A timeline of IBM keyboard history
This is a preview of upcoming Admiral Shark's Keyboards content. 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. 121 events have been recorded for the "show all" versions of the timeline.
Herman Hollerith, a pioneer of punched card technology, founds the Tabulating Machine Company to market his inventions. Their equipment quickly gained ground in being uses for censuses of many companies, including the 1900 U.S. census.
[ASK] Herman Hollerith patents the first keypunch (apparatus for perforating record-cards). This patent was implemented as the Hollerith 001 Mechanical Card Punch, which upon IBM's founding, became the IBM 001 Mechanical Card Punch and their first product.
Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company (CTR) is founded by Charles R. Flint upon consolidating Herman Hollerith's The Tabulating Machine Company with Bundy Manufacturing Company, International Time Recording Company and the Computing Scale Company of America. CTR specialises in recording-keeping and measuring systems.
The Computing-Tabulating-Recording Company is renamed the International Business Machines (IBM) Corporation under the presidency of Thomas J. Watson Sr.
IBM acquires Electromatic Typewriters, Inc. to gain a head start with their typewriter ambitions, gaining Electromatic's patents, production facilities and tooling. IBM will invest $1 million in redesigning their product and improve support infrastructure for them.
[1] IBM introduces its first family of electric typewriters. IBM invested heavily in the technology acquired from Electromatic, introducing the IBM Model 01 Electric Typewriter (pictured) from it. 01 would be joined by 02 through 10 within a decade's time.
[2] The IBM Model A electric typewriter family is introduced.
[3] IBM introduces the 024 Card Punch and 026 Printing Card Punch, both BCDIC electric keypunches with a choice of a 21-key numeric keyboard or a 45-key combination keyboard (pictured). These keyboards are technically discrete and electrically separable, so they are also considered to be IBM's first generation of keyboards under the modern sense of what a keyboard is. They use a contact-bail system for keystroke sensing called a Keyboard Permutation Unit.
IBM Canada opens the 844 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Ontario plant (plant 91). This plant will go on to play a minor role in Model M production via the IBM 4680 POS Alphanumeric Keyboard, likely producing their cover set and electronics whilst the rest was made by IBM Netherlands.
IBM United Kingdom opens the Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55). Greenock became a major hub for manufacturing keyboards, personal computers, printers, terminals and typewriters destined to be sold in Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). It would go on to produce Model B, Model F and Model M keyboards and IBM ThinkPad notebook computers.
[4] The IBM Model B electric typewriter family is introduced.
IBM United States opens the Lexington, Kentucky plant (plant 11). This plant became associated with the IBM Information Products Division and was a known major producer of IBM typewriters and keyboards for the North American market.
The IBM 7150 Console Typewriter & Operating Keyboard (pictured) and 7900 Inquiry Station Typewriter Keyboard are introduced. They are the earliest known forms of IBM printer-keyboards, which are considered to be IBM's second generation of keyboards.
[5] The IBM Model C electric typewriter family is introduced.
IBM Netherlands opens its second Amsterdam, North Holland, the Netherlands plant (plant 58). This plant served a major manufacturer of IBM Office Products Division products such as electric typewriters, producing two million of such by 1980. In the '80s, the plant diversified to produce electronic typewriters and keyboards including in the Model F and Model M families.
[6] IBM introduces the first Selectric electric typewriters, largely replacing the IBM Electric series. It uses whiffletree digital-to-analogue converters to translate key strokes into typed characters from its "golfball" typing element. Its styling and key feel would become a standard IBM would later try to emulate with later electronic keyboard designs. Selectric will spawn two follow-ups and specialised variants such as the Selectric Composer and various printer-keyboards.
[7] Jim Ladue and Werner Seydel patent for IBM Germany and IBM United Kingdom a "keyboard divided into two mirror-image fields", an early design for a split-ergonomic keyboard. It is intended for typewriters or similar machines, allowing the user to position their arms and hands at more natural positions and rotation. Whilst IBM never brought this exact product to market, this patent will be cited by well-known ergonomic keyboard companies such as Kinesis and Maltron (Lillian Malt).
