Description
IBM 5640991 3178 Terminal Keyboard 1984 Clicky Buckling Spring Square Metal Logo
The IBM 5640991 is a vintage terminal keyboard manufactured in 1984 for use with the IBM 3178 Color Display Station. It features IBM's iconic buckling spring key switches — the clicky, tactile mechanism that made IBM keyboards of this era highly regarded — and carries the distinctive square metal IBM logo badge on the upper-right corner of the housing. The keyboard connects via an attached coiled cable terminating in a DB15 male connector. One keycap was removed for the purpose of photography; all keys are present on the unit.
Specifications & What's Included
- Part Number: 5640991
- ID No: 380X V6463
- Manufacture Date: 34-1984 (week 34, 1984)
- Modification: MOD C1 0, PLT 23
- Made in USA by IBM, Armonk, NY
- Switch Type: Buckling spring (clicky, tactile)
- Compatible Terminal: IBM 3178 Color Display Station
- Connector: DB15 male on attached coiled cable
- Logo: Square metal IBM badge (13-stripe)
- Blue indicator light on upper-left of keyboard deck
- PA1, PA2, PF1–PF6 program function keys present
- Field Mark, Dup, and other 3270-layout keys present
- All keys present (one removed for photo, replaced)
- Keyboard only — no manual or peripherals included
Applications
The IBM 3178 was a color alphanumeric display terminal introduced in the early 1980s as part of IBM's 3270 Information Display System — a family of block-mode terminals widely used with IBM mainframes including the System/370, 4300 series, and 308x/309x processors. The 3270 architecture communicated with host systems over coaxial or twinaxial cabling via a terminal control unit, and the 3178 keyboard used the distinctive 3270 key layout with program function (PF) keys, PA keys, and dedicated data-entry keys not found on standard PC keyboards. IBM's buckling spring switches, used in the 5640991 and related keyboards of this era, are highly sought after today by vintage computing collectors and mechanical keyboard enthusiasts — the spring-over-barrel mechanism produces a crisp tactile bump and audible click distinct from modern switch designs. This keyboard dates from the mid-1980s heyday of IBM mainframe terminal computing, and examples in complete condition with the original square metal IBM badge are increasingly collectible.
This IBM 5640991 3178 Terminal Keyboard was pulled from a working environment and has not been powered up or tested at our facility. One keycap was temporarily removed for photography — all keys are present and accounted for. The keyboard shows general yellowing typical of 1984-era beige plastics, and there is light surface soiling and minor scuffing on the housing. The square metal IBM logo badge is intact. The attached cable and DB15 connector show age-appropriate wear with some discoloration on the connector shell. No manual or peripherals are included. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
IBM |
Model: |
5640991 |
MPN: |
5640991 |
Secondary Model: |
380X V6463 |
SKU: |
17096 |
Type: |
Terminal Keyboard |
Compatible With: |
IBM 3178 Terminal |
Switch Type: |
Buckling Spring (Clicky) |
Connector Type: |
DB15 Male |
Cable: |
Attached, coiled cable with DB15 connector |
Manufacture Date: |
1984 (Date Code 34-1984) |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Modification: |
MOD C1 0, PLT 23 |
Logo Style: |
Square Metal IBM Logo (13-bar) |
Seller Notes: |
Keyboard with attached cable only — no manual or peripherals included. All keys present. |
Form Factor: |
Desktop / Tenkeyless-style Terminal Layout |
Condition Notes: |
This IBM 5640991 3178 Terminal Keyboard was pulled from a working environment but has not been tested at our facility and is sold as-is. All keys are present. Shows age-typical yellowing, light soiling, and minor scuffing. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |