Chicony KB-5181
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| FCC ID | E8H5IKKB-5181 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Chicony |
| Layouts | 101/102-key Asian 101 |
| Keyswitches |
Alps SKCM Blue Alps SKCM White SMK Alps mount (Monterey Blue) Omron B3G-S series (Amber) Futaba MA series (MX Mount) Cherry MX Black Cherry MX Blue |
| Interface | XT/AT switchable |
| Introduced | 1988 (FCC registration) |
| Price | $49.99 (1992)[1] |
The Chicony KB-5181 is an XT/AT switchable keyboard from Chicony. It features a big-ass Enter key and single-unit backspace. There is also an ISO version, the KB-5182. Both keyboards were supplied with a wide variety of switches, including Monterey. Two-height flip-out feet are provided.
Contents
Switches
The official list of switch manufacturers according to Chicony, in order of production, is as follows:
- Alps Electric
- Cherry
- SMK
- Mitsumi
- Aristotle (Yali)
Aristotle were the manufacturer of the Cherry MX clone switches found in these keyboards.
Possibly due to manufacturing crossover between the Chicony KB-5161 and its successor, the KB-5181, Futaba switches were still in use in the KB-5181, although Chicony have no record of this being the case. KB-5161 and KB-5181 keyboards appeared to have compatible parts.[2]
Specific switches confirmed found in KB-5181 and KB-5182 keyboards:
- Alps SKCM White
- Alps SKCM Blue
- Cherry MX Blue[3]
- Blue SMK Alps mount "Monterey" switch
- White Cherry MX mount ("inverse") Futaba clicky switch[4]
- Cherry MX Black[5]
- Omron B3G-S Amber
Variants
Variants identified to date:
- KB-5161F/5162F
- Cherry MX Blue switches in a PCB taken from Chicony KB-5161; this is cited as being 484 × 205 × 44 mm and weighing 1532 g[2]
- KB-5181F
- White Cherry MX mount Futaba clicky switch (from plate)[4]
- KB-5181/5182KT
- Blue SMK Alps mount "Monterey" switch ("SMK SW", 1990 PCB)[6]
- KB-5181PT
- Alps SKCM White (from rear label)[7]
Re-Brands
The KB-5181/2 was re-branded under several other marques, including Hyundai[7], ARC[2] (American Research Corporation), and SIIG (as both the SIIG Suntouch 101 or "K101" (model K101)[8] and as the SIIG SuperTouch[9] (model JK-WJ0032[10])). The SIIG Suntouch 101 is one of the keyboards with the distorted Alps logo and hand-carved mould numbering.[8]
Gallery
Cherry MX Blue switches
Top, with ARC branding
Bottom
Internals
Internals with keycaps removed
PCB underside
Assorted; controller date is 8942 (42nd week 1989)
Assorted
Assorted; PCB is from the KB-5161
SMK "Monterey" Blue Alps-mount switches
Top, showing switch
Bottom
Reference card front
Reference card inside
SMK "Monterey" Blue Alps-mount switches, UK layout
UK layout "Monterey" version
Alps SKCM White switches
Alps SKCM White switch
References
- ↑ Google Books — PC Magazine, February 25, 1992 (The Write Stuff, pp. 303–329)
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 KBTalking — ▲▲▲ARC KB-5181特規cherry青軸▲▲▲
- ↑ geekhack — Trent's Mega Sell Thread [Part 2!]
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 geekhack — recycling center keyboard (Chicony KB-5181F)
- ↑ geekhack — Chicony 5181 and 5161 with new switches
- ↑ Sandy — chicony_kb-5181
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 eBay — Hyundai Computer Systems Keyboard Model KB 5181 PT RARE [Volatile reference]
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 geekhack — FS: RARE+COOL:: Hall Effect!, IBM Refurbs, New stuff, vintage kbs and radio stuf
- ↑ Amazon.com — SIIG SuperTouch Mechanical Keyboard (Clicky Keyboard), White ALPS Sliders, 5 pin DIN Connector, XT-AT Switch
- ↑ geekhack — Suntouch K101