[8] IBM announces the 029 Printing Card Punch, based on the earlier 026 Printing Card Punch but enhanced for operation with the IBM System/360 mainframe family. Whilst mechanically similar, 029 now supports EBCDIC characters. Its numeric and combination (pictured) keyboards are also similar and still contact-bail based, but given a styling overhaul, connect to their host keypunch via SMS-style connectors and could have more toggle switches depending on exact configuration.
[9] The IBM Model D electric typewriter family is introduced. This is IBM's last non-Selectric typewriter.
IBM introduces its first named keyswitch design - the IBM elastic diaphragm - with the IBM 5475 Data Entry Keyboard. Elastic diaphragm encoded keyboards become IBM's third generation of keyboards.
[10] IBM announces the 129 Card Data Recorder, the IBM System/370 era, SLT-logic successor to the 029 Printing Card Punch. The combination keyboard is now the only input device, as a numeric keyboard option was dropped. The 129 keyboard can easily be distinguished from its 129 predecessor via its program mode dial on its toggle switch panel.
[11] The IBM 3270 Information Display System debuts as a family of coaxial cabled terminals originally intended for IBM System/360 or System/370 mainframe computers. At launch, the 3270 series included the IBM 3275 and 3277 Display Stations. The first keyboards of the 3270 family were the Micro Switch SW-based 66-key (pictured) and 78-key IBM 3275 and 3277 Display Station Type A Keyboards. These "Type A" keyboards would be replaced with Model B-based "Type B" keyboards within 2 years of launch.
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 and Robert John Wolfram patent the beam spring (switch button with snap mechanism) keyswitch for IBM. The design has a leaf spring that rests at a downwards bent position, which when force is applied, snaps to an inverted position. The movement lifts a capacitive fly plate away from a pad card that can perform capacitance sensing, which is interpreted as a key press.
[12] The IBM Model B (beam spring) keyboard family is introduced with the IBM 3158 66-key Display Console Keyboard as IBM's fourth generation of keyboards.
[13] The IBM System/34 midrange computer is introduced, along with the 5250 Information Display System to serve as its terminals. IBM 5250 includes the 5251 Display Station (pictured) and 5252 Dual Display Station, and the 66-key (525X-66 type) and 83-key (525X-83 type) (pictured) Model B keyboards.
[14] The IBM Base Keyboard debuted in the form of the Model B-based 75-key and 87-key (pictured) IBM 3276 and 3278 Display Station Keyboards. The Base Keyboard was considered by IBM to be the direct predecessor to the Converged Keyboard design. The Base layout became somewhat of a standard for IBM, though perhaps competed with the IBM 5251/5252 layouts.
[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 United States opens the Charlotte, North Carolina plant and laboratory (plant 41). This plant became associated with the IBM Information Products Division and was known to manufacturer printers. From 1993, it likely had a peripheral involvement with the Model M keyboard family as many Model M-based IBM POS keyboards such as RPOS and MPOS will have Charlotte's plant code in their serial/ID numbers, implying at least a "location of control" relationship.
IBM begins developing the IBM System/23 Datamaster, and with it, the first Model F-based keyboard assembly.
[15] IBM announces the Displaywriter System, a modular diskette-based word processing system. At its core is the 6580 Displaywriter Display Station with its Displaywriter Display Station Keyboard Module (630X type Model B). The keyboard design is recycled from the IBM 5253/5254 Display Station, inheriting its internal speaker and likewise is available in either a 92 or 96 character variant.
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.
[16] IBM introduces the IBM 4700 Finance Communication System, the 4704 Display Station, and 50-key (472X-100 type Model F) keyboard. These will be followed by the 62-key (472X-200) (pictured) and 77-key (472X-300) keyboards in December 1982, and the 107-key (470X-400) keyboard in December 1983. The 62-key keyboard is a notable early example of the now-popular 60% keyboard and Tsangan bottom row.
