Electronics Keyboards
IBM Model M Keyboard
by IBM
83
5 endorsements on r/BuyItForLife first recommended in Jun 2025
A buckling-spring mechanical keyboard originally designed by IBM in the mid-1980s and later manufactured under license by companies like Lexmark. Known for its heavy, tactile keystroke and near-indestructible build.
Added Jul 5, 2026, Updated Jul 7, 2026
Why it's buy-it-for-life
Redditors report Model M keyboards from the 1980s and 1990s still typing flawlessly decades later, with owners of units nearly 40 years old joking they're sturdy enough to use as a weapon.
What redditors say
Recommended on reddit as recently as June 2025
Tags
mechanical-keyboard buckling-spring vintage-electronics peripheral
It's a Lexmark dated 1993, but It has a detachable cable and feels great still!
I love the clunk, clunk, clunk sound these old keyboards make. Plus, they're sturdy enough to use to fend off predators.
I bought one a few years back from ClickyKeyboards. I think mine was from '87 or '88. You could kill someone with it.
I love the sound this keyboard makes. Makes typing more fun.
mine is a ibm from 1989...good choice