A timeline of IBM keyboard history
This page is considered work-in-progress and should be treated as such. The design and layout of this page are subject to tweaks, and a lot of content (events) are still to be added and fleshed out. If you have any feedback or suggestions for the design and/or particular events, feel free to contact me and let me know your thoughts.
The IBM and family keyboard timeline is an illustrated overview of some of the most important events affecting IBM, Lexmark, Unicomp, Lenovo and Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions keyboards. This includes notable keyboard releases and withdrawals, corporate history like company founding, divestures and change in OEMs, and patents. Due to their relationship and impact on the keyboards around them, host devices such as personal computers, terminals, consoles and typewriters also appear throughout the timeline. 143 events have been recorded for the "show all" versions of the timeline.
Richard Hunter Harris invents and patents the buckling spring (catastrophically buckling compression column switch and actuator) for IBM. This keyswitch actuator is comprised of a metal coil spring that characteristically buckles into a kink instead of compressing in a straight column, which pivots something that can be registered by some sort of sensor. The exact design is not yet solidified, but IBM will later patent two marketable derivatives in 1977 and 1983.
[ASK] Richard Hunter Harris patents the "buckling spring torsional snap actuator" for IBM, a refinement of the original 1971 buckling spring patent (US3699296A) that uses capacitance sensing via a pad card. This design is what will be brought to market as capacitive buckling springs for Model F family keyboards in a few years.
IBM begins developing the IBM System/23 Datamaster, and with it, the first Model F-based keyboard assembly.
After concluding the IBM System/23 Datamaster's development, IBM begins work on the IBM Personal Computer. This includes its keyboard, which was derived from the then-still-unreleased Model F-based IBM System/23 Datamaster Keyboard Assembly.
The IBM Model F (capacitive buckling spring) keyboard family is introduced with the IBM 5322 System/23 Datamaster's Keyboard Assembly as IBM's fifth generation of keyboards.
IBM launched the original Personal Computer, along with it, the IBM Personal Computer Keyboard. Also known as the "Model F/XT", the IBM PC Keyboard is the most common Model F keyboard variant.
[1] IBM introduces the Computer System 9000 (CS/9000), a Motorola 68000-based laboratory computer. It comes with a variant of the Model F-based IBM Personal Computer Keyboard but with different branding, cable location and no riser feet. When the 9002 and its hybrid keyboard becomes available, 9000 and its keyboard will be renamed to 9001 Bench-Top Computer and 9001 Standard Keyboard respectively.
[2] IBM introduces the IBM 4700 Finance Communication System and its 4704 Display Station. 4700 is a successor to the earlier IBM 3600 Finance Communication System. The launch keyboard for 4704 is the 50-key Model 100 Function Keyboard (472X-100 type Model F), a matrix-style keypad with 45 relegendable and 5 hard-set function keys across three segments. IBM envisions this keyboard to be suited for basic teller station work.
[3] IBM announces the second generation IBM Electronic Typewriter series with models 65 and 85 (pictured), replacing models 50, 60, 75 and 175. This generation of the design mates a Selectric-style typing element with a Model F-based keyboard assembly.
[2] IBM introduces the 62-key Model 200 Alphameric Keyboard (472X-200 type Model F) (pictured) and 77-key Model 300 Expanded Alphameric Keyboard (472X-300) for the IBM 4704 Display Station. Both keyboards are intended for personal consultants or administrative personnel. The Model 200 is however a notable early example of the now-popular 60% keyboard and a keyboard with a Tsangan bottom row.
[4] IBM announces the 3104 Display Terminal, a 3278 Model 2 feature-level SDLC (serial) terminal for 8100 Information System or 4321 and 4331 Processor applications. It is available as a model B1 with a 75-key data entry keyboard (31XX-75 type Model F) or a B2 with an 87-key typewriter-style keyboard (31XX-87). These keyboards continue the IBM Base Keyboard lineage and are noted for their signature blue monocase/dualcase switch.
[5] IBM announces the 3178 Display Station, a 3278 Model 2 feature-level terminal similar to the existing 3104 Display Terminal but intended for traditional 3270 (coaxial) attachments. It shares the 3104's Model F Base Keyboard with monocase/dualcase switch design and are likewise available as a model C1 with a 75-key data entry keyboard (31XX-75 type Model F) or a C2 with an 87-key typewriter-style keyboard (31XX-87).
[6] IBM introduces the 3290 Information Panel, a 3270-family plasma screen terminal. The IBM Converged Keyboard debuts in the form of its "unsaver" Model F-based typewriter keyboard. They began to unify what were various fractured terminal keyboard lineages into a common platform, bringing their layouts a major step closer to modern ones.
