IBM XT Keyboard with Pseudo HHKB Mac Layout
Posted: 13 Apr 2014, 19:03
Here is my IBM XT keyboard that I have remapped using KeyReMap4MacBook. It is connected to my Mac using a Hagstrom Electronics converter, and the keyboard is shared with a Linux box and Windows machine using Synergy. Thanks to Muirium for many of the remapping ideas!
I put a small Return key in place of the Backquote (`) key, and put the Backspace (back Delete) in place of the former Return key. This placement gives it a "pseudo HHKB" layout for Return and Backspace. "F" = Fn, replacing the former */PrintScreen; Fn is set to emulate HHKB functions, such as the cursor diamond and F-keys. Command replaced CapsLock, and Option replaces the KeyPad zero key. Arrow keys are toggled with KeyPad numbers using NumLock. Scroll Lock has been remapped as Power; I can actually shut down my Mac from the XT keyboard! On the left side of the keyboard, F10 was remapped to left Option and left Alt to left Command. On the XT, Ctrl is already where it belongs, to the left of the "A" key. Other touches included replacing the small shift keys with slightly larger ones and replacing the plain-surface F and J keys with ridged ones. IBM Replacement keys were from a 122-key IBM and a standard Model M; Option and Command keys were from Unicomp.
The keyboard was in reasonably good shape inside. The controller looked pristine and the back plate was fine; the front plate with the spring barrels had scattered focal pitting and could probably benefit from sanding and painting. The exposed edges of the foam layer sandwiched between the front and back plates was badly deteriorated into foam dust; I did not separate the plates. At same stage, it would be good to replace the foam layer.
Unlike Model M keyboards, the sticker on the rear of the XT case is small and lacking a build date; it showed the PN as 1801449. Inside the case there was a date handwritten in marker ink: 20/3/84, which presumably is March 20, 1984.
This keyboard is a joy to use. The buckling spring capacitive switches in the XT keyboard have a more precise feel and definitive sound than the buckling spring membrane switches in a Model M. Moreover, this machine is solid and heavy; weighing about 5.8 lbs (2.6 kg) and measuring roughly 7.8 x 18 in (19.8 x 45.7 cm), the XT keyboard could serve as a shutter panel for Dr. Morbius' house; one has the feeling that only monsters from the id could penetrate it.
I put a small Return key in place of the Backquote (`) key, and put the Backspace (back Delete) in place of the former Return key. This placement gives it a "pseudo HHKB" layout for Return and Backspace. "F" = Fn, replacing the former */PrintScreen; Fn is set to emulate HHKB functions, such as the cursor diamond and F-keys. Command replaced CapsLock, and Option replaces the KeyPad zero key. Arrow keys are toggled with KeyPad numbers using NumLock. Scroll Lock has been remapped as Power; I can actually shut down my Mac from the XT keyboard! On the left side of the keyboard, F10 was remapped to left Option and left Alt to left Command. On the XT, Ctrl is already where it belongs, to the left of the "A" key. Other touches included replacing the small shift keys with slightly larger ones and replacing the plain-surface F and J keys with ridged ones. IBM Replacement keys were from a 122-key IBM and a standard Model M; Option and Command keys were from Unicomp.
The keyboard was in reasonably good shape inside. The controller looked pristine and the back plate was fine; the front plate with the spring barrels had scattered focal pitting and could probably benefit from sanding and painting. The exposed edges of the foam layer sandwiched between the front and back plates was badly deteriorated into foam dust; I did not separate the plates. At same stage, it would be good to replace the foam layer.
Unlike Model M keyboards, the sticker on the rear of the XT case is small and lacking a build date; it showed the PN as 1801449. Inside the case there was a date handwritten in marker ink: 20/3/84, which presumably is March 20, 1984.
This keyboard is a joy to use. The buckling spring capacitive switches in the XT keyboard have a more precise feel and definitive sound than the buckling spring membrane switches in a Model M. Moreover, this machine is solid and heavy; weighing about 5.8 lbs (2.6 kg) and measuring roughly 7.8 x 18 in (19.8 x 45.7 cm), the XT keyboard could serve as a shutter panel for Dr. Morbius' house; one has the feeling that only monsters from the id could penetrate it.