IBM Model M SSK Space Saver Keyboard 1392464 – Rare 1988 IBM Personal Typing System Keyboard
Up for sale is a highly sought-after IBM Model M Space Saving Keyboard (SSK), Part Number 1392464, manufactured on January 18, 1988. This keyboard was originally part of the IBM 6901 Personal Typing System, a specialized word-processing computer from the IBM PS/2 era.
🔹 Why this keyboard is special:
This isn’t just any Model M SSK — it's the rare Personal Typing System variant, known for its unique keycap legends tailored to IBM's word-processing software. The legends resemble those of IBM Wheelwriter and Quietwriter typewriters, making it an iconic piece for both vintage tech enthusiasts and serious collectors.
🔹 Condition & Performance:
Excellent cosmetic condition for its age.
Two very small marks on the back side (see photos).
All keycaps were hand cleaned, and longer keys were lightly lubricated for smoother action.
Every key was tested over 50 times with no input errors or missed strokes — 100% functional.
Features stepped modifier keys and green sublegends on the Ctrl keys—unique to this PTS variant.
🔹 Details:
Manufacture Date: 18-JAN-1988
P/N: 1392464
Connection: Uses a modular SDL to PS/2 cable
Switches: Buckling spring (legendary Model M feel and sound)
Form Factor: Tenkeyless “Space Saving Keyboard” layout
🔹 Historical Insight:
The IBM Personal Typing System was a word-processing powerhouse in the late '80s, bundled with software derived from IBM's DisplayWrite Assistant. As a result, these keyboards are sometimes called “DisplayWrite Keyboards”, despite the software not officially carrying that name. Only a limited number of these specialized SSKs were produced, making them exceedingly rare compared to standard Model M SSKs.
Don't miss this opportunity to own a piece of IBM history — perfect for collectors, mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, and vintage computing fans.
Ships with care from a smoke-free home.
IBM 6901 Personal Typing System Keyboard[25]The IBM Personal Typing System (PTS) family were a series of IBM Personal System/2 Model 30 variants intended for word processing that came with specialised software, a networking expansion card, and possibly a Wheelwriter or Quietwriter printer. The series included the IBM 6901 Personal Typing System (introduced in July 1987), 6907 Personal Typing System/2 and 6908 Personal Typing System/2 286 (both introduced in July 1989)[26]. They notably shipped with the IBM Personal Typing System Program, which was a bundle of a word processing application similar to IBM's past Displaywriter systems, a combined typewriting and form creation and editing application, and various productivity tools such as a personal scheduler, a calculator and a mail/phone list creator and editor[27]. Personal Typing Systems could come with either this Space Saving Keyboard variant or an Enhanced Keyboard variant. The PTS SSK was based on and electrically identical to the PS/2 SSK but sported numerous unique legends on its keycaps to suit its word-processing speciality. Many of these keys resemble those found on IBM Wheelwriter and Quietwriter electronic typewriters, especially given that the alphabetic and numeric row key legends are particularly aligned to the keycap top face's top-left corner just like legends on either typewriter. Uniquely for an SSK, it had stepped modifier keys which also had green sublegends on the Ctrl keys instead of the Alt keys. The keyboard was made across the second and third generations, branded with an IBM oval and used a modular SDL to PS/2 cable. The PTS' word processing application was said to have been derived from the IBM DisplayWrite Assistant program, which resulted in this keyboard (along with its Enhanced Keyboard sibling) acquiring the nickname "DisplayWrite Keyboard" despite the included software not being branded as "DisplayWrite".