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. 141 events have been recorded for the "show all" versions of the timeline.
Herman Hollerith founds the Tabulating Machine Company
[ASK] The "apparatus for perforating record-cards" (Hollerith/IBM 001 Mechanical Card Punch) is patented by Herman Hollerith
The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) is founded
The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company is renamed to International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation
IBM acquires Electromatic Typewriters, Inc.
[1] The IBM Model 01 Electric Typewriter is introduced
[2] The IBM Model A electric typewriter family is introduced
[3] The IBM 024 Card Punch, 026 Printing Card Punch and IBM's first generation of keyboards are introduced
IBM Canada opens the 844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario plant (plant 91)
IBM United Kingdom opens the Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55)
[4] The IBM Model B electric typewriter family is introduced
IBM United States opens the Lexington, Kentucky plant (plant 11)
The IBM 7150 Console Typewriter & Operating Keyboard, 7900 Inquiry Station Typewriter Keyboard and IBM's second generation of keyboards are introduced
[5] The IBM Model C electric typewriter family is introduced
IBM Netherlands opens the second Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands plant (plant 58)
[6] The IBM Selectric I electric typewriter is introduced
[7] The "keyboard divided into two mirror-image fields" (split-ergonomic keyboard) is patented by IBM Germany
The IBM Electric Typewriter Division is renamed to Office Products Division (OPD).
[8] The IBM 029 Printing Card Punch is announced
[9] The IBM Model D electric typewriter family is introduced
The IBM 5475 Data Entry Keyboard, elastic diaphragm keyswitch and IBM's third generation of keyboards are introduced
[10] The IBM 3210 and 3215 Console Printer-Keyboards are announced
[11] The IBM 129 Card Data Recorder is announced
[12] The IBM 3270 Information Display System is introduced
The "catastrophically buckling compression column switch and actuator" (original buckling spring) is patented by IBM
[13] The IBM Selectric II electric typewriter is unveiled
[ASK] The "switch button with snap mechanism" (Model B's beam spring) is patented by IBM
[14] The IBM System/370 Model 158, 3158 Display Console and 3158 66-key Display Console Keyboard are announced and IBM's fourth generation of keyboards (Model B) are introduced
[15] The IBM System/34 midrange computer, 5250 Information Display System and 5251/5252 Display Station Keyboards (Model B) are introduced
[16] The IBM Base Keyboard is first introduced with 3276 and 3278 Display Station Base Keyboards (Model B)
[ASK] The "buckling spring torsional snap actuator" (Model F's capacitive buckling spring) is patented by IBM
IBM United States opens the Charlotte, North Carolina plant (plant 41)
The IBM System/23 Datamaster and first Model F keyboard assembly enters development
[17] The first generation IBM Electronic Typewriter with reed keyboard is introduced
[18] The IBM Selectric III electric typewriter is introduced
[19] The IBM Displaywriter System, 6580 Displaywriter Display Station and Displaywriter Display Station Keyboard Module (Model B) are announced
The IBM Personal Computer and Personal Computer Keyboard (Model F) enters development
The IBM System/23 Datamaster and IBM's fifth generation of keyboards (Model F) are introduced
The IBM Personal Computer and Personal Computer Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[20] The IBM System 9000 and System 9000 Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[21] The IBM 4700 Finance Communication System, 4704 Display Station and 50-key 4704 Model 100 Function Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[22] The second generation IBM Electronic Typewriter with Model F-based keyboard is announced
[21] The IBM 4704 Display Station 66-key Model 200 Alphameric and 77-key Model 300 Expanded Alphameric Keyboards (Model F) are introduced
[23] The IBM 3104 Display Terminal and 3104 Base Keyboards (Model F) are announced
