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.
[1] Joseph E. Jasinski, Charles H. Lingle, Richard F. Pollitt and David W. Shuman patents for IBM Information Products Corporation a combined, reversible ball mouse and trackball device that will be used for a IBM Personal System/2 L40 SX notebook computer accessories called the TrackPoint.
[ASK] Edwin J. Selker and Joseph D. Rutledge patent the concept of a pointing stick for IBM Information Products Corporation. It will soon be implemented on IBM products as the TrackPoint II, III and IV pointing sticks and will become a hallmark feature of ThinkPad laptops.
[2] The IBM Model M keyboard family is expanded to include IBM buckling sleeve based keyboards upon the introduction of the IBM Personal System/2 Model L40 SX notebook computer. L40 SX features the Model M3 keyboard assembly and optional numeric keypad. The original IBM TrackPoint (combined mouse and trackball) will also be available as an option.
[3] IBM introduces the Personal System/2 CL57 SX notebook computer, IBM's first laptop to have a colour display. It also introduces the buckling-sleeve Model M6 keyboard (the original Type 1 variant), an evolution of the earlier IBM PS/2 L40 SX's M3 with an updated actuation method and easier keycap removal.
[ASK] Lexmark introduces the AR10 series ODM notebook computers for third parties and later their own Lexbook brand. They sport the Lexmark Notebook Keyboard with 16mm Trackball, a Type 2 buckling-sleeve Model M6 with an integrated trackball in the bottom-right and two mouse buttons inserted in between Ctrl and Alt. Type 2 M6s are notable for introducing a 7-row physical layout to the Model M family, which would soon be refined and popularised by the then-upcoming ThinkPads as the classic ThinkPad layout.
[ASK] IBM introduces the ThinkPad 700 series notebook computers, typically considered to be the first 'true' ThinkPad (a black, bento-box styled laptop with a red pointing stick). In particular, the 700 series introduces the Type 3 variant of the buckling-sleeve Model M6 keyboard and the TrackPoint II pointing stick.
[4] IBM introduces the Personal System/2 E, the first Energy Star-compliant PC. To go with it, the pearl-white IBM Quiet Touch Keyboard with TrackPoint II (Model M4-1, also known as IBM Space Saver Keyboard with TrackPoint II) is also introduced. M4-1 is an extension of M4, but with an integrated TrackPoint II pointing stick, and was in fact the first non-laptop IBM keyboard with such a device.
[5] IBM introduces the ThinkPad 500 series monochrome subnotebooks. 500 in turn introduces the Type 4 variant of the buckling-sleeve Model M6-1 keyboard. Compared to most other M6/M6-1 types, Type 4 has a compressed layout, smaller key unit sizes and (on average) lower-gauge sleeves to suit the 500-series' very small size.
[6] IBM introduces the IBM ThinkPad 750 series notebook computers. 750 series in turn introduces the Type 5 variant of the buckling-sleeve Model M6-1 keyboard, a revision of the Type 3 design that most notably sports an outer frame and hinges to allow them to mount to the host laptop to act as its inner cover and lifts to provide access to major system components.
[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.
[ASK] IBM introduces the ThinkPad Space Saver Keyboard with TrackPoint II around this time, a raven black version of the existing buckling-sleeve Model M4-1. This keyboard is only a cosmetic variant, but as the name implies, it is associated with the IBM ThinkPad family as it will be available with ThinkPad docking solutions. It will later also be available with some IBM Industrial Computers and in general.
[ASK] The Winbook XP series of notebooks begins appearing in marketing. They sported Lexmark-produced keyboards, which happen to be the earliest known examples of the Type 6 buckling-sleeve Model M6-1 variant. Type 6s are similar to Type 4 in that they are more compacted than the other types, but Type 6 retains standard sleeve gauges and key unit sizes and makes less layout compromises.
Robert C. Barrett, Robert S. Olyha, Jr. and Joseph D. Rutledge patents for IBM a formula for a negative inertia transfer function that can be used to help pointing sticks to counteract the feeling of sluggishness (i.e., having inertia). It was implemented in TrackPoint III's and TrackPoint IV's firmware, making them more performant with modern, high-resolution displays compared to TrackPoint II. For ThinkPads, it first appeared on the IBM ThinkPad 755CD.
[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.
[7] IBM introduces the ThinkPad 701C series notebook computers, sporting a novel solution for reducing a laptop's overall footprint and bezels around its screen whilst maintaining a respectable keyboard size. Its integrated IBM TrackWrite Keyboard (nicknamed "butterfly keyboard") is split into two sliding halves, compacting when the laptop is closed. It is produced by Key Tronic using their own flavour of buckling-sleeve-esque keyswitches. The 701C series will go on to win many design awards.
