Editing IBM Personal Computer keyboard

{{infobox dkeyboard
| image name   = IBM XT top.JPG
| model        = IBM PC 5150 keyboard
| fcc          = N/A
| manufacturer = [[IBM]]
| family       = [[IBM Model F]]
| switch       = [[IBM capacitive buckling spring]]
| layouts      = IBM PC Computer keyboard
| interface    = 5-pin DIN XT
| dimensions   = 19.6 × 7.87 × 2.2 inches<br />(500 × 200 × 57 mm)<ref>Personal Computer XT Hardware Reference Library: Technical Reference. Appendix E: Specifications, p. E-1.</ref>
| weight       = 6.5 lb (2.9 Kg)
}}

The keyboard of the 1981 IBM PC 5150 is commonly referred to as the "PC XT" keyboard, although it pre-dates the XT. It was based on the [[IBM 5322 System/23 Datamaster computer|Datamaster]] keyboard, but was mounted in an external case and used a unidirectional serial connection with a DIN-5 connector. When the PC was released, the keyboard was acclaimed for its touch, but its layout was criticized for having many oddly shaped keys placed close to each other.

==Known variants==
*1501100 (US English layout)
*1501101 (French AZERTY layout)<ref name=ibm1501101/>
*1501102 (German layout)
*1501104 (Italian layout)
*1501105 (UK layout)

==Keycaps==
The keycaps are made from PBT and are popular for their high quality dye sublimated legends. Other than most modern [[IBM buckling spring]] keycaps, these keycaps consist of a single, solid part and do not have the removable covers common on [[IBM Enhanced Keyboard]]s. The keycaps are compatible with other [[IBM Model F]] keyboards and [[IBM Model M]] keyboards of the first generation.

==Known issues==
The '''IBM Personal Computer keyboard''' has a 10-[[unit]] space bar that cannot be removed without disassembly of the keyboard. While all other keycaps can simply be pulled off, the space bar will likely get permanently damaged in an attempt to pull it off. In order to remove it, the case must be opened and the barrel plate must be separated from the bottom plate/PCB. Only then can the stabilizer wire of the space bar be un-hooked which allows the space bar to be pulled off like any other key.

The space bar is also known for being significantly stiffer than all other keys of the keyboard. It is the only stabilized key and has a much increased stiffness due to the design of the stabilizer wire. There are [https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/model-f-improvement-dis-assembly-tips-and-space-bar-mod-t6982.html guides] explaining how to soften the space bar by bending the stabilizer wire in a certain way.

==Types==
The earliest of IBM Personal Computer keyboards were slightly different than the more common version of the keyboard.  In fact, the IBM PC XT Technical Reference manual published in 1983 lists two different types of IBM Personal Computer keyboards identified as '''Type 1''' and '''Type 2'''.  The one most commonly found is the Type 2 keyboard because it was manufactured early in the product life cycle for the IBM Model 5150 PC and used throughout including the product life cycle for the IBM Model 5160 PC XT.  

The '''Type 1''' keyboard is constructed with different internal electronics; including an extra activated pin for RESET in the normal 5 pin DIN cable.  The '''Type 2''' keyboard has that pin but it is not internally connected so the later keyboard performs a keyboard reset internally when powered on. While there is this difference, both use IBM’s '''XT''' protocol for communication.

While the '''Type 1''' keyboard appears to always have a metal keyboard connector that mates with the IBM PC, not all IBM Personal Computer keyboards with a metal connector are '''Type 1'''.  The only true way of determining if an IBM Personal Computer keyboard is '''Type 1''' is by opening it and checking for the elongated internal PCB with the extra electronics.

==USB conversion==
Using this keyboard with a modern PC over USB is relatively simple. An [https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/how-to-use-a-pro-micro-as-a-cheap-controller-converter-like-soarer-s-t8448.html Atmega32U4 development board] flashed with [[Soarer's Converter]] is required. Please consult the forum thread about Soarer's Converter for wiring/soldering advice.

==Gallery==
IBM Personal Computer Type 1 keyboard:
<gallery widths=250px>
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - top.JPG | Top
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - keyboard mechanism top.JPG | Keyboard mechanism
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - keyboard mechanism rear.JPG | Keyboard mechanism rear
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - bottom barrel plate.JPG| Bottom barrel plate
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - bottom cover removed.JPG | Bottom cover removed
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - internal PCB left.JPG |Internal PCB left
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - internal PCB right.JPG | Internal PCB right
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - capacitive PCB.JPG | Capacitive flexible PCB
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - hammers.JPG | Hammers
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - rear top cover.JPG | Rear top cover
File:IBM PC Model F Type 1 - markings.JPG | Internal date markings
</gallery>

IBM Personal Computer Type 2 keyboard:
<gallery widths=250px>
File:IBM XT top.JPG                     | IBM PC Type 2 keyboard, top view
File:IBM XT bottom.JPG                  | IBM PC Type 2 keyboard, bottom view
File:IBM Model F XT (USB converted.jpeg | IBM PC Type 2 keyboard, cleaned and USB converted
File:IBM Model F XT Open Bottom.png     | Bottom view with case open
File:IBM Model F XT Barrel Plate.png    | Top down view of the barrel plate
File:IBM Model F XT Flippers.png        | Top down view on the "Model F" flippers
File:IBM Model F XT PCB.png             | Top down view on the capacitive sensing PCB and metal back plate
File:IBM Model F XT Simple USB.JPG      | Simple USB conversion with a ProMicro controller running Soarer's Converter
</gallery>

Type 1 versus Type 2 IBM PC keyboards
<gallery widths=250px>
File:IBM PC Model F - Type 1 top - Type 2 bottom.JPG             | External Type 1 (top) vs Type 2 (bottom)
File:IBM PC Model F - internals Type 1 top - Type 2 bottom.JPG   | Internal Type 1 (top) vs Type 2 (bottom)
</gallery>

==References==
<references>
<ref name=ibm1501101>Deskthority — [https://deskthority.net/help-f53/price-check-how-much-is-my-worth-t16-3240.html#p358671 (Help) Price Check: How much is my _____ worth?]</ref>
</references>

[[Category:IBM Model F keyboards]]
[[Category:Vintage keyboards]]
[[Category:Keyboards with buckling springs]]
[[Category:List of all IBM keyboards]]