SNKB-M1993-EIN-101
Notes
This was originally a beige keyboard, however, I received the keyboard with a damaged case and thus took the opportunity to place the working assembly inside a new-old-stock 1995 industry grey case (P/N 1394942) sold by Unicomp. I also fitted several blue keycaps vaguely echoing the format of Mopar industrial SSKs.
| Full Name | IBM Enhanced Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1391401 |
| 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. |
1401 |
| 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 Enhanced PC Keyboard |
| 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 flip-out feet |
| ProtocolProtocol The protocol(s) this keyboard can use to speak to the host computer (eg, scancode sets). |
IBM scancode set 2 |
| 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. |
Full-size |
| Production Date | 1993-08-03 |
| Acquisition Date | 2020-05-04 |
About this keyboard type
The PC-compatible IBM Enhanced Keyboard was the first home consumer, most common and the definitive Model M keyboard, becoming IBM's choice keyboard for a decade after its release and still in production today as the Unicomp Classic. Labelled as being "enhanced" in regards to its layout that became an industry standard and is still used today (with the addition of GUI keys), the Model M is perhaps the most well-known keyboard of all time thanks to the success of the Enhanced Keyboard. The Enhanced Keyboard was also made available for IBM's earlier "classic" Personal Computer series in both XT and AT flavours, and several other distinct variants exist for other types of systems and custom orders from third-party companies such Ambra/ICPI, Dell, General Electric Healthcare and Sabre.
