Old IBM keyboards

OK, if any of you have some of those Model M mechanical ("clicky") keyboards lying around somewhere, you might want to get them out, dust them off, and put them up for sale.



Last week, ONE Model M (type #1397681 -- the littler one with no numeric keypad) sold for $276 on eBay.
Right now, there is a set of 3 (various types) for sale, and the current BID is almost $550.
Looks like the lowest recent price on a working Model M in good cosmetic condition is about $50.

There are several different types of keyboards called "Model M" (which has always confused me...). If you have any questions about yours, just let me know.

I think I might have some mylar from some IBM's lol. Tore all my keyboards apart before I knew those were worth more.

Had a model M 1391401 that I sold awhile back for around 50. The "space saver" keyboards with no number pad on the side are the ones that go for $200 plus. Also the older the date on the back sticker, the higher the selling price. If anyone has one they are going to list, be sure to include the serial number and date in the listing, and in pictures. The one I had sold within hours of me posting it.

I have probably 50 or more IBM Model M from POS terminals. They have a plug that looks like Ethernet. I don't know what that plug is called, maybe AT? I'd like to know exactly what it is.

yes the old connectors on those are AT connectors...

Pnutfarmer, does the connector look like this?



That's an RJ45 connector -- the kind you use for your Ethernet port.

I literally was about to strip an ibm keyboard and didn't have a nut driver, so i end up surfing here.

Go grab keyboard and read a big Model M and the part no is 1395682 and it has no number pad.... kinda feels like my lucky day if this has any value that this was posted in such a timely manner.

Looking around a bit apparently industrial grey ones are even rarer? and thats what this one is

Came out of an early 90's mopar diagnostic machine, even came with a kind of cool mopar performance monitor.

other than the old IBM's, are there any other mechanical keyboards worth more money than the others?

I'm sitting on an ACER and a gateway 2000 right now....

Originally Posted by lousypirate

I'm sitting on an ACER and a gateway 2000 right now....

I've heard of people getting keyboard forehead, and even been close to getting it myself, but never thought of using them for a seat before.

Actually you could probably do well to take the model numbers from the back of any old boards in question and check ebay, just be aware that if it isn't found for sale there doesn't guarantee it isn't rare/wanted

Originally Posted by Bear

I've heard of people getting keyboard forehead, and even been close to getting it myself, but never thought of using them for a seat before.

Actually you could probably do well to take the model numbers from the back of any old boards in question and check ebay, just be aware that if it isn't found for sale there doesn't guarantee it isn't rare/wanted

I'll go SSA on you.


If you get enough people to sit on keyboards, you'll be able to rewrite shakespeare.


I was more curious about what to look out for, rather than what mine are worth

Flimits......yes that's the connector. Bear and I discussed it in another thread and wondered if an old networking card might be used to interface the keyboard with the motherboard. I'm still working on the question of Ethernet to usb adapter actually working as a keyboard adapter.

Thebige.....Nice save!!

Heres the one that got saved... Lets see what happens all

IBM Model M Clicky Keyboard 1395682 Space Saver Industrial Grey Vintage | eBay

Originally Posted by Thebige

Heres the one that got saved... Lets see what happens all

IBM Model M Clicky Keyboard 1395682 Space Saver Industrial Grey Vintage | eBay

Ton of bids so far . My best guess would be in the $250-300 range

Originally Posted by lousypirate

I was more curious about what to look out for, rather than what mine are worth

That's really about the only way, is start searching the unknown, then as you get that group sorted out, move on to another one.
In time you'll know by looking at something whether to scrap it, save it for better than scrap, or if you'll need to do a search on that piece