[17] 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] Edwin T. Coleman, III patents the "rocking switch actuator for a low force membrane contact switch" for IBM, which will be brought to market the following 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 the cost by "approximately half" compared to capacitive buckling springs.
[18] 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.
[19] 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.
[20] IBM introduces the PCjr, a small, low-cost PC designed for "home and educational environments and for personal productivity applications." Its keyboard, the PCjr Cordless Keyboard, has 62 "chiclet" style keys, rubber-dome keyswitches and infrared connectivity. The PCjr would turn out to not be very successful, and its original keyboard design considered to be one of IBM's worst.
[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.
IBM introduces the revised PCjr Cordless Keyboard to address major complaints regarding the original "chiclet" style design. It still has 62 keys and infrared connectivity, but it now has more traditional style keys and nomenclature is printed on the keys instead of an overlay surrounding them.
[ASK] IBM announces the Wheelwriter 3, Wheelwriter 5 (pictured, keyboard of), 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.
[21] 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.
[22] 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.
[23] 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.
[24] IBM Mexico opens the Guadalajara, Jalisco plant (plant 78 or "IEP"). This plant was specifically made for producing personal computers and related peripherals for the Latin American market. IBM Personal System/2 Enhanced Keyboards were produced there between 1987 and 1995, with such keyboards affectionately known as a "Modelo M", referencing their Spanish-language rear labels.
[25] IBM announces the 4680 Store System, its first POS solution based around PC-based terminals. At launch, it included the 4683 POS Terminal, IBM 5170 Model 839 or 5170 Model 899 Personal Computer AT/Store Controller, and the 4680 50-Key Modifiable Keyboard (pictured). The keyboard is made by SMK and uses SMK discrete rubber dome keyswitches.
[26] 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.
[27] 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.
[28] The IBM Model 1B keyboard makes its original debute as an option for the IBM 3192 Display Station models C and D. Model 1Bs take on the same physical layout and form-factor as the 104-key Model F Converged Keyboards but they are not based on existing IBM keyboard technology, instead using Micro Switch ST series rubber dome keyswitches. It's believed the "Quiet Touch Keyboard" term originated as a name for 1Bs.
[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 introduces the 4680 POS Matrix Keyboard for 4683 and 4684 POS Terminals. It is one of IBM's most functional keyboards, purposely designed for "applications requiring a large number of pre-defined keys." It has a manager's keylock and 139 keys, of which 126 comprise its main relegendable area. It is made by Key Tronic and uses Key Tronic capacitive foam and foil (tactile variant) keyswitches.
[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.
[29] IBM introduces the first InfoWindow Display Stations, types 3471 and 3476. The IBM InfoWindow Display Station family further converges the 3270 and 5250 terminal families under a more unified branding and outwardly design language despite their inherent cabling, protocol and nomenclature differences.
[30] IBM introduces the 4680 50-Key Modifiable Keyboard/Operator Display for 4683 and 4684 POS Terminals. It is based on the existing IBM 4680 50-Key Modifiable Keyboard, likewise made by SMK and using SMK discrete rubber dome keyswitches but now sporting a tilting LCD.
[31] 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.
[31] 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.
[32] IBM introduces the 4680 ANPOS Keyboard for 4683 and 4684 POS Terminals. It has 115 keys and an integrated manager's keylock. Like previous 4680 keyboards, it is made by SMK and uses SMK discrete rubber dome keyswitches.
[33] 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 the IBM Personal System/2 L40 SX notebook computer. This device was marketed the original IBM TrackPoint.
[ASK] Edwin J. Selker and Joseph D. Rutledge patent the concept of a pointing stick for IBM Information Products Corporation, which would eventually be implemented on IBM products as the TrackPoint II, III and IV pointing sticks and become a hallmark feature of ThinkPad laptops.
[34] 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 and its Model M3 keyboard assembly and optional numeric keypad. Also available for L40 SX as an option was the original IBM TrackPoint design (combined mouse and trackball).
