Editing Model M keyboard (section)

== Variations ==
The Model M's numerous variations (referred to as "part numbers") incorporated alternative features and/or colors. One of the more sought after variants of the Model M keyboard is the Space Saving Keyboard, which integrates the number pad into the keyboard's main section, substantially reducing its width. The Space Saving Keyboard is likely the origin of the keyboard layout that is generally known as a "Tenkeyless keyboard."{{Citation needed|date=January 2023}}

IBM released the standard and Space Saving Model M's in an alternative 'gray/pebble' color for use with their Industrial computers, designed to conceal discoloration from handling in production environments. Other variable features include a grounded spacebar and, on some later models, drainage holes to deter damage from spilled liquids.

<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align:left">
IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard.png|IBM model M Space Saving keyboard Industrial variant
IBM Model M13.png|IBM Model M13 'black' variant featuring the optional black trackpoint cap
</gallery>
<gallery mode="packed" style="text-align:left">
IBM Model M5-2.png|IBM Model M5-2, featuring a purple trackball and alternative 'RGB' keys from Unicomp
IBM model M2 for Sweden and Finland.jpg|IBM Model M2, Part no. 1395713, manufactured 1992
</gallery>

The M2 was a late Lexmark variation issued under cost pressure from competing rubber-dome keyboards. Some revisions used rubber-dome switches; others retained buckling springs. All had a much thinner, lighter case and discarded the metal backplate. It can easily be distinguished from the original Model M design by its flat, unsculpted front case section; also the manufacturing label, if present, says "M2" rather than "M." M2s were poorly fabricated and notoriously unreliable; comparatively few survived into the 21st century, and Model M enthusiasts do not value them.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gvMPBSGVng |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/5gvMPBSGVng |archive-date=2021-12-21 |url-status=live|access-date=2021-05-10|title=IBM Model M2 review|website=[[YouTube]] }}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The M2 should in turn be distinguished from the M5, another Lexmark variant which returned to the rugged Model M case/backplate construction but added a built-in [[trackball]]; and those two from the M13, which was also built like rugged Model Ms but featured a [[pointing stick]]. The M5 and M13 designs are still carried by Unicomp in 2021 under the names Trackball Classic and Endura Pro.