New Zealand Vintage Computer Forums

I'm looking for a clean, working genuine IBM PS/2 keyboard so my PS/2 30-286 and PS/2 70 can both have one. Now that they have both got their own IBM screens I might as well go the whole hog. If you have one you want to part with, let me know or throw it on Trade Me so I can bid.

Alternatively, if you have a broken junk PS/2 keyboard I'd also like to know about it. I'm after just ONE keycap. Very easy to send in the post.

How compatible are the PS/2 keycaps with later generation IBM boards? I've got loads of IBM keyboards from the late 1990s/early 2000s sort of era, be more than happy to send you some parts from one.

I'm not sure. The keyboard in question is a 1987 Model M

All I need really to make this keyboard whole is the key cap for the F10 key (the cap that goes over the actual key) AND one of the tabs which fit underneath at the back corners to tilt the keyboard up. Mine is missing this tab.

Here are a couple of pics

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If you (or anyone else) can help, that would be great!

Very different - your board looks almost like a Model M. Mine are far more modern in design - single piece keycap/plunger type arrangement. I did have a reasonably elderly mechanical switch type IBM years ago from my Aptiva 486, but it's long gone.

Hello tezza,

Those keycaps sure look like the 2-piece Model M or Model F keycaps. In fact the sticker on the back says Model M and 1984, so I'd say that's fairly conclusive.

I have a complete 122-key terminal board I use daily with 2-piece caps like that. You can't have any of the spare keys though, ha!

However, I'd contact Unicomp in the US in Lexington, who bought the tooling and factory from Lexmark/IBM after they got out of the Model M. They still manufacture brand new Model Ms and all the accessories to go with them. I had them make me a special 122-key board (unique scancodes from the controller); the sticker on the back says made August 2010.

They sell individual keycaps very cheaply. Also new springs, key feet, membranes, anything. Chuck is very helpful there.

Their website is here: http://pckeyboards.stores.yahoo.net/

It's a model M allright. In fact I say so in the first line of the post that has the pictures

Thanks for the tip. I'll wait and see if I can scavange something first and if not, might drop them a line.

Just a note to say I've got what I needed now. Thanks!