Please note the following:
This is a new IBM Model M keyboard, in its original bulk sleeve-and-foam packaging. There is some light soiling and slight external cosmetic damage to the foam inserts and cardboard sleeve from long-term storage, although the keyboard inside is in pristine new condition. This Model M has heavier construction than later Model M's, largely due to its thicker internal steel backplate. It features the classic IBM "buckling-spring" mechanism in the keys to provide unmatched tactile and auditory feedback with every key press. It is the keyboard often cited by serious users as the best keyboard ever made. All photos in this listing are of the actual keyboard you will receive.

This Model M has detachable keycaps imprinted using IBM's sublimated-dye process that is virtually wear-proof, and a heavy-duty detachable SDL-PS/2 coiled cable. The keystrokes on this keyboard are smooth, with a lively and springy feel that produces crisp clicks on every key. All key springs have been checked and adjusted as necessary to eliminate pinging (the metallic twangy sound that sometimes occurs in buckling-spring keyswitches). The classic Model M keystroke properties of sound and feel were absolutely unaltered by the bolt-mod process -- very important to enthusiasts and collectors. The bolt-mod operation ensures long-term reliability, and ensures that keystrokes will remain crisp, clicky, and responsive for a lifetime of use.

NOTE: The PS/2-USB converter supplied with this keyboard supports Soarer's converter firmware, allowing key remapping if desired, and provides additional programmable keyboard features. It comes pre-programmed with the standard key mapping for this keyboard, and can be used immediately without further programming. More details about this converter can be found here.

The following items are included:
  • New detachable IBM coiled SDL-PS/2 cable; light grey color, stretches to 6 ft. length
  • New active Orihalcon PS/2-USB inline converter, supports Soarer's converter
  • New IBM Function-key template kit as originally shipped with the keyboard
  • Original IBM 2-piece foam packing inserts, form-fitting for maximum protection
  • Original IBM cardboard sleeve over the foam-packed keyboard
  • Heavy-duty, double-wall corrugated outer shipping box -- the cardboard is over 1/4" thick
  • Full 14-day return privilege with refund or replacement, includes return shipping
What makes our IBM Model M keyboards better, and why do they cost so much?

1. We start with the best Model M's we can find
In this particular case, the keyboard offered is new, unused, and in perfect operational and cosmetic condition.

2. Rivet-less bolted construction
As most fans of the Model M keyboard know, the thermoformed plastic rivets that hold the entire internal keyswitch assembly together can (and usually do) fail over time as the plastic ages and becomes weaker and more brittle. The loss of at least a few of these rivets is common even in NIB Model M's, since the failure mechanism is more a matter of aging than usage. Usually there are more than a few broken rivets in aging Model M's. If enough rivets are lost within a given area of the keyswitch array, one or more keys in that area may feel weak and spongy, with little or no click, intermittent actuation issues, or complete loss of mechanical click and electrical actuation.

To completely eliminate this potential problem for our customers we remove the plastic rivets and replace them with stainless steel low-profile Torx-head machine screws (see photos). These are of premium quality, made in the USA, and crafted of DIN-compliant Alloy 318. There are 50 of these screws securing the keyswitch assembly, with a combined strength far greater than necessary to guarantee a lifetime of reliable service. Unlike plastic rivets which break off individually, a single screw as used in our process will not break off or pull out individually and would need to have all of the surrounding screws do the same -- simultaneously -- in order to cause problems. This is physically impossible, given both the individual and the combined pullout strength of our stainless steel machine screws. We thoroughly test each keyboard key-by-key before and after the bolt-mod process, and then again just before listing on eBay, to ensure our customers get exactly what we promise -- the very best bolt-modded IBM Model M keyboards available today. To perform the bolt-mod process typically takes about 4 hours and is very labor-intensive.You are invited to contact us for more information on our bolted-construction technique via eBay messaging; we'll respond promptly.

3. Full disclosure of the condition of the keyboard
We inspect and photograph not only the exterior, but also the interior assembly of every keyboard we sell. Very few eBay sellers invest the time and effort to do this, but we want you to know exactly what you're buying before you commit to the transaction. That's why we post a detailed photo of the internal steel backplate and plastic rivets (or screws if bolt-modded) that secure the keyswitch assembly. Excessive failure of those rivets is probably the single biggest cause for the demise of many a Model M keyboard. These keyboards can easily tolerate a small number of broken rivets (very common in vintage Model M's, whether new or used) and still function perfectly; but excessive rivet loss can result in one or more keys not clicking properly when pressed, and not actuating reliably. That's why we check the integrity of each rivet, removing any that show signs of weakness; only then do we assess the condition of the keyboard. We bolt-mod every Model M that in our opinion requires it for long-term reliability -- and that's nearly all of them; those which clearly don't require bolt-modding because there are no weak or broken rivets (these are quite rare) are sometimes sold unmodified, and at a significantly lower price than our bolt-modded keyboards.

