model m

A type of mechanical keyboard originally made by IBM for the early generation
of PCs in the 1980s. These keyboards are known for their novel use of buckling
springs rather than microswitches and metal backplate which gives them a
distinctive typing sound. The design was sold to a company named Unicomp in
the 1990s and these keyboards are still manufactured.

The model M keyboard (either original or Unicomp versions) are popular with
hackers who enjoy the historical connection to early personal computers,
the build quality and the ease of key removal and cleaning. Since a
hacker's main tool is their keyboard it's worth investing in something
durable and ergonomic.

On some older model M keyboards the plastic rivets holding the metal
backplate on become brittle and fall off. These can be replaced using
standard tools in a procedure known as a "bolt job". Such repairability
is rare for a modern keyboard.