A detailed look at this design classic from IBM…
The very notion that computer hardware that began its tour of duty in the mid-1980s is still useful today seems improbable. It seems even more improbable that such surviving hardware would have moving parts. But it is, and it does. You can plug a Model M from 1987 into just about any modern computer with a PS/2 port, and it will just work.
The Model M keyboard is terribly fun to use, chiefly because it makes an astonishing racket while you’re using it. Each keystroke of a Model M is famously loud, to the chagrin of at least two generations of spouses and coworkers.
And for all you angry typists (you know who you are), check out this sample of how loud the M keyboard can really be. More details over at the plope blog