4. New cable and USB converter included
Everything you need to immediately begin using your Model M is supplied; no need to go shopping for a cable or USB converter. We supply new genuine IBM-made cables whenever possible, and we also supply a new active USB converter. Active USB converters, although more expensive, are superior to passive wiring adapters in avoiding compatibility and performance issues. The keyboard in this listing comes with a new coiled IBM SDL-PS/2 cable and a new Orihalcon Soarer's-compatible active PS/2-USB converter.

5. Ultimate protection during shipment
We ship all of our full-size Model M's fully enclosed in 2-piece foam packing inserts. This keyboard comes with its original 2-piece IBM foam packing inserts and cardboard sleeve. The sleeved and foam-enclosed keyboard, cable, and USB converter will be fully wrapped in large-diameter bubble wrap, and packed inside a custom heavy-duty double-wall corrugated box for shipment. This will provide the ultimate in protection against the roughest handling likely to be encountered in transit. With our heavy-duty protective packaging we feel confident in shipping these keyboards around the world without fear of damage, and we fully insure all shipments at our own expense.

Please note that we will not ship to third-party freight-forwarding companies or other proxies who are not the actual buyer. All items we sell must be shipped directly to the buyer, regardless of whether the destination is domestic or foreign. The buyer's address as registered with eBay and PayPal must be the actual physical address of the buyer, and not the address of a third-party or proxy. For import customs purposes when an item is to be shipped to a foreign country, we insist on declaring the actual value of the item sold (i.e., the price paid for the item by the buyer) so please do not ask us to do otherwise in order to avoid paying applicable import duty, taxes, etc. We reserve the right to cancel any sale that does not comply with these requirements.

If you would prefer an alternate shipping method to an international destination, such as DHL, FedEx, or UPS just let us know before you complete your purchase so we can quote the shipping charge to you.

6. Absolute satisfaction guarantee
We want you to be completely delighted with your purchase; but if not, our return policy is simple. We ask you to follow these easy steps:
     a) If you have an issue with some aspect of the keyboard, please DO NOT attempt to repair or adjust it without first contacting us;
     b) Contact us immediately via eBay messaging for further instructions;
     c) Save all packing materials and contents, do not discard anything;
     d) In the unlikely event of shipping damage, cooperate with our insurer's attempts to verify the damage.

Please note that refunds or replacements are not offered in the event a keyboard is returned:
     a) With damage, alterations, or modifications made or caused by the buyer;
     b) With damage that occurred during return shipping as a result of the buyer not packing it according to our instructions;  
     c) Missing custom-made or manufacturer-made packing materials that were included in the listing;
     d) Missing parts or accessories that were present on, in, or supplied with, the keyboard as it was shipped to the buyer

If the original packing materials were damaged in transit and cannot be reused, let us know so we can provide alternate packing instructions.
We highly recommend that you save the box and all packing materials for future storage or shipping requirements, as these provide excellent protection for the keyboard and accessories.
Do not discard the box or other packing materials until you're sure you won't be returning the keyboard, as these will be required if a refund or replacement is requested, and must be used to return the keyboard if at all possible. Your purchase of this item will constitute your acceptance of this requirement.

A few additional notes:
IBM Model M keyboards were originally designed for both casual and serious typing, data-entry, and other general-purpose usage. They were produced long before the advent of today's highly sophisticated computer games, and are generally not recommended for certain computer gaming applications due to their inherent 2-key rollover limitation. This means a maximum of 2 regular keys plus up to 3 modifier keys (Ctrl, Alt, Shift) may be pressed simultaneously and register correctly. Some games require multiple keys in excess of this limit to initiate various actions within the game; thus potential buyers are hereby forewarned that this keyboard may not be satisfactory for that purpose.

If your computer has a PS/2 keyboard port and you intend to use this instead of a USB port, please be sure your PS/2 port can supply the roughly 112mA current required by the Model M keyboard. If in doubt check your computer's specs or contact its manufacturer for this information.

Most USB ports on modern computers will supply the current required by the Model M when it's used with an appropriate active converter, such as the one we supply. Passive wiring adapters are not recommended for use with the Model M due to various incompatibility issues reported by users.

Model M's are NOT completely spill-proof, although later-production ones with the added drainage channels are more resistant to spills than the earlier ones. We advise you to NEVER spill any liquids into or onto your Model M, regardless of what you may have heard about their spill-resistance. And no, you cannot safely clean a Model M in your dishwasher (again, regardless of what you may have heard) without the risk of causing serious problems, so please don't try this!