[23] The IBM 3178 Display Station models C1 and C2 and 3178 Base Keyboards (Model F) are announced
[24] The IBM 3290 Information Panel and the first Model F 104-key Converged Keyboard are introduced
[ASK] The IBM 3178 Model C3 Display Station and 3178 Model C3 Base Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[ASK] The "rocking switch actuator for a low force membrane contact switch" (Model M's membrane buckling spring) is patented by IBM
[25] The IBM 4980 Display Station and Model F 127-key Converged Keyboard are introduced
[21] The IBM 4704 Display Station models 2 and 3 and 107-key Model 400 Administrative Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[23] The IBM 3270 Personal Computer and the first Model F 122-key Converged Keyboard are introduced
[26] The IBM Portable Personal Computer and Portable Personal Computer Keyboard (Model F) are announced
[27] The IBM PCjr and PCjr Cordless Keyboard are introduced
[20] The IBM System 9002 and System 9002 Hybrid Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[ASK] The IBM 3178 Model C4 Display Station and 3178 Model C4 Base Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
[ASK] The IBM Personal Computer AT and Personal Computer AT Keyboard (Model F) are introduced
The revised IBM PCjr Cordless Keyboard is introduced
[28] The IBM Wheelwriter 3, Wheelwriter 5, Quietwriter 7 and IBM's sixth generation of keyboards (Model M) are introduced
[29] The IBM 7531 and 7532 Industrial Computers and the first Enhanced Keyboard (Model M) are announced
[30] The IBM 6715 Actionwriter 1 is introduced
[31] The IBM 3161 and 3163 ASCII Display Stations and the first terminal Enhanced Keyboard (Model M) are announced
[ASK] The IBM Model 1A (122-key Model M) Converged Keyboard family is introduced with the IBM 3205 Color Display Console Keyboard (membrane version)
[32] The IBM 6770 Wheelwriter System, 6780 Quietwriter System and their Movable Keyboard (Model M) are introduced
[33] IBM Mexico opens the Guadalajara, Jalisco plant (plant 78 or "IEP")
[34] The IBM 4680 Store System, 4683 POS Terminal and 4680 50-Key Modifiable Keyboard are announced
[35] The IBM RT PC and 6100 System Keyboard (Model M) are announced
[36] The IBM PC Convertible is introduced
[ASK] The IBM Personal Computer XT and AT Enhanced Keyboards (Model M) are introduced
The IBM 3162 ASCII Display Station and the first Space Saving Keyboard (Model M) are introduced
[37] The IBM 4680 POS Alphanumeric Keyboard (Model M) is announced
[38] The IBM Model 1B keyboard family is introduced with the 3191/3192 Display Station Quiet Touch Keyboard
[ASK] The IBM Personal System/2 family and PS/2 Enhanced Keyboard (Model M) are introduced
[ASK] The IBM 3151 ASCII Display Station and 3151 ASCII Display Station Keyboard (Model M) are introduced
[ASK] The IBM Personal System/2 Space Saving Keyboard (Model M) is introduced
[ASK] The IBM Personal System/2 Model 30 models R02 and R21 and Personal System/2 50-key Function Keyboard (Model M) are announced
[ASK] The IBM 4680 POS Matrix Keyboard is introduced
[ASK] The IBM Personal System/2 Screen Reader and its Screen Reader Keypad (Model M) are introduced
[39] The IBM InfoWindow Display Station terminal family and Type 3 122-key Model M Converged Keyboard are introduced
[40] The IBM 4680 50-Key Modifiable Keyboard/Operator Display is introduced
[41] The IBM RISC System/6000 family and RS/6000 Enhanced Keyboard (Model M) are announced
[41] The IBM Personal System/1 family and the first Selectric Touch Keyboard (Model M2) are announced
[42] The IBM 4680 ANPOS Keyboard is introduced
[43] The "combined mouse and trackball" (original IBM TrackPoint) is patented by IBM Information Products Corporation
[ASK] The "analog input device located in the primary typing area of a keyboard" (TrackPoint-style pointing stick) is patented by IBM Information Products Corporation
[44] The IBM Personal System/2 L40 SX, Model M3 Keyboard and Numeric Keypad and IBM buckling sleeve keyswitch are introduced
Lexmark International is founded upon IBM Information Products Corporation's divestiture
[45] The IBM Select-a-Keyboard scheme and Personal System/2 Host Connected Keyboard (Type 4 122-key Model M) are announced
[ASK] The IBM Space Saver Keyboard (Model M4) enters production
