IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread

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Keybug

29 Jan 2018, 10:35

Can anyone tell me anything about that black keyboard in the background? (I sure hope all that toilet paper next to it is still unused!)

It seems to have a coiled black DIN cable, has no Windows keys, a huge spacebar, big-ass enter etc. All good signs, but that case with the high ridge at the top end doesn't seem familiar at all. The keycaps look somewhat Cherry-ish, but with that layout...?

Thanks!
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User avatar
Keybug

29 Jan 2018, 14:28

Seller sent a photo of the label, turns out it's a Qtronix QX-201. Usually poor quality, I gather. Might still get it as black case vintage boards are rare and it could have interesting switches if it's not MX blues...

rich1051414

29 Jan 2018, 19:41

QX-201's can come in blue alps.

User avatar
Keybug

29 Jan 2018, 21:34

Thanks! I'm getting it.

rich1051414

29 Jan 2018, 21:41

Keybug wrote: Thanks! I'm getting it.
I hope you are aware it is a dice roll. I don't condone gambling, but I wish you luck :P

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clickityClackity

29 Jan 2018, 21:50

Any ideas on this one? I believe it's a Honeywell VIP 7705 Terminal keyboard but could be way off...

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Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk

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Chyros

29 Jan 2018, 22:11

The caps look incredibly Futaba linear to me. But I think they were made by Comptec.

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Keybug

29 Jan 2018, 22:26

Thanks. None of the possible switches would be all that bad for the price I'm getting it for. As long as it works...
rich1051414 wrote:
Keybug wrote: Thanks! I'm getting it.
I hope you are aware it is a dice roll. I don't condone gambling, but I wish you luck :P

rich1051414

31 Jan 2018, 15:52

I am looking at a keyboard that looks interesting. I have researched it, but I am still not sure what kind of switch it is using.

Here is a pic:
s-l1600.jpg
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The keyboard is a NTC 5060. I found a brochure with the keyboard listed here, but it claims the keyboard has 'NTC Mechanical Keyswitches', which doesn't even exist. Any ideas what is in here? I know it isn't alps, because they would have said so, so would it be sporting omron switches or would it just be some alps clone switch?


Edit: Update, I found an additional picture, but still unsure what it is, but I am sure someone can identify it now:
s-l1600.jpg
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Is it Monogram SMK derivative?

User avatar
Techno Trousers
100,000,000 actuations

31 Jan 2018, 18:31

I would say it's probably a rebranded DataComp keyboard with Futaba MA "clicky switch" with MX-compatible mount.

https://youtu.be/RH1FQc5Z7Go

rich1051414

31 Jan 2018, 19:09

Definitely not Futaba MA clicky.

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clickityClackity

31 Jan 2018, 21:20

clickityClackity wrote:Any ideas on this one? I believe it's a Honeywell VIP 7705 Terminal keyboard but could be way off...

Image
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Sent from my LG-M255 using Tapatalk
I think I was correct - it does have the switches I was (optimistically) expecting! Image

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Chyros

01 Feb 2018, 00:21

Honeywell Hall effect. WAY better, noice! :D

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snuci
Vintage computer guy

01 Feb 2018, 01:32

clickityClackity wrote: I think I was correct - it does have the switches I was (optimistically) expecting!
It shouldn't have been a surprise :) photos-f62/ti-micro-switch-keyboard-t15943.html

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Daniel Beardsmore

01 Feb 2018, 02:09

rich1051414 wrote: Is it Monogram SMK derivative?
You would have to desolder a switch to be sure. I guess we can rule out Hottek as there are no mould numbers on the top, but to be sure you have to check what's written on the bottom of the switch.

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Blaise170
ALPS キーボード

02 Feb 2018, 21:06

Daniel Beardsmore wrote:
rich1051414 wrote: Is it Monogram SMK derivative?
You would have to desolder a switch to be sure. I guess we can rule out Hottek as there are no mould numbers on the top, but to be sure you have to check what's written on the bottom of the switch.
Minus the metal bars, they look very close to the SMK(?) switches I found in some old TI-99/4A keyboards. The design is fairly ubiquitous as both Alps and SMK had similar switches around that time period. It's been awhile since I've looked through my switches though, so I'd have to check.

rich1051414

02 Feb 2018, 21:16

Blaise170 wrote:
Daniel Beardsmore wrote:
rich1051414 wrote: Is it Monogram SMK derivative?
You would have to desolder a switch to be sure. I guess we can rule out Hottek as there are no mould numbers on the top, but to be sure you have to check what's written on the bottom of the switch.
Minus the metal bars, they look very close to the SMK(?) switches I found in some old TI-99/4A keyboards. The design is fairly ubiquitous as both Alps and SMK had similar switches around that time period. It's been awhile since I've looked through my switches though, so I'd have to check.
I am not going to buy it as I am not a fan of linear, and 99% sure the switch is of linear variety as theres only one variety in that style that has tactile leafs, and chances are, this isn't one of them.

This is the ebay link though if anyone is interested in it tho.

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Blaise170
ALPS キーボード

02 Feb 2018, 21:18

I'd be interested if it were $50 cheaper. Too expensive for what it is though.

davkol

03 Feb 2018, 16:43

For future reference: I've just seen an auction with a black 75% keyboard labeled Escom Blackmax—I suppose it shipped with Escom Blackmax computers.

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At first, I thought it looked like Strong Man SMK-85 (wide big-ass Enter), except for the half-height function-row keys (almost like Siig MiniTouch, but different).

But then I found this foam&foil keyboard with the typical BTC typeface… upon closer inspection, this one is basically the same.

FritzVanDom

03 Feb 2018, 18:20

Can anybody tell me something about these switches i found in an typewriter?
Full album: https://imgur.com/a/6cLxU

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Chyros

03 Feb 2018, 22:14

Some kind of spring-over-membrane, never seen that specific one though.

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Daniel Beardsmore

03 Feb 2018, 22:53

I've seen something very similar, but I forget what or where, now.

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Blaise170
ALPS キーボード

04 Feb 2018, 00:29

Looks to be Alps mount sliders over a membrane. Interesting in that I've never seen it, but otherwise not very interesting.

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Daniel Beardsmore

04 Feb 2018, 00:39

It seems to be half way between Alps and Mitsumi mount.

rich1051414

04 Feb 2018, 03:41

The plastic retaining clips on those are... interesting. They only retain the slider on one side, which would make the slider want to tilt causing friction...

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Keybug

04 Feb 2018, 20:48

That Amstrad KB6 (made in Ireland), would that be a Keytronic?

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anz ... pp_android

davkol

04 Feb 2018, 20:52

Isn't that an Alps Bigfoot?

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Daniel Beardsmore

04 Feb 2018, 21:04

Nope, it has a reverse-curve case. It's more likely to be this:

http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/wang-5181.html

The original rubber dome–based internals are shown at the bottom of the page. Still Alps, but slider over dome.

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Blaise170
ALPS キーボード

04 Feb 2018, 21:32

Daniel Beardsmore wrote: It seems to be half way between Alps and Mitsumi mount.
Funnily enough, it also looks like Keytronic sliders from F&F boards.

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Keybug

05 Feb 2018, 22:26

I stand amazed once more, Mr B.!

I'm getting that one anyway as it seems to have PBT keycaps (dyesub?), judging by the contrast between the spacebar and all other keys. It's only 15€ shipped.
Daniel Beardsmore wrote: Nope, it has a reverse-curve case. It's more likely to be this:

http://sandy55.fc2web.com/keyboard/wang-5181.html

The original rubber dome–based internals are shown at the bottom of the page. Still Alps, but slider over dome.

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