Editing Model M keyboard (section)

{{Short description|Series of computer keyboards}}
{{Redirect|Model M|the 1900s automobile|Cadillac Model M}}
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{{Infobox keyboard
| name         = Model M
| image        = IBM Model M Spanish Keyboard.jpg
| caption      = An IBM Model M manufactured in the early 1990s
| model        = 
| pn           = Various
| fcc          = 
| branding     = [[IBM]], [[Lexmark]], [[Unicomp]], others
| manufacturer = [[IBM]], [[Lexmark|Lexmark International]], [[Maxi Switch]], [[Unicomp]]
| family       = IBM Model M
| features     = 
| layouts      = 101/102/104 [[ANSI]], 102/103/105/122 [[ISO]]
| switch       = [[Buckling-spring]], [[Dome-switch keyboard]]
| switch mount = 
| keycaps      = [[Dye-sublimation printing|Dye-sublimated]] (white/grey keycaps) or pad-printed (black) [[Polybutylene terephthalate|PBT]]
| interface    = [[PS/2 port|PS/2]], [[DIN connector|AT]], Terminal, [[USB]]
| rollover     = 
| dimensions   = 
| weight       = 2.0–2.5 kg
| years        = 
| introduced   = 1985
| discontinued = 
| predecessor  = 
| successor    = 
| price        = 
}}
{{Listen |filename=Typing_-_Model_M_1986.ogg |title=IBM Model M (1986)|description=The sound of an IBM Model M from 1986, with the characteristic buckling spring sound.}}
{{Listen |filename=Typing_-_Model_M13_1999.ogg |title=IBM Model M13 (1999)|description=The sound of an IBM Model M13 from 1999—quieter, with less spring noise.}}
{{Listen |filename=Typing_-_Model_F_122_1984.ogg |title=IBM Model F (1984)|description=A 1984 IBM Model F, for comparison with the Model M. Although it too uses buckling springs, its sound is significantly sharper and more metallic due to the spring plates directly contacting the [[printed circuit board|PCB]].}}
[[File:Unicomp space saver model m. with removed key 3864555240 9a2c6b95da o.jpg|thumb|upright|Unicomp Model M with removed "z" key. The buckling spring is visible.]]
'''Model M''' '''keyboards''' are a group of [[computer keyboard]]s designed and manufactured by [[IBM]] starting in 1985, and later by [[Lexmark|Lexmark International]], Maxi Switch, and [[Unicomp]]. The keyboard's different variations have their own distinct characteristics, with the vast majority having a [[buckling-spring]] key design and uniform profile, swappable [[keycap]]s. Model M keyboards are notable among computer enthusiasts and frequent typists due to their durability, typing-feel consistency, and their tactile and auditory feedback.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Wilkinson-Weber |first1=Clare M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ckQHEAAAQBAJ&dq=model+m+keyboard+ibm&pg=PT50 |title=Critical Craft: Technology, Globalization, and Capitalism |last2=DeNicola |first2=Alicia Ory |date=2020-05-26 |publisher=Routledge |isbn=978-1-000-18177-7 |language=en}}</ref>

The popularity of the [[IBM Personal Computer|IBM PC]] and its successors made the Model M's design influential: Almost all later general-purpose computer keyboards mimicked its key layout and other aspects of its ergonomics. The layout was standardized by ISO in 1994 and ANSI in 1998, with minor additions—most notably the [[Windows key]] and [[Menu key]].

The Model M is regarded as a classic and durable piece of hardware.<ref name=verge>{{cite web|url=http://theverge.com/2014/10/7/6882427/king-of-keys|title=King of click: the story of the greatest keyboard ever made|last=Robertson|first=Adi|date=2014-10-07|publisher=The Verge|access-date=2018-09-23}}</ref><ref name= "LifeHacker">{{cite web | url = http://lifehacker.com/5058929/the-best-keyboard-youve-ever-typed-on | title=The Best Keyboard You've Ever Typed On | last=Fitzpatrick | first=Jason | date=2008-10-06 | publisher = Lifehacker | access-date=2013-12-01}}</ref><ref name="PCWorld">{{cite web | work=PC World | url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/147939/greatest_keyboard.html | title=Inside the World's Greatest Keyboard | last=Edwards | first=Benj | date=2008-07-08 | access-date=2013-12-01 | archive-date=2013-12-03 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203054620/http://www.pcworld.com/article/147939/greatest_keyboard.html | url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name= "PCAdvisor">{{cite web | publisher = PC Advisor | place = [[United Kingdom|UK]] | url = http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/pc-peripheral/13664/the-worlds-best-keyboard-and-why-its-so-great/ | title = The world's best keyboard, and why it's so great | last = Edwards | first = Benj | date = 2008-07-12 | access-date = 2013-12-01 | archive-date = 2015-01-26 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150126160938/http://www.pcadvisor.co.uk/news/pc-peripheral/13664/the-worlds-best-keyboard-and-why-its-so-great/ | url-status = dead }}</ref> Although the computers and computer peripherals produced concurrently with them are considered obsolete, many Model M keyboards are still in use due to their physical durability and the continued validity of their ANSI 101-key and ISO 102-key layouts, through the use of a PS/2-female-to-USB-male adapter with a built-in interface converter.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zevv.nl/play/misc/ibm-usb|title=IBM USB upgrade|website=zevv.nl|access-date=2018-02-13|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180120103853/http://zevv.nl/play/misc/ibm-usb|archive-date=2018-01-20}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://dntruong.wordpress.com/2017/12/28/ibm-model-m-keyboard-on-usb|title=IBM Model M PS/2 keyboard to USB conversion|date=2017-12-28|work=dntruong's Arduino blog|access-date=2018-02-13 }}</ref> Since their original popularity, new generations have discovered their unique functionality and aesthetics.<ref name="NPR">{{cite web | url = https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=100076874 | title = Old-School Keyboard Makes Comeback of Sorts | first = Martin | last = Kaste | publisher = [[National Public Radio]] | date = January 30, 2009 |access-date=2009-02-02}}.</ref>

It is estimated<ref name="verge" /> that during the IBM and Lexmark years, over 10 million Model Ms were shipped. Their mass-market success ended in the 1990s amid an industry-wide switchover to lower-cost rubber dome over membrane keyboards. IBM stopped producing the Model M keyboard in 1996.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wayner |first=Peter |date=2022-07-11 |title=12 examples of old tech that never dies |url=https://www.infoworld.com/article/3665916/12-examples-of-old-tech-that-never-dies.html |access-date=2022-08-08 |website=InfoWorld }}</ref>