IBM Information Products Corporation is divested to form Lexmark International. Lexmark inherited IBM United States' keyboard, printer and typewriter manufacturing operations and facilities in Boulder, Colorado and Lexington, Kentucky (plant 11).
IBM announces the Select-a-Keyboard scheme as a way of allowing IBM PC customers to change the bundled keyboard at the time of purchase for no additional charge. The options available under this scheme were mostly from the Model M family.
[ASK] The IBM Space Saver Keyboard (Model M4) enters production around this time. It is essentially just an IBM Personal System/2 L40 SX Keyboard Assembly (M3) placed in its own cover set with a PS/2 controller card. It is notable for being the first desktop keyboard with IBM buckling sleeves.
[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.
[35] 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.
[36] IBM announces the 4693 and 4694 POS Terminals. To go with them, IBM also introduces the Retail POS (RPOS) series of buckling-sleeve Model Ms (M7, M7-1, M8, M9 and M11). RPOS keyboards are derived from a common platform and usually made by a single OEM at a given time, which contrasts the IBM 4680 era's fractured keyboard ecosystem made by IBM itself, SMK or Key Tronic.
[37] 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.
[38] 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.
[35] IBM introduces the ThinkPad 500 series monochrome subnotebooks. 500 in turn introduces the Type 4 variant of the buckling-sleeve Model M6-1 keyboard, which compared to all most other M6/M6-1 types had a much compressed layout, smaller key unit sizes, and (on average) lower-gauge sleeves to suit the 500-series' very small size.
[39] 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.
[31] IBM announces the OPTIONS by IBM brand to offer "hundreds of peripheral add-ons, add-ins and system enhancements for both IBM and non-IBM industry standard systems, to satisfy a wide variety of personal computing needs." Upon launch, the brand included a version of the Model M PS/2 Enhanced Keyboard and Model M13 TrackPoint II Keyboard.
[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.
[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.
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.
[40] 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) (Model M13) under the OPTIONS by IBM brand. Whilst it is only a visual (raven black) variant of the existing IBM-branded M13, it will still become one of IBM's most iconic specific Model M variants.
[41] IBM introduces the ThinkPad 701C series notebook computers, which sports a novel solution to reducing a laptop's overall footprint in an era of typical only small displays available. Its integrated IBM TrackWrite Keyboard (aka, the "butterfly keyboard") is able to slide so it can compact itself when the laptop is closed and expand when it is opened. It is produced by Key Tronic using their own flavour of buckling-sleeve keyswitches. The 701C series went on to win many design awards.
Lexmark announces it will be ending its keyboard manufacturing business by April 1996 to focus on printers. IBM agreed to purchase from Lexmark $6.5 million worth of "certain keyboard assets, tooling, equipment, manufacturing information and licenses." Maxi Switch bought from Lexmark some manufacturing rights for IBM keyboards, patents (including one related to buckling springs), and assets for Lexmark Select-Ease Keyboards (Model M15) and rubber dome keyboards.
[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.
Lexmark exits the keyboard business. This resulted in the late Neil Muyskens (a former IBM and Lexmark engineer) founding Unicomp as Lexmark's keyboard business successor, continuing to produce various Model M variants in Kentucky, USA to this day, originally at 510 Henry Clay Blvd, Lexington, Kentucky 40505.
[42] IBM introduces the TrackPoint IV Keyboard (model KPD8923, also known simply as the TrackPoint Keyboard) under the OPTIONS by IBM branding. 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.
[36] IBM introduces the 4820 SurePoint Solution Flat Panel Display, an attachment originally for IBM 4694 POS Terminals. The display in turn could support a 32-key keypad attachment that was originally called the IBM SurePoint 4820 Monitor Keypad and MSR Extension. This keypad is considered to be the beginning of the Pre-Modular POS (PMPOS) series of buckling-sleeve Model Ms. 4 types of 4820-style keypads would eventually be introduced.
