Est. 1998 — 28 years of woodworking knowledge
Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keyboards
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
Years ago I rescued several old IBM keyboards from discard. I love the stiff "click" keys. The terminal on the cord is a cylindrical connector. Modern computers take some other configuration.
is there an adapter to go from the cylindrical IBM connector to a modern computer plug?
I'm pretty sure...
John in NM
That you can buy a simple PS2 to USB adapter. I'm not 100% sure that the plug you're describing is PS2, but that is the older mouse and keyboard format I remember.
Re: Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keybo
Mark Nowicki
https://www.amazon.ca/PS-2-to-USB-Adapter/dp/B001E6DTL6
Re: Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keybo
Mark Nowicki
Getting to use an old IBM Model M keyboard on Win10 might be a problem.
More info from my IT guru
The connector could be either type AT or PS/2.
Hack info
Tom Dunlap
[I deleted the 's' from 'https'...it should make the Google search link a direct link]
Years ago I read an article about the team that designed those IBM keyboards. Very interesting.
There is more info than you want here:
Re: Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keybo
Bill Howatt
If it is an AT connector which looks similar to the round PS2 but is larger in diameter, you can get an AT to PS2 adapter from Amazon and likely elsewhere.
Bill
Re: Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keybo
David Yoho
Bill, your IBM keyboard probably has a 5-pin DIN AT connector. You might be able to find an adapter for an AT to PS2 connector but your computer would have to have a PS2 port, which new ones don't have anymore. It would be impossible to go from AT to USB.
Re: more information
Bill Tindall, E.Tn.
This keyboard has been used on a 5 year old PC that accepted this plug. Does that indicate it is PS2?
Re: more information
walta
Please post a photo of the connector of plug attached to your keyboard.
Walta
Re: Hack info
Clint Searl
The keyboard that was included with the early IBM CRT display was an offshoot from the IBM Selectric typewriter, promoted heavily in their sales because it was the only one in the marketplace to feature "tactile feedback". It continued to be used with their PCs.
Re: more information
Mark Nowicki
Is the connector on the keyboard and the port on the PC purple?
Good Chance
David Yoho
It's a good chance your connector is PS2. If it or the port connection on the PC is colored purple, then it is PS2. If that's the case and you have a newer computer without a PS2 port, you can buy an adapter for PS2 to USB.
Also...
David Yoho
Not all PS2 connectors are purple - some are black. It should measure 3/32" or 6/64" in diameter.
Correction
David Yoho
My measurement (3/32" or 6/64" in diameter) is incorrect. It should be 3/8"
Yes, purple
I *love* me a clicky keyboard
A.J. Hamler
In fact, I can't really use any other kind effectively. I still have three original IBM Model M keyboards from older computers, which I'm hoarding in case they become useful during the coming robot apocalypse. I have used them with a USB adapter with my Mac, but the lack of a few specific function keys makes them less than ideal.
For more than you would ever want to know about original clicky keyboards (technically "buckling-spring" keyboards), go to https://www.clickykeyboards.com/ You can also buy old Model M keyboards there -- including some brand new and unused in-the-box -- as well as some that have been modified with USB connectors.
Additionally, there are a number of companies out there making modern clicky keyboards. They're not quite the same as those golden oldies, but they're the closest you'll find. For the last seven or eight years I've been using one from Unicomp (the original makers of the IBM Model M), that includes Mac keys, and I love it. Can't imagine how many hundreds of thousands of words I've pounded out on it, and it's just as good as the day I bought it. You can check them out here -- https://www.pckeyboard.com/
Happy clicking...
A.J.
Re: Computer keyboard question, remember IBM keybo
Jerry Nicholson
I really like those old IBM PS/2 keyboards. The one on my main computer was manufactured on October 13 1987 and still works great. I am using it with a PS/2 to USB adapter from Amazon. The IBM PS/2 keyboard on my secondary computer is much newer - it was manufactured for IBM by Lexmark on September 16 1994.
Never ever plug or unplug one of these into a PS/2 port with the power on. You will damage the PS/2 port. Same for a PS/2 mouse. You probably don't even need to ask how I know this!
Jerry
Re: I *love* me a clicky keyboard *LINK*
John McGaw
Quite a few of the keyboards sold as 'gaming keyboards' are of the old-school clicky sort. One I've been looking at is as shown in this link. The only thing holding me back is that I've gotten so used to having wireless keyboard and trackball that going back would be a PITA. Also, it ain't cheap but I am.
Modern Clicky
Adapter ordered. thank you all
Re: I *love* me a clicky keyboard
Walt
Yup, the Unicomp keyboards are produced by a company that bought the keyboard business from Lexmark. They're still made in Lexington Kentucky the last I knew. The newer 'clicky' keyboards are made using Cherry keys (Germany) or newer Cherry key knockoffs. One downside to the Unicomp keyboards is that they cannot be bought backlit of that matters. I'm typing this on one of the Cherry key knockoffs with blue backlighting. Except for the keys being a little close together - this keyboard is about 17" the Unicomp is 18"+ it ain't bad and cost about $40. Unicomps go for $100+ including shipping. Model M/Unicomp keyboards also are not quiet so may not be suitable for use where there are multiple people. A decent mechanical keyboard is SO much nicer to type on than the commodity keyboards though.
