Decision Data Computer Corporation / Maxi Switch KYBD 2185041

seebart · 02 Oct 2017, 19:59

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Normally I would not bother posting an RD; I got this as part of a larger haul over a year ago and never really looked at it once I knew it was an RD. As you can see the layout is basically XT with a lot of stepped keys. The shape of the case reminds me of the IBM Model F "bigfoot".

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I have not seen this particular switch here before, the way Maxi Switch used these dome-modules reminds of Hi-TEK modular or Key Tronic FF. There are single, three, four and five unit modules that house the domes and mount the keycaps arranged according to the PCB.

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All these black modules read "Maxi-Switch Co." at the bottom left. but the PCB also reads "Maxikey". The modules are screwed to the PCB with the dome dome sheets underneath. These domes are tactile with an approx. keyweight of 40-45g.

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I have no idea what the printing on these keycaps is, none of the keycaps are yellowed at all includng the 12unit spacebar. Another interesting thing are these long gooves instead of homing bumps on the "F" and "J" keycaps as we have seen on a few other keyboards.

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Decision Data Computer Corporation offered a visually very similair keyboard with the very different ITW magnetic valve switches:

http://park8.wakwak.com/~kaineko2/keybo ... 10107.html

The keyboard has a beeper that is glued to the top part of the case. The bottom part of the case is just one massive metal plate with that ridicolous flip-stand mechanism that is released via the button in the middle. The height is not adjustable and the keyboard stands 10cm with those large feet extended! No idea what they were thinking?!?

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Engicoder · 02 Oct 2017, 21:18

That is quite an interesting keyboard in several ways. Everything about it is different from the norm, the keycap profile, the strange feet, the modular slider assembly, and the soldermask on the PCB; is it black? If so, I don't think I have seen black soldermask on something that old before.

Daniel Beardsmore · 02 Oct 2017, 22:10

At least the keycap mount is distinctive. Are those black blocks all screwed in? That's going to be a lot of screws!

Techno Trousers · 02 Oct 2017, 23:45

Woah. A rubber dome keyboard in the XT layout. That's the worst of all worlds!

juryduty · 03 Oct 2017, 03:14

It seems that Maxi switch is different than Maxi-Switch (later Honeywell) in Freeport, IL.

Engicoder · 03 Oct 2017, 03:52

juryduty wrote: ↑It seems that Maxi switch is different than Maxi-Switch (later Honeywell) in Freeport, IL.

I think you may be confusing Maxi Switch with Micro Switch.

seebart · 03 Oct 2017, 13:43

Engicoder wrote: ↑That is quite an interesting keyboard in several ways. Everything about it is different from the norm, the keycap profile, the strange feet, the modular slider assembly, and the soldermask on the PCB; is it black? If so, I don't think I have seen black soldermask on something that old before.

Indeed. From what I could find out online this was part of a pure workstation for the commercial market and as such it makes somewhat more sense. The super large flip-feet are still out of this world, I'd love to hear the official line on those?!? This keyboard has nothing to do with Micro Switch IMO. And yes the soldermask is black.

Daniel Beardsmore wrote: ↑At least the keycap mount is distinctive. Are those black blocks all screwed in? That's going to be a lot of screws!

Yes Daniel, the modular blocks and single units are all individually screwed to the PCB, quite serviceable and pretty elaborate, I'm sure these Decision Data workstations were $$$.