[ASK] IBM introduces the 3178 Model C3 Display Station, a terminal similar to the existing 3178 Model C2 but ships with the U.S. English only C3 87-key typewriter-style keyboard (31XX-87 type Model F). The keyboard only differs by its functional layout, adopting the RPQ 8K1038 327X-87 type Model B layout for 3278 Model 2s.
[ASK] Edwin T. Coleman, III patents the "rocking switch actuator for a low force membrane contact switch" for IBM, which will be brought to market in a year as membrane buckling springs for Model M family keyboards. It is still based on the same core mechanics as its 1977 (US4118611A) predecessor, but a membrane assembly for ohmic sensing is now used instead of a pad card for capacitance sensing. This change is intended to reduce its manufacturing cost by "approximately half" compared to its predecessor.
[7] IBM introduces the 4980 Display Station, a terminal for IBM Series/1 minicomputers with similar functionality to the earlier 4978. Its Model F-based 127-key keyboard was the first "battleship"-style IBM Converged Keyboard to become available.
[2] IBM introduces the 4704 Display Station models 2 and 3 (pictured). With them, the 107-key Model 400 Administrative Keyboard (470X-400 type Model F) becomes available. Model 400 is the largest 4704 keyboard designed for administrative personnel, as its name suggests. It sports a core 62-key alphanumeric section, but surrounded by 43 relegendable keys and 2 fixed-function keys.
[4] The IBM 3270 Personal Computer becomes available. The 3270 PC is essentially an IBM Personal Computer XT with additional hardware and software to emulate an IBM 3270 terminal. The Model F-based IBM 3270 Personal Computer Converged Keyboard was IBM's first 122-key Converged Keyboard design and IBM's earliest host-connected keyboard.
[8] IBM announces the Portable Personal Computer, a 'luggable' version of the IBM Personal Computer XT with an integrated 9" amber display designed to compete with the original Compaq Portable. It includes the Model F-based IBM Portable Personal Computer Keyboard, which is based on the existing IBM Personal Computer Keyboard but uses a different plug and has an all-plastic covet set and an aluminium base plate that reduces its weight.
[1] IBM introduces the System 9002 Desk-Top Computer, a new entry in the Motorola 68000-based System 9000 line to compliment the 9001 Bench-Top Computer. It is intended for office or laboratory use. 9002 notably ships with the 9002 Hybrid Keyboard, combining the 9001's 57-key membrane touch panel and 83-key Model F keyboard into one unit. With 140 keys, it is the most functional Model F variant known, and its touch panel can accommodate overlays that may alter the number of apparent keys.
[ASK] IBM introduces the 3178 Model C4 Display Station, a terminal similar to the existing 3178 Model C2 but ships with the U.S. English only C4 87-key typewriter-style keyboard (31XX-87 type Model F). Like the earlier C3, C4's keyboard only differs by its functional layout, adopting the RPQ 8K0932 327X-87 type Model B's layout for 3278 and 3279.
[ASK] IBM launched the Personal Computer AT (PC/AT), along with it, the IBM Personal Computer AT Keyboard. Also known as the "Model F/AT", this would be the last entirely new Model F keyboard design.
[9] IBM announces the Wheelwriter 3, Wheelwriter 5, and Quietwriter 7 electronic typewriters under the moniker IBM Selectric System/2000. Via their keyboard assembly designs, the IBM Model M (then-only membrane buckling spring) keyboard family debuts as IBM's sixth generation of keyboards.
[10] IBM introduces the Actionwriter 1 compact electronic typewriter, designed to offer similar functionality as the IBM Personal Typewriter but more easily available and with some electronics-centric enhancements. Actionwriter 1 differs from Wheelwriters as it is made via a joint venture between IBM and Triumph-Adler, with IBM producing the typewriter's cover set and Model M-based keyboard assembly and Triumph-Adler producing the rest of the innards and incorporating their print wheel technology.
[11] IBM announces the PC/AT-based 7531 and 7532 Industrial Computers. The IBM Enhanced Keyboard via the IBM 7531/7532 Industrial Computer Keyboard makes its first official appearance. The Enhanced Keyboard introduces the full-size/100% form-factor and the basis of the ANSI and ISO physical layouts that remain the standard today.
[12] IBM announces the 3161 and 3163 ASCII Display Stations, serial-based terminals in the IBM 3101 lineage that were capable of emulating various third-party terminals. They sported the first terminal-specific IBM Enhanced Keyboards, which typically have an extra key over ANSI and ISO PC-style Enhanced Keyboards, and ASCII-style ones like 316X's often uniquely have line drawing symbols on their numeric keypads.
