SNKB-M1994-C01-106
Notes
This keyboard was featured in the IBM Japan 5576-C01 TrackPoint Keyboard and its Unicomp descendants article.
| Full Name | IBM Japanese Keyboard/TrackPoint II |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
66G8362 |
| 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. |
5576-C01 |
| 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 5576-C01 TrackPoint II Keyboard |
| 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 5538-W Personal System/55E (i486SX-33) IBM 5538-Y Personal System/55E (i486DX-33 & VGA) IBM 5538-Z Personal System/55E (i486DX-33 & SVGA) |
| KeyswitchesKeyswitches 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 Mode 2 (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 fixed dual 6-pin mini-DIN PS/2 cable |
| Form FactorForm Factor The standardised or universally acknowledged name for this keyboard's layout form factor. |
Full-size |
| Built-In MouseBuilt-In Mouse Possible pointing devices this keyboard could carry. This could be a brand name, name of the sensor technology behind it, or a generic description in lieu of the former details. |
TrackPoint II strain gauge pointing stick |
| Production Date | 1994-09-09 |
| Acquisition Date | 2021-04-30 |
About this keyboard type
The IBM 5576-C01 Keyboard was a unique compact-profile full-sized Model M offshoot featuring an integrated TrackPoint II pointing stick. It was specifically designed for use with the IBM PS/55E, an all-in-one PC exclusively sold in Japan. The 5576-C01 has the unique distinction of being amongst the relatively few Japanese IBM keyboards that weren't made by ALPS Electric or Brother and the only buckling springs Japanese keyboard that doesn't use Brother buckling springs. These however use modified buckling springs that are said to feel slightly different to other Model Ms. The most unique feature with these is the large rotating vertical stand that allows you to park the keyboards upwards on its back wall. They could also come in proprietary combined signal PS/2-like cable or a more standard Y-split keyboard and mouse PS/2 cable. It is a candidate for the last IBM-sanctioned buckling springs keyboard design and its moulds were later used to produce the Unicomp EnduraPro/SpaceSaver family.
