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 PC 5150 / 5160 XT buckling spring over capacitive PCB keyboard from 35+ years ago. 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 XT 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.  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 converter, such as the Pro Micro which runs Soarer’s Converter, but I can offer no support or details with this.

4.  International sets are available to order and they will work on your XT keyboard (go to the Full Key Set product page), though for the keys unique to the XT you’ll have to reuse those as they are not included in the new sets.

Here are the available keyboards – please make your selection above:

Keyboard 1:

Nice cosmetic shape, keys and case thoroughly cleaned, both ears present; some black marker on the bottom.

 

Keyboard 2:

Keyboard 2 has had its original crumbly foam replaced with one of my new foam reproductions:  the original style of non-crumbly foam that IBM used in many of its original XT keyboards – a $35 value included in this listing.  Nice cosmetic shape, keys and case thoroughly cleaned, both ears present; some black marker on the bottom.  A gouge on the right side of the F3 key as pictured.

Keyboard 3:

Nice cosmetic shape, keys and case thoroughly cleaned, one ear broken off (you can still flip out both bottom legs); some black marker on the bottom.