[ASK] The first 122-key Model M Converged Keyboard (also known as the IBM Model 1A) becomes available as an option for the IBM 3205 Color Display Console. This continues the Converged Keyboard line from the Model F era, eventually bringing the form-factor to many existing and new IBM Display Stations, consoles, and even host-connected PCs. Five unique types will be introduced by the 2000s.
[13] IBM introduces the 6770 Wheelwriter System and 6780 Quietwriter System electronic typewriters, both available in a Function Pack 20 (System/20) and Function Pack 40 (System/40) version. Both used a unique Movable Keyboard, a Model M-based keyboard with an AT-style physical layout, a removable 80-character LCD and sits in an adjustable cradle.
[14] IBM announces the RISC Technology Personal Computer (RT PC), IBM's first PCs with RISC-based processors and intended for academic, CAD/CAM and scientific use. The Model M-based IBM RT PC Enhanced Keyboard (aka, 6100 System Keyboard) is likewise introduced, which are also the first Model Ms to make use of their potential speaker grille.
[ASK] IBM introduces the PC/XT Enhanced Keyboard (pictured) and PC/AT Enhanced Keyboard, initially for the Personal Computer XT 'S' models and Personal Computer AT Expanded respectively as an option. They are essentially pearl-white adaptations of the IBM 7531/7532 Industrial Computer Keyboard, and are also the first Model Ms for home and business PCs to become available.
The IBM Space Saving Keyboard (SSK) debuted in the form of the IBM 3162 ASCII Display Station Short Keyboard. No modern photos of it are available but it has been described to be like SSKs that came later.
[15] IBM announces the Model M-based 4680 POS Alphanumeric Keyboard for the IBM 4683 and later 4684 POS Terminals. Its complete sub-assembly is based on the IBM 6770/6780's, but with a new cover set, POS-specific features and RS-485 electronics. It also has a more traditional AT-style layout, though with some added relegendable keys. It is the only buckling-spring IBM POS keyboard known.
[ASK] IBM introduces the Personal Computer/2 (PS/2) series of PCs. With them, the IBM PS/2 Enhanced Keyboard that would become the most common buckling-spring Model M variant and possibly one of the most famous keyboards of all time.
[ASK] IBM introduces the 3151 ASCII Display Station, a cheaper follow-up to the IBM 316X series and likewise an IBM 3101 lineage terminal capable of emulating various third-party terminals. 3151 received an Enhanced Keyboard variant similar to the 316X keyboard but with updated branding and cable.
[ASK] IBM brought its Model M Space Saving Keyboard design to the IBM Personal System/2 family, starting with the IBM PS/2 Model 25 models 001 and 004. The PS/2 SSK is the first modern PC tenkeyless keyboard and used a layout based on the Enhanced layout but with a numeric keypad overlaid across various alphanumeric keys.
[ASK] IBM announces two new models of the IBM Personal System/2 Model 30, models R02 and R21, intended as teller workstations for financial institutions. Hardware-wise, they only differ to the regular IBM PS/2 Model 30s via their bundled Model M-based PS/2 50-key Function Keyboard. Its physical layout takes after the 472X-100 type Model F due to an intended use with IBM 4700 Personal Computer Application Services and IBM Consumer Transaction Definition and Consumer Transaction Runtime.
[ASK] IBM introduces the Personal System/2 Screen Reader as the inaugural product of the IBM Independence Series range, and was a pioneering screen reader system designed to help people with hard or lack of sight access a PC. The IBM Screen Reader Keypad (SRK) is also introduced as the peripheral component for this system.
[16] IBM introduces the first InfoWindow Display Stations (types 3471 and 3476). InfoWindow converges the 3270 and 5250 terminal families under more unified branding and outwardly design language despite their inherent cabling, protocol and nomenclature differences. Also available for them is the IBM InfoWindow 122-key Typewriter Keyboard (Type 3 122-key Model M Converged Keyboard), slimmer and more lightweight than previous types.
[17] IBM announces the RISC System/6000 (RS/6000) family of workstations and servers. They will replace the RT PC and uses IBM's new RISC-based POWER architecture. The Model M-based RS/6000 Enhanced Keyboard is likewise introduced, which like its RT PC predecessor also has a speaker present.
[17] IBM announces the Personal System/1 (PS/1) series of PCs, intended as more affordable and easier to use alternatives to IBM PS/2s. With them, the first IBM Selectric Touch Keyboards (Model M2) become available. M2 is a lower-cost, lower-profile and lightweight alternative to the IBM Enhanced Keyboard.