[ASK] The Lexmark Classic Touch Keyboard with Integrated 16mm Trackball (Model M5-1) or Integrated 25mm Trackball (Model M5-2) begins appearing in marketing
[46] The IBM Personal System/2 CL57 SX and the first Type 1 Model M6 keyboard design are introduced
[ASK] The Lexmark AR10 series and the first Type 2 Model M6 keyboard design are introduced
[ASK] The IBM ThinkPad 700 series, the first Type 3 Model M6 keyboard design and TrackPoint II are introduced
[47] The IBM 4693 and 4694 POS Terminals are announced and the Retail POS Keyboard family (Model M7, M7-1, M8, M9 & M11) is introduced
[48] The IBM Personal System/2 E and Quiet Touch Keyboard with TrackPoint II (Model M4-1) are introduced
[49] The IBM Easy OPTIONS 101-Key Extended Keyboard (Model M1) begins appearing in marketing
[46] The IBM ThinkPad 500 series and the first Type 4 Model M6-1 keyboard design are introduced
[ASK] The IBM Basic Keyboard (Enhanced Keyboard with Quiet Touch, Model M) and Quiet Touch rubber dome keyswitch are introduced
[50] The IBM ThinkPad 750 series and the first Type 5 Model M6-1 keyboard design are introduced
[ASK] The Lexmark Model M13 Classic Touch Keyboard with Integrated Pointing Stick begins appearing in marketing
[41] IBM announces the OPTIONS by IBM brand
[ASK] The IBM ThinkPad Space Saver Keyboard with TrackPoint II (Model M4-1) is introduced
[ASK] The Winbook XP with the first Type 6 Model M6-1 keyboard design begins appearing in marketing
The "negative inertia transfer function" for TrackPoint pointing sticks is patented by IBM
[51] The IBM Adjustable Keyboard (Model M15) is introduced
[ASK] The IBM TrackPoint II Keyboard (Black) (Model M13) is introduced
[52] The IBM ThinkPad 701C series and TrackWrite Keyboard are introduced
Lexmark announces it will exit the keyboard business by April 1996
[ASK] Apple Newton OS 2.0 and the Newton MessagePad Keyboard (X0044, Model M6-1) are introduced
Unicomp is founded by former IBM/Lexmark staff upon Lexmark exiting the keyboard business
[53] The IBM TrackPoint IV Keyboard (KPD8923) is introduced
[ASK] The IBM Space Saver II (RT3200) is introduced
[47] The IBM 4820 SurePoint Solution Flat Panel Display and 32-key Pre-Modular POS Keypad (Model M-e) are introduced
IBM United Kingdom's Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55) stops producing keyboards
[ASK] The Unicomp EnduraPro (Model M) is introduced
[ASK] The IBM TrackPoint USB Space Saver Keyboard (model KPH0035) is introduced
[54] The IBM Compact ANPOS Keyboard (CANPOS, Model M-e) is introduced
[ASK] The IBM USB Keyboard with UltraNav (SK-8835) and IBM USB Travel Keyboard with UltraNav (SK-8845) are introduced
[ASK] The IBM 3494 Track Pointer Keyboard (Model M13) for the TotalStorage 3494 Enterprise Automated Tape Library is introduced
Brandon Ermita founds Model M restoring and reselling business ClickyKeyboards.com
[ASK] The IBM PS/2 Travel Keyboard with UltraNav (SK-8840) is introduced
The IBM Modular POS series keyboards 67-key, MANPOS and MCANPOS (Model M-e) are introduced
[55] The Unicomp SpaceSaver M (Model M) is introduced
[ASK] Soarer publishes the first Soarer's Converter firmware
[56] The Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet, ThinkPad Tablet Keyboard Folio Case (0B33533) and Optical TrackPoint are introduced
[ASK] The IBM Modular 67-Key POS Keyboard with LCD Display (Model M-e) is introduced
[ASK] The Unicomp Model M SpaceSaver PC is renamed to Ultra Classic
[ASK] The Lenovo Precision Keyboard becomes the standard ThinkPad keyboard design
Toshiba TEC acquires IBM Retail Store Solutions and forms Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (TGCS)
[ASK] The IBM Keyboard with Integrated Pointing Device USB (SK-8845CR) is introduced
Lenovo acquires IBM x86 Server Business
The Unicomp Sun Unix SpaceSaver (Model M) is introduced
[ASK] Joe Strandberg (aka, Ellipse) begins the Brand New Model F Keyboards project
Unicomp is acquired by Video Display Corporation (VDC)
Unicomp is reincorporated as "Unicomp GA, LLC"
[ASK] The Unicomp New Model M is introduced
IBM United Kingdom's former Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55) is demolished
- Mr. Haelscheir - donated photo.
