Cool find man! Our school still has a few still in use 😀

The IBM Selectric typewriter is often cited as having a major influence on the designs of early computer keyboards because it was a design that many typists were already used to because of it's widespread use in offices from the early 1960's through the early 1980's.

These things were built like tanks so they would last virtually forever and when they did break, which wasn't often, IBM offered world class support to get them working again with as little down time as possible. They were basically THE typewriter to have back then and as far as collectible typewriters go, they have developed a massive cult following in the years since.

I want a powershift on my keyboard too!

Lol jwt. You'd really like the capslock then! It actually locks down the shift key like a manual typewriter. 😁

Also @sliderider that makes sense. I didn't even think about it but you're right the selectrics were the first to introduce this style of keyboard. I've seen a few in the past and they are indeed built like tanks and equally massive in comparison to a regular typewriter like mine. They are insanely complicated too so refurbishing one is a real toughy from what I've heard.

Interesting to note that the keycaps for the letters and numbers are the same on the selectric as my Sears here. 😁

Also you guys might find this kind of neat, I made a short 8 minute video demonstrating the Sears typewriter:
(I ramble on a bit explaining things for people like me who grew up after typewriters were in widespread use but it should be kind of interesting anyhow hopefully. I'm 24. 😜 )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWfVm3tqTks