Indeed, real Dashers are a prospect for few of us - as terminals they're interfacable by definition, but they're uncommon to the point that there ain't enough to go around, and they are literally museum pieces (get that mini-ITX board out of my sight!) that IMO belong with their sister apparatus. Also, these keyboards aren't beamsprings, but aging foam and foil.
So, as has been a sort of dream of mine all this time, with considered compromises at times, it's probably time I actually took this thing on head on instead of skirting around it:
What I'd like is some sort of replica of a Data General Dasher keyboard.
- It would have two tone blue double shot sperhical profile keycaps
- It would probably be MX based
- I don't know what layout it would have - I've toyed with MX 8200 or IBM 122 variant, but also TKL or even direct replica.
- It might just be specially made caps on a stock board, custom caps on a stock board in a custom case, or all custom caps, board and case.
Some things that come to mind are:
- Define the various Dasher models and their keyboard options
- Colour match some keycaps and top frames of the real thing
- Find people who used them at time and consult on any of the above
- Gather more information on related subjects I haven't thought of yet
- Try to use this to design keysets and maybe a keyboard too
Maybe I'm not the only person interested in these ideas, so this is open to all to contribute to or pillage from as desired.
Anything that leads in a positive direction of these ideas becoming a reality is greatfully appreciated!
Plus, this subject was going too far in the Round 5 topic, which should have on-topic status updates and photos instead!