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Modding a Thinkpad Keyboard for External Use?

Posted by Cliff on from the just-for-the-fun-of-it dept.

Rinisari asks: "I've recently acquired a working keyboard from a IBM Thinkpad. It has ~87 keys, mousestick with left, right, and rocker buttons, and five other buttons: IBM, volume up/down/mute, and a power button (part number 08K4785). I want to make an interface cable, preferably USB but PS/2 will suffice, to be able to use this on my desktop. Has anyone ever tried something like this?"

3 of 47 comments (clear)

  1. Re:IBM makes things close to this.. by joshmathis · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Yikes, did you see the specs on that?

    Dimensions
    Depth 8.7 In
    Height 0.9 In
    Weight 99.2 Lbs(!!!!!)
    Width 15.6 In

  2. Good Luck! by shepd · · Score: 2, Interesting

    It's likely wired so that each key generates an X/Y position on the ribbon cable, so it won't be useful by itself.

    However, combining it with a project like this might be a possibility. I hope you like soldering (I do! :-)

    --
    If you could be told what you can see or read, then it follows that you could be told what to say or think - BoC
  3. Re:IBM makes things close to this.. by coldguy · · Score: 2, Interesting
    I'm also a Model M fan, so I ordered a Customizer 101 (black with buckling spring) from Unicomp's online store. I'm really pleased with it -- typing on it feels like the real thing. There's a few differences from the original Model M:

    • The keycaps aren't removable
    • The cord isn't removable
    • It seems somewhat lighter (but still heavier than most keyboards)

    I suspect it's lighter because it lacks the metal backplate of the original Model M but I haven't disassembled it to confirm this. Overall, I'd say it's a pretty decent substitute if you can't find a real Model M or want a black one or one that hasn't had someone else's fingers all over it. It's pretty pricey, though, at $50-$60 when used originals can often be found for free in dumpsters.

    Unicomp also sells keyboards made in the image of the Model M, but with the inferior rubber dome technology (they bill it as Enhanced Quiet Touch). Perhaps you encountered one of those abominations.