I'm trying to figure out why nobody seems to like the keyboard that came with the IBM 5155 Portable PC. I've bought three so far, all of them around $25 - with me being the only bidder each time. It's a light-weight Model F keyboard, easily converted with Soarer's Teensy project. With Model F keyboards going for ridiculous prices these days, I would have thought people would be interested in the 5155. I love it: super clicky, non-flexing case that feels like wood, thin (relatively) and light. Why don't people want these?
Opinions on the IBM 5155 keyboard
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webwit
- Wild Duck
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: Model F62
- Favorite switch: IBM beam spring
- DT Pro Member: 0000
- Contact:
Eliza says: What makes you think nobody likes the keyboard that came with the IBM 5155 Portable PC?
It's compact and light and you can put stuff in there, like the cable. I got mine from a dentist. It came like this. The hard disk had all his customer's details still on it. I think he really wanted an Apple.
It's compact and light and you can put stuff in there, like the cable. I got mine from a dentist. It came like this. The hard disk had all his customer's details still on it. I think he really wanted an Apple.
Spoiler:
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Game Theory
- Mr. Despair
- Location: Madison WI US
- Main keyboard: Majestouch Convertible 2 or Beam Spring 5251
- Main mouse: Logitech G900
- Favorite switch: MX Blue in terms of MX
- DT Pro Member: 0008
Maybe its the XTish layout or that it would not feel complete without the whole PC to some people. Then what if the PC were non functional ..... (off to the vintage-computer forum).
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scottc
- ☃
- Location: Remote locations in Europe
- Main keyboard: GH60-HASRO 62g Nixies, HHKB Pro1 HS, Novatouch
- Main mouse: Steelseries Rival 300
- Favorite switch: Nixdorf 'Soft Touch' MX Black
- DT Pro Member: -
Hey, I remember 7bit was looking for a portable laptop with a mechanical keyboard. Maybe he should get one of these. 
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mr_a500
- DT Pro Member: -
Ewww! So he might have stuck his hands in somebody's drooling mouth, then typed on the computer with his filthy hands. Look in that cord compartment for tooth fragments.webwit wrote: I got mine from a dentist. It came like this.
The ultimate portable with the ultimate mechanical keyboard is the IBM 5100. (but if you put it on your lap, you'll probably end up with broken legs.scottc wrote:Hey, I remember 7bit was looking for a portable laptop with a mechanical keyboard. Maybe he should get one of these.
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Muirium
- µ
- Location: Edinburgh, Scotland
- Main keyboard: HHKB Type-S with Bluetooth by Hasu
- Main mouse: Apple Magic Mouse
- Favorite switch: Gotta Try 'Em All
- DT Pro Member: µ
That sounds promising. The difference in sound and feel between AT and XT is quite subtle, and depends as much on the condition of the boards.
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scottc
- ☃
- Location: Remote locations in Europe
- Main keyboard: GH60-HASRO 62g Nixies, HHKB Pro1 HS, Novatouch
- Main mouse: Steelseries Rival 300
- Favorite switch: Nixdorf 'Soft Touch' MX Black
- DT Pro Member: -
"portable" - only with enough willpower and a strong enough back/rucksack.mr_a500 wrote:My plan is to use one as a portable keyboard for use with my MacBook when travelling - because my 13lb beam spring is.. not quite portable.
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Findecanor
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
For me, it is the hat caps and XT layout that I don't like. And, actually... I am not that much of a fan of buckling springs.
... but I do love it when a keyboard has a grey rectangle around the keys inside a white enclosure. I have been contemplating painting my Model M that way ...
... but I do love it when a keyboard has a grey rectangle around the keys inside a white enclosure. I have been contemplating painting my Model M that way ...
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ImClueless
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: QFTK
- Main mouse: Logitech something-or-other
- Favorite switch: Mx Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
But they are what started it all. How could you NOT like them?Findecanor wrote:I am not that much of a fan of buckling springs.
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bhtooefr
- Location: Newark, OH, USA
- Main keyboard: TEX Shinobi
- Main mouse: TrackPoint IV
- Favorite switch: IBM Selectric (not a switch, I know)
- DT Pro Member: 0056
- Contact:
Plenty of reasons.
They are a bit on the stiff side of things (well, a broken in Unicomp board is pretty light). Preload is awfully high on the Model M, especially early ones (but the F is plenty low). Actuation is quite late in the travel, so it can be slower and more likely to bottom out.
And, it's the beam springs that started it (it being IBM dedicated computer keyboards, as opposed to adapted typewriters) all.
They are a bit on the stiff side of things (well, a broken in Unicomp board is pretty light). Preload is awfully high on the Model M, especially early ones (but the F is plenty low). Actuation is quite late in the travel, so it can be slower and more likely to bottom out.
And, it's the beam springs that started it (it being IBM dedicated computer keyboards, as opposed to adapted typewriters) all.
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mr_a500
- DT Pro Member: -
How very odd... I just got a 5155 keyboard in the mail and it's much heavier than my other one. I don't have a scale to say exactly how much heavier, but it's very obvious. I'd say it's at least 33% heavier. Either there is variation in backplates (aluminium vs. steel) or somebody has stashed a bunch of gold in it for smuggling purposes. (I'm hoping for the gold)
Another difference is the feet. My other 5155 has medium-brown wood-like feet. This one has white hard plastic feet. (I'm too lazy for photos at the moment)
Another difference is the feet. My other 5155 has medium-brown wood-like feet. This one has white hard plastic feet. (I'm too lazy for photos at the moment)
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mac80211
- Favorite switch: Cherry
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
I made an IBM 5155 keyboard usb adapter. It's built with QMK firmware with VIAL support so you can do remapping and other configuration in real-time. 