SNKB-M1989-BT3-122
Notes
This keyboard was featured in my Differences between and classifications of 122-key Model Ms comparison topic.
| 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 terminals, 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 III 122-key Model M Function Key Keyboard was a major overhaul over the previous two types' design. The design language of Type III is much closer to that of other Model Ms than Type I and Type II, which were both made to resemble the 122-key Model Fs they replaced. Type III is also smaller and lighter than its predecessors and completely did away with DIP switches. Whilst the protocol remained the same, the cable's plug was swapped from 240-degree pin arranged DIN to modular 8P5C (ethernet-like) to suit its typical host machines - the IBM InfoWindow and InfoWindow II series display stations. Whilst still possessing a coil, the cable's shape is also a flat design rather than round and it can be routed straight out the middle of the keyboard's rear or through two channels going to either side of the said rear. Unlike Types I and II and the "F122", Type III's 24-key function key block was only labelled with an "Fxx" nomenclature.