[18] IBM announces Select-a-Keyboard, a scheme allowing customers to change a PC's bundled keyboard during purchase for no additional charge, and the Personal System/2 Host Connected Keyboard (Type 4 122-key Model M Converged Keyboard) suited for use with PC/3270 emulation software. The keyboard is similar to Type 3 but sports keycaps similar to a 3270 Personal Computer Converged Keyboard and lock lights. Select-a-Keyboard will include this and the Enhanced and Space Saving Keyboards.
[ASK] The Lexmark Classic Touch Keyboard with Integrated 16mm Trackball (Model M5-1) and Classic Touch Keyboard with Integrated 25mm Trackball (Model M5-2, pictured) begin appearing in magazines. M5s are variants of the Lexmark Classic Touch Keyboard with integrated trackball assemblies; M5-1 has a 16mm trackball with four buttons positioned above the keyboard's arrow keys, but M5-2 has a 25mm trackball with eight buttons above the LED lock-light overlay.
[19] The IBM Easy OPTIONS 101-Key Extended Keyboard (Model M1, KB570) begins appearing in marketing. M1 is a variant of the M2 Selectric Touch Keyboard with an AT-style DIN plug that was sold as a standalone product rather than being bundled with a system.
[ASK] The Lexmark Classic Touch Keyboard with Integrated Pointing Stick, the first of the Model M13s, begins appearing in Lexmark's marketing in magazines. M13s are variants of the Lexmark Classic Touch Keyboard and IBM Enhanced Keyboard with an integrated pointing stick and two mouse buttons. Lexmark self-branded M13s use an FSR-based pointing stick, whereas IBM's usually use TrackPoint II.
[20] IBM introduces the Adjustable Keyboard and optional numeric keypad attachment (Model M15) under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. It is unique for being an IBM keyboard that is a split ergonomic design with extensive form customisability thanks to its elaborate feet. Lexmark also introduced a self-branded version called the Select-Ease Keyboard at some point. M15 was also the last numbered Model M variant to be introduced.
[ASK] IBM introduces the TrackPoint II Keyboard (Black) under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. It is a recolouring of the existing IBM-branded pearl white Model M13 and uses pad-printed keycaps instead of dye-sublimated ones. But despite this, it will still become one of the most iconic IBM keyboards.
[ASK] Unicomp introduces the EnduraPro, based on the Model M-based IBM Japanese Keyboard/TrackPoint II (model 5576-C01). The 5576-C01 design was modified to support either the ANSI layout and the ISO layout, support super keys, remove its large rotating foot and use the Lexmark-Unicomp FSR pointing stick.
[ASK] IBM introduces the 3494 Track Pointer Keyboard for the TotalStorage 3494 Enterprise Automated Tape Library. It is a variant of the Unicomp On-The-Stick (Model M13) that replaces an earlier Model M5-2 3494 Track Ball Keyboard. Because of its Unicomp base, it is the only known IBM-branded M13 to use an FSR-based pointing stick instead of a TrackPoint. It is the latest known IBM-branded buckling spring keyboard to be introduced.
Unicomp introduces the SpaceSaver, a variant of the Model M-based EnduraPro without a pointing stick and two mouse buttons.
[21] Unicomp introduces the SpaceSaver M, an Apple Mac OS X (now simply macOS) centric version of the Model M-based SpaceSaver. The original SpaceSaver is renamed "SpaceSaver PC".
[ASK] Unicomp renames the Model M-based SpaceSaver PC to its current name Ultra Classic.
Unicomp introduces the Sun Unix SpaceSaver, a version of the Model M-based Ultra Classic and SpaceSaver M with a layout tailored to Sun Unix usage.
[ASK] Joe Strandberg (known as Ellipse on deskthority and geekhack) founds Model F Labs and begins the Brand New Model F Keyboards project. The original goal is to recreate the capacitive buckling spring and 472X-200 and 472X-300 type Model Fs with modernised electronics, and make them available at an affordable price. By the mid 2020s, the project will expand to include reproduction beam spring and Model M-esque capacitive buckling spring keyboards.
[ASK] Unicomp introduces the New Model M, the first entirely new buckling-spring Model M variant since the '90s. Whilst it doesn't revolutionise the typical Model M internal mechanical and electronical design, its cover set is produced with new tooling and represents an upward shift in quality over other contemporary Unicomp keyboards.
[ASK] Unicomp introduces the Mini Model M, a tenkeyless counterpart to the New Model M. Its cover set is likewise produced with new tooling, but it also sports new membrane assembly design that allows larger key combinations in various scenarios and controller card design that sports a lockable USB port.
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- zrrion - donated photo.
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- email donations - donated photo.
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