[ASK] Apple introduces the Newton OS 2.0 for its Newton MessagePad series personal digital assistants that promises better handwriting recognition and supports an external keyboard. The Apple Newton MessagePad Keyboard (model X0044) is launched to coincide with this, but it is especially interesting since it is derived from the IBM ThinkPad 500's Type 4 Model M6-1 buckling-sleeve keyboard assembly and is presently the only known Apple-branded Model M.
[8] IBM introduces the TrackPoint IV Keyboard (model KPD8923, also known simply as the TrackPoint Keyboard) under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. It is the designated replacement for the TrackPoint II era OPTIONS by IBM Model M13s and available in pearl white and stealth black. Over its predecessor, KPD8923 updates the TrackPoint stick technology and adds two Windows keys and a context menu key. It is made by Chicony and based on their KB-5923 rubber dome keyboard platform.
[ASK] IBM introduces the Space Saver II (model RT3200) keyboard under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. The "II" in its name alludes to RT3200 being a successor to the IBM ThinkPad Space Saver Keyboard with TrackPoint II (Model M4-1). RT3200 takes on a more traditional TKL form-factor, upgrades the stick to TrackPoint IV and gains a third mouse button. It is made by NMB and uses NMB's own rubber dome keyswitch design.
[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 TrackPoint USB Space Saver Keyboard (model KPH0035) under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. It is similar to the IBM Space Saver II (RT3200) as it is also a rubber dome TKL keyboard with a TrackPoint IV pointing stick, but it is updated to NetVista-era styling and has a longer cable and ThinkPad-style page backwards and forwards keys flanking the up-arrow key. A PS/2 version (KPD0035) will become available at a different date. Both are made by Chicony.
[ASK] IBM introduces the first SK-8835 (USB Keyboard with UltraNav, pictured) and SK-8845 (USB Travel Keyboard with UltraNav) releases, in turn the first models of the SK-8835/SK-8840/SK-8845 family of discrete keyboards with a classic ThinkPad layout and a Synaptic TouchStyk 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.
[ASK] IBM introduces the SK-8840 (IBM PS/2 Travel Keyboard with UltraNav), a new PS/2 member for the SK-8835/SK-8840/SK-8845 family based on the existing SK-8845.
[9] Lenovo introduces the ThinkPad USB Keyboard with TrackPoint (model SK-8855), made by LITE-ON. Compared the SK-8835/SK-8840/SK-8845 family, the SK-8855 is contemporary with ThinkPad T400s/T410/T420 era keyboards and is based on a production ThinkPad notebook keyboard instead of specially made, meaning it is capable of being serviced with other OEMs' keyboard assemblies with minor modification.
[10] Lenovo introduces the Android-based ThinkPad Tablet (types 1838 and 1839). To go with it, the Lenovo ThinkPad Tablet Keyboard Folio Case (model 0B33533) is also introduced and is the first device with an Optical TrackPoint.
[ASK] Lenovo makes the Precision Keyboard the standard keyboard design for Lenovo ThinkPads going forward, starting with the xx30 generation. Precision (also known as the "chiclet-style" or 6-row keyboard) is a derivative of AccuType Keyboard that was previously tested on some specific ThinkPads before now mostly laying to rest the 7-row keyboard classic ThinkPad layout across the board.
[ASK] IBM introduces the SK-8845CR variant of the SK-8835/SK-8840/SK-8845 family of ThinkPad-style discrete keyboards, uniquely omitting a TouchPad compared to the previous variants. This is the latest known keyboard release with a classic ThinkPad layout.
[ASK] Lenovo introduces the ThinkPad Compact USB Keyboard with TrackPoint (model KU-1255), made by Chicony. It is the first desktop keyboard based on the Lenovo Precision Keyboard design and is stylistically contemporary to ThinkPad T430 era keyboards, though its keyboard assembly is not shared with an actual ThinkPad laptop. It sports a removable Micro-B USB cable for connectivity.
[11] Lenovo introduces the ThinkPad X1 Fold 16 Gen 1 foldable computer and its optional Bluetooth TrackPoint Keyboard and Stand (model TKBBTDU811). TKBBTDU811 is the first Lenovo removable keyboard with an integrated Sensel haptic trackpad.
- 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.
- Jack @ laptop.pics - donated photos.
- 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.
- AD Maggs @ Wikimedia - File:Thinkpad 500 & 510 Machines.jpg [accessed 2025-05-16]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped).
- ASK Keyboard Archive - P/N 66G0121 (1994, Lexmark) [accessed 2023-06-04]. License/note: photos saved from volatile eBay listing, used under fair dealing.
- 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.
- davkol @ deskthority - Lenovo Thinkpad USB Keyboard with Trackpoint (aka SK-8855) [accessed 2021-10-16]. License/note: CC BY-SA 4.0 (cropped & perspective fixed).
- 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.