- Flygvapenmuseum - File:IBM Model A typewriter (1).jpg [accessed 2024-08-01]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- IBM - IBM 024 Card Punch 026 Printing Card Punch Customer Engineering Manual of Instruction (#22-8319-0) [accessed 2025-03-29]. License/note: photos used under fair dealing.
- Norsk Teknisk Museum - File:IBM Model B typewriter (1).jpg [accessed 2024-08-01]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- Tekniska museet - File:IBM Model C Executive (1).jpg [accessed 2024-08-01]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- Steve Lodefink via Wikimedia - File:IBM Selectric I (4).jpg [accessed 2025-03-30]. License/note: CC BY 2.0 (cropped).
- IBM - Improvements relating to typewriter keyboards [accessed 2025-04-01]. License/note: provided by Google Patents, figures used under fair dealing.
- Waelder @ Wikimedia - File:IBM card punch 029.JPG [accessed 2025-03-30]. License/note: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped and rotated).
- Norsk Teknisk Museum - File:IBM Model D Executive (1) (cropped).jpg [accessed 2024-08-01]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- IBM - IBM 3215 Console Printer-Keyboard Component Description (#GA24-3550-1) [accessed 2022-09-04].
- Flominator @ Wikimedia - File:Rechnermuseum HFU 2193.jpg [accessed 2025-03-30]. License/note: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).
- snuci - File:IBM 3277 typewriter keyboard - keyboard top.JPG [accessed 2022-12-07]. License/note: public domain.
- Hannes Grobe @ Wikimedia - File:IBM Selectric II typewriter hg.jpg [accessed 2025-03-30]. License/note: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped & rotated).
- うぃき野郎 - File:IBM System370 model 138.jpg [accessed 2023-12-09]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- IBM - IBM System/34 Introduction (#GC21-5153-4) [accessed 2023-01-16]. License/note: document archived by bitsavers, photos used under fair dealing.
- TheMK#1822 - donated photos. License/note: CC-BY-NC-SA 4.0.
- Flygvapenmuseum via Wikimedia - File:IBM Electronic Typewriter 50 (1).jpg [accessed 2025-04-03]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- Museum of Transport and Technology via Wikimedia - File:IBM Correcting Selectric III Electric Typewriter model 670X (1).jpg [accessed 2025-04-06]. License/note: CC BY 4.0 (cropped).
- IBM - IBM Displaywriter System General Information Manual (#G544-0851-5) [accessed 2023-12-06]. License/note: document archived by bitsavers.
- SneakyRobb @ Deskthority - IBM System 9000 keyboard and picture of unknown Model F#p455136 [accessed 2025-04-04]. License/note: used under fair dealing.
- IBM - IBM 4700 Finance Communication System Summary (#GC31-2016-4) [accessed 2025-04-04]. License/note: provided by bitsavers, photos used under fair dealing.
- zrrion - donated photo.
- IBM - An Introduction to the IBM 8100 Information System (#GA27-2875-7) [accessed 2023-01-16]. License/note: document archived by bitsavers, photos used under fair dealing.
- Computerworld - 18 Apr 1983 [accessed 2023-08-05]. License/note: accessed via Google Books, photo used under fair dealing.
- Wazrach @ deskthority - IBM 4980 Model F Battleship (DONE) [accessed 2023-08-03]. License/note: permission to use photos requested and given via DMs.
- Hubert Berberich @ Wikimedia - File:IBM-portable-PC-01.jpg [accessed 2025-04-04]. License/note: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped).
- Rik Myslewski - . License/note: public domain.
- Hattiesburg American - Archives: The Blitz is On… IBM [accessed 2021-06-17].
- email donations - donated photo.
- Martini @ Wikimedia - File:IBM TypeWriter 6715.JPG [accessed 2025-04-18]. License/note: CC BY-SA 3.0 (cropped & rotated).
