Please note the following:
Please read the Additional Notes
section before buying this keyboard and please do not purchase this
Model M if you intend to use it for playing computer games requiring
more than 2 regular keys to be pressed simultaneously for certain game actions.
The Model M has 2KRO (2-key rollover) which means a maximum of 2 regular keys and no more than 3
modifier keys (i.e., Alt, Ctrl, Shift) can be pressed at the same time without causing errors. Do not
purchase if this limitation poses a problem for you!
Also, please
read and comply with the shipping requirements (below, paragraph 6) with
regard to forwarding agents. Send an eBay message if you have a problem
with this.
This is a new Model M in its original IBM foam insert and it is in pristine, unused condition. It has been expertly bolt-modded for long-term durability, and 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 professional typists, writers, and programmers
as the best keyboard ever made.
This Model M features tri-color
key legends imprinted using IBM's sublimated-dye process that is
virtually wear-proof, detachable keycaps, and detachable cable. The
keystrokes on this keyboard are smooth, producing very crisp clicks on every
key, and making routine typing tasks a joy. The
classic Model M clicky keystroke properties were preserved by the
bolt-mod process -- very important to enthusiasts and collectors. Truly
built to last with no plastic rivets to worry about, this keyboard can
be expected to provide many years of reliable service. All photos in this listing are of
the actual keyboard you will receive.
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. Send
an eBay private message if you want more information about this
converter and how it can be re-programmed for custom key functions, key
macros, etc.
The following items are included:
- New IBM coiled IBM SDL-PS/2 cable; 5 ft. length when coils are stretched
- New Orihalcon active inline PS/2-USB converter, compatible with Soarer's firmware
- Original IBM molded foam insert; form-fitting, protects keyboard during shipment
- Shipped in our custom heavy-duty double-wall corrugated shipping box
- Full 14-day return privilege with refund or replacement, includes return shipping
What makes our refurbished Model M's 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 51 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. 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. This keyboard comes with a new IBM coiled SDL-PS/2 cable and a new Orihalcon active inline PS/2-USB converter, compatible with Soarer's firmware for re-programming keys. Active USB converters, although more
expensive, are superior to passive wiring adapters in avoiding
compatibility and performance issues.
5. Ultimate protection during shipment
This
keyboard comes with its original IBM foam packing insert. The
foam-protected 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.
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 118mA 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 is used with an appropriate active PS/2-USB converter, such as the one we supply. Passive PS/2-USB wiring adapters are not recommended for use with the Model M due to various incompatibility issues reported by users.
Model M keyboards are NOT spill-proof. 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 damage such as rust or corrosion of the internal steel plate, contamination of the internal membrane layers, rusted springs, etc., so please don't try this!