IBM PC Keyboards

By Xah Lee. Date: 2018-09-25. Last updated: 2022-02-06.

In 1981, IBM released “IBM Personal Computer” (aka IBM PC. Model number 5150)

This computer and later models became widely popular, becoming what's today known as PC or PC compatible, used by everyone, world wide, running Microsoft Windows Windows. (the other computer maker that enjoyed success, is Apple's Computers.)

There are several models of IBM PC over the years. The major ones are:

1981. IBM PC (model 5150). CPU 8088.
1983. IBM PC XT (model 5160). PC with hard drive.
1984. IBM PC AT (model 5170). New CPU, 80286.

Some of these new models, also have a new model of keyboard that come with it.

Each of the keyboard, also have many variations. Here are the main ones.

IBM PC 5150 Keyboard 56536 — IBM PC original (model 5150)'s keyboard. Introduced in 1981. (photo by McSeagull at reddit)

ibm pc xt e32ba-s1384x1040 — IBM PC XT 2832×2128 [image source 2018-09-26 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Ibm_px_xt_color.jpg ]

IBM Model F Keyboard, for IBM PC, 1981

IBM Model F XT keyboard e19f5 — IBM Model F keyboard, used with IBM PC and IBM PC XT. 83 keys

IBM Model F Keyboard for IBM PC AT, 1984

The IBM PC AT (1987), some of its keyboard has CapsLock besides A, some has Ctrl besides A.

IBM Model F AT keyboard 4e366 — IBM Model F keyboard. Year 1984. Comes with IBM PC AT. 84 keys.

IBM AT keyboard. 1984. 2160×1350 [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:AT_keyboard.jpg ]

IBM Model M Keyboard, 1986

IBM Model M, 1984

IBM PS2 9930 Keyboard ba8de — IBM PS2 9930 Keyboard [image source [2018-06-11 https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/apple-aluminium-wired-keyboard-and-older-ones-miss-em.2119901/page-2 ]]

After IBM PC keyboard

After IBM PC, in 1990s, Microsoft introduced the ❖ Window key, and ▤ Menu key.

These keys first appeared on Microsoft Natural, 1994.

Microsoft Natural, 1994

Other keyboard makers, also added these keys.

[see Microsoft Keyboards]