Cheap and cheerful XT keyboard

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Palatino

09 Mar 2021, 20:22

I'm after a cheap, basic keyboard that is either XT only or XT/AT switchable, to test an old computer. Doesn't need to be particularly fancy, just functional. Any recommendations of what I could look for? Or does anyone have something suitable? Thanks.

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robo

09 Mar 2021, 20:56

Maybe ask in the buy and sell section.

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Palatino

09 Mar 2021, 21:08

Ok will do that too. There's a Deskthority page listing XT/AT switchable keyboards, but not one that I can find listing all XT compatible ones.

Rayndalf

11 Mar 2021, 07:01

I have a few that might fit the bill. How cheap are you thinking?

Any preference on mechanical vs dome?

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Palatino

11 Mar 2021, 10:53

Great, thank you - have sent PM

Burton

11 Mar 2021, 17:08

Here https://homemakerguide.com/best-keyboar ... ogramming/ there is a cheaper and more expensive keyboard, and with different types of connectors. Maybe something will work? Somehow it so happened that I was reading this article and came across your question.

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Muirium
µ

11 Mar 2021, 17:11

Those are all just USB not XT. And with Filco and HHKB in the mix they’re hardly cheap and cheerful either!

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hellothere

12 Mar 2021, 23:55

Off the top of my head, I think I may have 6 OmniKeys that have AT/XT (and other stuff) compatibility, but they won't sell cheap :). However, there's a guy currently selling some OmniKeys between $80 and $100 on ebait. Not restored or anything, but functional.

I haven't checked this week for current ebait pricing, but I've sold IBM Model F XTs in the neighborhood of $150 or less.

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Go-Kart

13 Mar 2021, 08:04

I've tried to message that guy a few times about getting an OmniKey off him but he just doesn't seem to message back!

Rayndalf

19 Mar 2021, 11:07

If you're still looking I have a couple in the $50 price range.

The Syncomp is white Alps and clones(?) and the keycaps with sublegends are pad printed, the rest are doubleshot.

The K151L has Mitsumi mini switches, diodes for NKRO, unknown keycaps (probably padprint) and a sturdy backplate.

Both work in AT mode, so I believe they will work when set in XT mode as well.
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