- Wyatt8740 - File:Ibm3161 1.jpg [accessed 2023-01-23]. License/note: public domain.
- Recycled Goods, Inc. - IBM 6770 Wheelwriter System/40 Typewriter F.P. 40 - Word Processor *NO RIBBON* [accessed 2023-02-26]. License/note: used under fair dealing.
- eBay - photos saved from past listings & used under fair dealing.
- ASK Keyboard Archive Photos - P/N 4783896 (198X, SMK) [accessed 2025-03-28]. License/note: photos archived from Recycled Goods, used under fair dealing.
- ASK Keyboard Archive - P/N 1392373 (1989, IBM-US) [accessed 2024-08-09]. License/note: photos saved from volatile taobao/xianyu listing, used under fair dealing.
- Federico Leva @ Wikimedia - File:Home computer portatile - Museo scienza tecnologia Milano 14618.jpg [accessed 2025-04-06]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- taylorswiftttttt - IBM Model M AT - 76X0035 - POS Keyboard [accessed 2022-04-09]. License/note: permission requested and explicitly given via direct correspondence.
- snuci - File:IBM 73x3832 Unsaver keyboard front.jpg [accessed 2024-10-02]. License/note: public domain.
- WorthPoint - Vintage IBM InfoWindow 3476 Display Station Monitor w/ Keyboard *See Desc* [accessed 2023-09-25]. License/note: photos saved from WorthPoint, used under fair dealing.
- IBM - IBM 4693/4694 Store Systems Hardware Service Manual for Point-of-Sale Input/Output Devices [accessed 2022-04-24].
- Brandon @ clickykeyboards.com - photo used with attribution [accessed 2024-04-21]. License/note: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Help:Contents#Copyright.
- themk - donated photo. License/note: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
- IBM - Combined mouse and trackball [accessed 2025-03-21]. License/note: provided by Google Patents, figures used under fair dealing.
- D. E. Larsso - File:IBM PS2 L40SX.jpg [accessed 2021-12-04]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0.
- WorthPoint - IBM 122 Key Host Connect Keyboard [accessed 2024-01-23]. License/note: photos saved from WorthPoint, used under fair dealing.
- Jack @ laptop.pics - donated photos.
- IBM - ftp://public.dhe.ibm.com [accessed 2025-03-05]. License/note: archived from IBM public FTP & used under fair dealing.
- Brandon @ clickykeyboards.com - 1997 IBM model M4-1 keyboard with trackpoint (84H8470) 18-JUL-1997 and external numpad (84H8537) + spare keyboard assembly [accessed 2022-08-20]. License/note: https://deskthority.net/wiki/Help:Contents#Copyright.
- WorthPoint - 1994 IBM Easy Options M1 Computer Keyboard 60G3570 WP1 M Clicky Buckling PC PS2 [accessed 2024-05-07]. License/note: photos saved from WorthPoint, used under fair dealing.
- ASK Keyboard Archive - P/N 66G0121 (1994, Lexmark) [accessed 2023-06-04]. License/note: photos saved from volatile eBay listing, used under fair dealing.
- P. Zwettler - M15 - IBM 13H6689 [accessed 2024-09-19]. License/note: All Rites Reversed.
- Richard Sapper - ThinkPad 701 [accessed 2025-03-25]. License/note: copyright of Richard Sapper, used under fair dealing.
- Mechanical Keyboard Tryout - IBM KPD8923 Keyboard image gallery [accessed 2023-11-12]. License/note: photo used under fair dealing.
- doomsday_device - donated photos.
- Unicomp - SpaceSaver M (Mac or Apple) [accessed 2022-11-08]. License/note: retrieved via Wayback Machine (2011-07-22 capture).
- DZ-World @ AliExpress - ThinkPad Tablet 1838 1839 Booklet Keyboard Leather Folio Case w/ US English keyboard USB Port 00HM470 SM10E37708 03X6354 04W2157 [accessed 2024-02-18]. License/note: photos saved from AliExpress listing, used under fair dealing, retrieved via Wayback Machine (2024-02-18 snapshot).
- Lenovo - Parts - X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 (Type 21ES, 21ET) Laptop (ThinkPad) - Type 21ES [accessed 2023-11-08]. License/note: photos used under fair dealing.
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