SNKB-M1989-SR2-18
| Full Name | IBM Screen Reader Keypad |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1393387 |
| Market Model Name/Feature CodeMarket Model Name/Feature Code The consumer-friendly model number describing this keyboard as a part of a range of products, usually irrespective of target region, language or SKU. |
2549 |
| 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 Screen Reader Keypad |
| 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. |
Flip-out wire foot |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM scancode set 2 (modified) |
| 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 detachable 6-pin SDL to PS/2 mini-DIN cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Keypad |
| Production Date | 1989-07-31 |
| Acquisition Date | 2022-08-11 |
About this keyboard type
The IBM Screen Reader Keypad ("SRK") was the original peripheral component of the IBM Screen Reader series (PS/2 Screen Reader 1.0, Screen Reader 1.1, Screen Reader/DOS series and Screen Reader/2 series), first announced alongside the original software release in January 1988.
On introduction, the Screen Reader system brought an increased level of accessibility to PC users with hard or lack of sight. The later Screen Reader/2 was the first fully functional GUI screen reader. The SRK takes the form of an 18-key PS/2-style buckling springs keypad, and it's technically a mouse replacement as it originally plugged into the mouse port of an IBM PS/2 compatible or into a special ISA expansion card for PC/XT and PC/AT style systems that lacked a PS/2 mouse port. As such, the SRK doesn't output standard scancodes and thus will exhibit weird behaviour through a modern PS/2 keyboard port or PS/2 to USB converter. Along with the IBM Model M PS/2 50-key Function Keyboard, the SRK is unique amongst Model Ms in that its internal assembly was based on an earlier Model F keypad assembly and thus took several production values from Model F designs. This included the use of individual barrels, a metal barrel plate, foam padding, and no plastic rivets holding the assembly together. The assembly's previous incarnation was the 24/25-key Model F keypad. The SRK was withdrawn from marketing on 11th April 1995.
