Posted: 7/19/2026 1:07:16 AM EDT
[Last Edit: zutmeloda2003][Edited]
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Was going to toss some old keyboards but a friend said there is a collector market for old mechanical keyboards. Anyone know if these are worth anything? I have no idea how to test them. All the keycaps are there and all the keys appear to work as they should. Keyboards |
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FPNI. Original model Ms still sell very well. They're not crazy collectible due to the sheer volumes they were made (and indestructible nature meaning there's a lot around) but they carry a solid premium and sell for $200-$300. ETA: The bottom one in your pic is the SSK (space saving keyboard) that's considered desirable and will probably get you at least $500. Ebay SSK prices |
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Per Google the dark gray one is also quite rare. https://www.modelfkeyboards.com/product/ibm-industrial-model-m-1985-1388081-1388032/?srsltid=AfmBOorcbrLTeJsCRQeY2H9Z0L-4MJBkaLcSkPNl7KqXtIh25cjskTfb |
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
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I'm familiar with Model M's but not the current market rates. Here is what Gemini says about those ones: Whoever posted these has a very valuable and highly sought-after haul on their hands. Both of these are vintage IBM buckling-spring keyboards, and they are legendary within the mechanical keyboard community. Here is a breakdown of what they are and their current estimated market value: ### 1. Top Keyboard: IBM Industrial Model M * **Part Number:** 1388032 * **Date of Manufacture:** November 30, 1988 * **Details:** This is a full-sized Model M, but it features a rare grey plastic case. These "Industrial" models were specifically manufactured by IBM to withstand harsh environments like factory floors and server rooms. Because fewer of these were made compared to the standard beige office versions, they are quite rare today. * **Estimated Value:** Depending on its functional condition and how well it cleans up, these typically sell for anywhere between **$400 and $800** on the secondhand market. ### 2. Bottom Keyboard: IBM Space Saving Keyboard (SSK) * **Part Number:** 1391472 * **Date of Manufacture:** April 16, 1990 * **Details:** This is the compact, "tenkeyless" version of the standard Model M. IBM removed the number pad to save desk space, which makes this layout highly desirable for modern users and gamers today. The coiled PS/2 cable shown in the first picture belongs to this type of keyboard. * **Estimated Value:** SSKs are consistently in high demand. A working SSK in good condition usually sells for **$400 to $700**. --- **The Bottom Line** Assuming both keyboards are fully functional and just need a bit of cleaning, that photo shows approximately **$800 to $1,500+** worth of vintage computer hardware. |
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Originally Posted By bockpec: I'm typing on a SSK right now. I have collected several as backup spares. Best keyboard ever made. |
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
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Originally Posted By Rebel31: I'm familiar with Model M's but not the current market rates. Here is what Gemini says about those ones: Whoever posted these has a very valuable and highly sought-after haul on their hands. Both of these are vintage IBM buckling-spring keyboards, and they are legendary within the mechanical keyboard community. Here is a breakdown of what they are and their current estimated market value: ### 1. Top Keyboard: IBM Industrial Model M * **Part Number:** 1388032 * **Date of Manufacture:** November 30, 1988 * **Details:** This is a full-sized Model M, but it features a rare grey plastic case. These "Industrial" models were specifically manufactured by IBM to withstand harsh environments like factory floors and server rooms. Because fewer of these were made compared to the standard beige office versions, they are quite rare today. * **Estimated Value:** Depending on its functional condition and how well it cleans up, these typically sell for anywhere between **$400 and $800** on the secondhand market. ### 2. Bottom Keyboard: IBM Space Saving Keyboard (SSK) * **Part Number:** 1391472 * **Date of Manufacture:** April 16, 1990 * **Details:** This is the compact, "tenkeyless" version of the standard Model M. IBM removed the number pad to save desk space, which makes this layout highly desirable for modern users and gamers today. The coiled PS/2 cable shown in the first picture belongs to this type of keyboard. * **Estimated Value:** SSKs are consistently in high demand. A working SSK in good condition usually sells for **$400 to $700**. --- **The Bottom Line** Assuming both keyboards are fully functional and just need a bit of cleaning, that photo shows approximately **$800 to $1,500+** worth of vintage computer hardware. OP, if you don't want to mess around with eBay scammers you might want to contact clickykeyboard.com and see what they will offer you for the pair. It won't be top dollar, but they are a legit company. |
"As God is my witness, I thought turkeys could fly." A. Carlson
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Originally Posted By R2point0: Shit - I was going to make an offer on the industrial just because it's different, but I'm not that big of a low-baller. OP, if you don't want to mess around with eBay scammers you might want to contact clickykeyboard.com and see what they will offer you for the pair. It won't be top dollar, but they are a legit company. Originally Posted By R2point0: Originally Posted By Rebel31: I'm familiar with Model M's but not the current market rates. Here is what Gemini says about those ones: Whoever posted these has a very valuable and highly sought-after haul on their hands. Both of these are vintage IBM buckling-spring keyboards, and they are legendary within the mechanical keyboard community. Here is a breakdown of what they are and their current estimated market value: ### 1. Top Keyboard: IBM Industrial Model M * **Part Number:** 1388032 * **Date of Manufacture:** November 30, 1988 * **Details:** This is a full-sized Model M, but it features a rare grey plastic case. These "Industrial" models were specifically manufactured by IBM to withstand harsh environments like factory floors and server rooms. Because fewer of these were made compared to the standard beige office versions, they are quite rare today. * **Estimated Value:** Depending on its functional condition and how well it cleans up, these typically sell for anywhere between **$400 and $800** on the secondhand market. ### 2. Bottom Keyboard: IBM Space Saving Keyboard (SSK) * **Part Number:** 1391472 * **Date of Manufacture:** April 16, 1990 * **Details:** This is the compact, "tenkeyless" version of the standard Model M. IBM removed the number pad to save desk space, which makes this layout highly desirable for modern users and gamers today. The coiled PS/2 cable shown in the first picture belongs to this type of keyboard. * **Estimated Value:** SSKs are consistently in high demand. A working SSK in good condition usually sells for **$400 to $700**. --- **The Bottom Line** Assuming both keyboards are fully functional and just need a bit of cleaning, that photo shows approximately **$800 to $1,500+** worth of vintage computer hardware. OP, if you don't want to mess around with eBay scammers you might want to contact clickykeyboard.com and see what they will offer you for the pair. It won't be top dollar, but they are a legit company. I've heard good things about them and being a good place to get a Model M without messing around with auction sites or Reddit type places. I have no idea if they would pay well or not for OP's boards but worth contacting them. They have one SSK on there right now for $525 Attached File |