SNKB-M1996-4KB-83
| Full Name | IBM Space Saver Keyboard |
| Part NumberPart Number The number used to describe this keyboard's specific release; usually specific for a target region, language or SKU, etc. |
1397451 |
| 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 M4 Space Saver Keyboard |
| Key-switchesKey-switches The name of the known switching mechanism that lies under this keyboard's keys. |
IBM buckling rubber sleeves (M3/M4 rod-actuated type) |
| 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. |
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. |
Tenkeyless (compacted) |
| Production Date | 1996-03-15 |
| Acquisition Date | 2021-06-09 |
About this keyboard type
The IBM Space Saver Keyboard (not to be confused with the IBM Space Saving Keyboard or SSK) was the discrete desktop and server environment adaptation of the IBM Personal System/2 L40SX laptop's Model M3-based buckling sleeves keyboard assembly. The Model M4 is a straight adaptation of that assembly, featuring the same layout but available with beige or black case colour. M4s were originally produced by Lexmark and Key Tronic, however, Unicomp continued selling M4s until 2010. Unicomp's internal codename for the M4 family was "Surf".