IBM relinquishes its in-house keyboard production capability after IBM United Kingdom's Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55) stops producing Model M keyboards.
[ASK] Unicomp introduces the EnduraPro, a modification of the IBM Japanese Keyboard/TrackPoint II (model 5576-C01) that supports the ANSI layout and the ISO layout, removes its large rotating foot and makes use of the Lexmark-Unicomp FSR pointing stick.
[43] IBM introduces the original Compact ANPOS Keyboard (CANPOS). It is a 133/134-key keyboard with an integrated pointing device and optionally an MSR that manages to pack all this functionality into a form-factor that is roughly as wide as a TKL. It is considered to be within the PMPOS series of buckling-sleeve Model Ms.
[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.
Brandon Ermita begins ClickyKeyboards (ClickyKeyboards.com) as a way of preparing for upcoming online academic database projects for Princeton University by documenting Model M keyboards. This will soon grow into a passion and business for restoring and selling Model M keyboards that is still going today, having since sold thousands of keyboards and became the most well-known of such businesses.
[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.
Lenovo acquires IBM Personal Computing Division, gaining its ThinkPad brand, access to the SK-8835/SK-8840/SK-8845 keyboard family, various other relevant IP and personnel.
Unicomp introduces the SpaceSaver, a variant of the Model M-based EnduraPro without a pointing stick and two mouse buttons.
IBM introduces the Modular POS (MPOS) series of buckling-sleeve Model Ms as successors to RPOS, finally shaking up IBM POS keyboard design for the first time since 1993. MPOS at this point includes the IBM Modular 67-Key POS Keyboard, IBM MANPOS Keyboard and IBM MCANPOS Keyboard. The "modular" in their names refers to how some of the keyboard's extra functionality is user removable and replaceable.
[44] 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] Soarer's Converter firmware debuts when Soarer starts a geekhack thread on the subject. Originally for Teensy-based microcontroller units, it makes using IBM PC/XT and terminal compatible keyboards much easier than before. When eventually paired with Pro Micros and custom solutions such as orihalcon's and tinkerBOY's cables became available, it became the most popular of such firmware. It will go on to win "best input device mod" in Deskthority Awards 2012.
[45] 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] The IBM Modular 67-Key POS Keyboard with LCD Display is introduced as the fourth and final member of the MPOS series of buckling-sleeve Model Ms, replacing the RPOS-era Model M8 and thus sometimes known as the "M8-e". It is presently the latest known IBM buckling sleeve keyboard design.
[ASK] Unicomp renames the Model M-based SpaceSaver PC to its current name Ultra Classic.
[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.
Toshiba TEC acquires IBM Retail Store Solutions, creating Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions (TGCS). TGCS inherited IBM's last remaining portion of the Model M keyboard family and now remains the only company marketing IBM buckling sleeve keyboards.
[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.
Lenovo acquires IBM x86 Server Business, receiving IBM's System x, BladeCenter and Flex System blade servers and switches, x86-based Flex integrated systems, NeXtScale and iDataPlex servers and associated software, blade networking and maintenance operations.
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.
Unicomp is acquired by Video Display Corporation (VDC) as an "opportunity to develop, market and sell Tempest keyboards for its cyber security division".
Unicomp is reincorporated from "Unicomp, Inc." to "Unicomp GA, LLC" following its purchase by VDC.
[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.
Demolition of IBM United Kingdom's former Greenock, Scotland plant (plant 55) is completed.
[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.
[46] 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.
- 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).
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- 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.
- IBM - IBM Displaywriter System General Information Manual (#G544-0851-5) [accessed 2023-12-06]. License/note: document archived by bitsavers.
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- Rik Myslewski - . License/note: public domain.
- email donations - donated photo.
- Wyatt8740 - File:Ibm3161 1.jpg [accessed 2023-01-23]. License/note: public domain.
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- eBay - photos saved from past listings & used under fair dealing.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
- 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.
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- 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).
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