Ok. It seems every year I find at least one keyboard, that introduces me to something new. Completely new.
Like most old HP gear, HP doesn't generally disappoint, though for the most part, it's just quality. Not a lot of interesting ideas.
However, this keypad (it tries to call itself a Keyboard, but it's trying just a bit too hard ) really takes the cake this year.
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Apparently, this keypad came from the estate of an old HP engineer, but other than that, not much is known about it.
Ok, srsrly. WTF is up with that giant cylinder thing.
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Solenoid? Would be the largest solenoid I've ever seen in a keyboard (typewriters don't count ).
Motor? Haptics in a 1970s keypad, wtf?
Anyways, it's seriously heavy, lots of copper in there.
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Normally, I'd go onto the switches, because they are pretty neat. But really, I needed to figure out what that cylinder was for. Video time.
Ok, mystery 1 is solved, giant cylinder thing is big-ass solenoid. But, why is it moving the plate...?
Hah! I guess this brings new meaning to the term "locking" switches. Solenoid locking switches!
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Neat! HP Mouse Trap switches (not quite the same as the Cherry ones, likely newer).
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Oh, and the switches. With a bit of lube could be quite nice. Clicky, though not very tactile. The sliders/keycaps (and the locking plate) tend to stick a bit.
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HP 15254A Keyboard
- HaaTa
- Master Kiibohd Hunter
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Main keyboard: Depends the day
- Main mouse: CST L-TracX
- Favorite switch: Fujitsu Leaf Spring/Topre/BS/Super Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0006
- Contact:
- HaaTa
- Master Kiibohd Hunter
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Main keyboard: Depends the day
- Main mouse: CST L-TracX
- Favorite switch: Fujitsu Leaf Spring/Topre/BS/Super Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0006
- Contact:
You mean besides preventing someone from accidentally launching some nuke at a soviet country?
- HaaTa
- Master Kiibohd Hunter
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Main keyboard: Depends the day
- Main mouse: CST L-TracX
- Favorite switch: Fujitsu Leaf Spring/Topre/BS/Super Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0006
- Contact:
This is the 70s, electronically locking out was probably a lot more expensive than you think it'd be. Doing things mechanically up until the 80s was often the cheaper/simpler way.
This is an earlier mousetrap switch, which I think may be Cherry's first keyboard switch (1959'ish):
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You can see the gold cross-point that Cherry touts so much.
This is an earlier mousetrap switch, which I think may be Cherry's first keyboard switch (1959'ish):
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You can see the gold cross-point that Cherry touts so much.