IBM

IBM Model M SSK Space Saving Keyboard 1397681 Buckling Spring 1993 Tested

Bottom line: The IBM Model M SSK Space Saving Keyboard 1397681 Buckling Spring 1993 is a specs-and-price decision rather than a crowd-consensus one in the keyboards & mice category. Check the specification table below against one or two close alternatives — on price and spec fit, not on star ratings.

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By Mike Perry, Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated 2026-09-26

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For retro PC hardware and period-correct parts, synthesises manufacturer documentation, community compatibility lists and marketplace listings rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference. About the author →

Before you buy

Check the listed dimensions, connectors and platform compatibility against your setup before ordering
Used and vintage listings vary by seller and condition — check the listing photos, description and return terms before buying

Manufacturer description

Part No.: 1397681. Model: IBM Model M SSK. Buckling Spring. The exact source is unknown. This did not affect operation during testing, and the keyboard remains fully functional. It has only received basic cleaning.

SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored IBM Model M SSK Space Saving Keyboard 1397681 Buckling Spring 1993… using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the keyboards & mice category. IBM's keyboards & mice lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for keyboards & mice of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Full Specifications

variant	SSK
switch_type	Buckling Spring

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IBM Model M SSK Space Saving Keyboard 1397681 Buckling Spring 1993 Tested is vintage hardware; the used and vintage market on eBay carries most of the live inventory. Prices and condition vary by seller and move in real time, so we link the live listing rather than quote a cached price. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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