This listing includes $100 of additional parts needed to operate the keyboard with a modern computer: the pandrew 3178 controller, solenoid driver, USB-C cable, and a USB-C generic teensy needed for the controller. The controller is all soldered but you would have to solder the teensy to the controller as well as solder any needed header pins. The keyboard has the original IBM solenoid included.

If you are considering this IBM keyboard, I recommend you consider the Brand New Model F Keyboards (click the home page for more information!) which all feature a native USB controller with NKRO, fully customizable with function layers, macros, and the option to customize each key and layout.  Any questions feel free to check out the home page and email me.

This is your chance to own a thoroughly cleaned IBM 3178 Blue Switch buckling spring over capacitive PCB keyboard from 35+ years ago, fully tested and in excellent condition. The spacebar actuation force mod has been made as well to make the space bar force more in line with the other keys.

Many enjoy these Model F keyboards because of their superior typing feel compared to other keyboards. They have a pleasant sound in part from a much larger pivot plate at the end of a buckling spring as it clicks and directly contacts a capacitive PCB. With the later, cost-cutting Model M design, the buckling spring pivot plates are much smaller and hit a rubber mat on top of some plastic membrane sheets. This, along with the PC AT keyboards having been made for just a few years compared with Model M’s that were made for decades, is why these IBM Model F PC AT keyboards command a premium for the premium typing experience they provide.

Some details:

1. Only the keys and case were thoroughly cleaned – the other parts were not cleaned.  The keyboard has significant corrosion.  Just like nearly all of these keyboards, the case connection is cracked and damaged with some attempts to repair part of it with glue, but it is still broken – the case does not stay closed if you lift the top part of the case, for example.  Not all damage can be seen with the photos.  Shows signs of damage, usage and wear including scuffs in the plastic.

2. The “Spacebar mod” was performed to reduce the actuation force of the space bar, in order to make it more close to that of the Model M. This involved disassembling the inner assembly and gently adjusting the “bend” of the spacebar’s wire stabilizer to make it less extreme.

3.  As this computer component is more than 30 years old, no warranty is offered.  Sold as is, untested, damaged.  Please read the new Model F manual to familiarize yourself with Model F maintenance – I do not offer support for this and you may need to reseat springs or even take apart the whole keyboard if the space bar arrives not working, for example (unfortunately these keyboards are bounced around in shipping and the springs can move out of place).  You will need to purchase a controller, such as the pandrew universal Model F controller (I have no details and do not offer support for this):  https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?t=24597

Not included in the listing:  I have some original detachable raised feet for the IBM 3178 keyboards, as pictured below – please email me for details.