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8BitDo is releasing an IBM-inspired look for its $100 wireless mechanical keyboard. Keyboard enthusiasts love to revel in the norm with stories about IBM’s warping spring keyboards and the precedent they set for today’s mechanical keyboards. But 8BitDo’s Retro Mechanical Keyboard M Edition doesn’t adopt many of IBM’s iconic designs.

8BitDo’s retro mechanical keyboards come in a variety of looks, each paying homage to classic technology. The homage is subtle enough to avoid copyright issues. Like 8BitDo’s Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and Commodore 64 designs from the 1980s, the M Edition lacks an official IBM logo. However, the M Edition’s color scheme, thicker build, and font choices, including on the Tab arrow key and elsewhere, are all nods to IBM’s Model M, which first succeeded the Model F in 1985.

Of course, the naming of the keyboard and the IBM giant and floppy disks strategically placed in marketing images are also notes on this:

Despite the IBM blue-striped B and A buttons, the M edition won’t be enough for fans of vintage keyboards looking for the distinct spring-bending experience of a true M model.

As mentioned, the M Edition is basically a new color scheme for 8BitDo’s wireless mechanical keyboard. The peripheral connects to Windows 10 and Android 9.0 and newer devices via a USB-A cable, its wireless USB-A 2.4 Ghz dongle, or Bluetooth 5.0. 8BitDo claims it can last up to 200 hours of use before needing a recharge. The M Edition also comes with removable A and B “super buttons” that connect to the keyboard via a 3.5mm jack and are programmable without software.

Unlike the Model M’s warping spring-loaded switches, the M Edition has Kailh Box White V2 mechanical switches that generally feel clicky and light when pressed. With crisp clicks and noticeable but not lagging feedback, they’re good for a modern mechanical switch for frequent typing.

But the IBM keyboard of the 1980s did not use modern mechanical switches. It uses deflection springs on a membrane sheet, which makes the keys feel heavier to press than the keys on the previous Model F keyboard (which used deflection springs on a capacitive circuit board). However, 8BitDo switches are hot-swappable, making them easy to replace.

The keys on the M Edition have an MDA-profile-like height, according to 8BitDo’s website. All True Model M keycaps had the same profile. The M Edition’s keys are dual-keyed, as they were on the original Model M, but the new keycap uses cheaper ABS plastic instead of PBT.

While the 14.8 × 6.7 × 1.8-inch dimensions make the M Edition quite chunky for a keyless keyboard, I’d love to see 8BitDo commit to the vintage look with a thicker border north of the keys and more height to the top.

But smaller keyboards that allow owners to reclaim desk space are the more common versions of mechanical keyboards these days, especially for gaming peripheral brands like 8BitDo. The focus on gaming also helps explain why there’s no numeric keypad on the M Edition. 8BitDo is releasing a removable number pad to go with the keyboard. It can connect via Bluetooth, dongle or cable, but will cost $45 extra.

8BitDo’s new keyboard color may appeal to people craving a hint of IBM nostalgia that doesn’t make their workspace look like it’s completely out of the past. But given the fandom and heritage of switches and the old-school look of IBM keyboards, the shades of gray and blue won’t feel retro enough for many IBM keyboard fans.

If you want a real Model M, there is a market of found and restored models available online and in thrift stores and electronics stores. For a modern spin, like USB ports and Mac support, Unicomp also makes new Model M keyboards that are more faithful to the original IBM design, especially in the use of spring-deflection switches.

The M edition is out on July 15th.

Listing image from 8BitDo