IBM 5576-C01 Keyboard
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| Part number |
66G8362 (dual PS/2 port) 66G8363 (single PS/2 port)[1] |
|---|---|
| Branding | IBM |
| Manufacturer | IBM, Lexmark |
| Layouts | OADG106 106-key JIS |
| Keyswitches | Buckling spring over membrane |
| Keycaps | Dye-sublimated PBT |
| Interface | PS/2 |
| Years of production | 1987 - 1997[2] |
| Price | ¥33,000 JPY (1994)[3] |
The IBM 5576-C01 (Japanese version of the IBM Model M13) was a keyboard for IBM Japan's PS/55 line of computers. It used a 106-key JIS layout similar to the one used on the IBM 5576-A01 keyboard. It used the same Buckling spring over membrane switches which are also used in the famous Model M Enhanced Keyboard and some other Model M keyboards, and also has a TrackPoint stick with two mouse buttons, again like the IBM Model M13.
Design
Unlike 5576-003 and 5576-A01, it uses IBM's membrane buckling spring mechanism instead of Brother Industries' buckling spring mechanism. Therefore, it does not have N-key rollover and the construction includes a curved backplate. The one-piece PBT dye-sublimated keycaps are compatible with Model M buckling spring keyboards. The TrackPoint II stick and mouse button module is identical to the one used in Model M13 and therefore the controller card of 5576-C01 is very similar to the one of M13 made in the same era (by Lexmark or Maxi Switch).
Other than the flip feet used in most Model M keyboards, the 5576-C01 also features a big rotating foot. No official explanation from IBM Japan was given about the function of the rotating foot, it is suggested that the purpose of implementing the foot is to allow the keyboard to be parked on its back wall, allowing the user to increase usable desk space as needed or to prevent the keyboard from slipping off a small lapdesk.
Variants
5576-C01 has two variants which have P/N 66G8362 and 66G8363 respectively. They come with different types of cable - P/N 66G8362 with separate PS/2 plugs for the mouse and keyboard connections, and P/N 66G8363 with a single combination plug. Due to this, P/N 66G8363 will not be fully operational if connected to a standard PS/2 port or PS/2 converter but it has been said to work when connected to IBM portables such as the ThinkPad 235.[4]
Successors
Unicomp EnduraPro is a modified 5576-C01 with the rotating foot removed, Unicomp's own trackpoint technology, more color options and later with USB connection added. Unicomp simplified the EnduraPro into a new version called Ultra Classic, which has no trackpoint stick or mouse buttons.
Gallery
- A duo of IBM P/N 66G8362
Top view
Single-piece keycaps, and barrels
Back view
Left hand side
Middle section
Angle view
Angle view of keyboard lifted with the rotating foot
Same, as viewed from another angle
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References
- ↑ Soretonaku Keyboard — 解体新書IBM TrackPointII Keyboard — Disassembly pictures of variant with P/N 66G8363 (Japanese). Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ↑ IBM — Announcement of some 5576 keyboards discontinue (Japanese) (Wayback Machine)
- ↑ Ide-san's website — Prices of 5576 keyboards in 1994 (Japanese) Posted August, 2001. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
- ↑ Ide-san's website — 5576-C01 (Japanese) Posted June, 2003. Retrieved 2024-03-05.
External links
- Admiral Shark's Keyboards — IBM Japan 5576-C01 TrackPoint Keyboard and its Unicomp descendants
