels between the keys and the side edges, a smaller surface area around the 24-key bank's raised platform, and a three-way cable router on the bottom cover. Type 3s were made of PVC during the IBM days, but Unicomp has since switched to using PC+ABS. Unicomp also introduced raven black-coloured versions of the Type 3, further distinguishing these from past "M122s". Type 3s have a permanently attached and typically coiled cable but its coils are smaller and the cable is thinner than on previous types (more suited to fit the aforementioned cable router), and for IBM-branded versions, the DIN plug is replaced with an 8-pin modular plug (the same physical plug used for ethernet and RJ-45 purposes). Despite that change, Type 3s continued using IBM scancode set 3 for communication, so only a physical change to connectivity was made. Unicomp-made versions that aren't IBM branded could change both the cable and plug style to suit their customer's needs, as such, Type 3 "M122s" with AT-style DIN plugs and non-coiled cables have been documented. Type 3 abandoned support for DIP switches, so not even a recess and blanking plate are present for them. Due to shared design and moulds, some Type 3s may have a visible area where lock-light LEDs would be present for the slightly later Type 4 (though some lack this altogether). Type 3s were also the first "M122" type to have Quiet Touch rubber dome alternatives to buckling springs, which had limited availability during the IBM/Lexmark era but saw wider adoption by Unicomp.

Typing demo