Another day, and rare and unusual keyboard
This one, I'm not entirely sure what it's called or what it was for. Apparently the ebay seller thinks it was an external keyboard for a Sinclair ZX81, which seems reasonable.
It uses Magnetic Reed Switches. However, this keyboard is odd, it uses "horizontal coil springs" instead of the vertical ones like you usually see. Note the last pic, you'll see the springs. Each of those is for one of the switches on that side of the keyboard.
I'm not quite sure how to dismantle this keyboard with desoldering everything unfortunately
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And can't forget the video, of the delightful magnetic reeds clicking away. This is also the first video with my new camera
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- HaaTa
- Master Kiibohd Hunter
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Main keyboard: Depends the day
- Main mouse: CST L-TracX
- Favorite switch: Fujitsu Leaf Spring/Topre/BS/Super Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0006
- Contact:
- webwit
- Wild Duck
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: Model F62
- Favorite switch: IBM beam spring
- DT Pro Member: 0000
- Contact:
That's not a ZX81 replacement but a ZX Spectrum keyboard replacement. Horizontal springs, I haven't seen that before. Can't be worse than an original ZX Spectrum keyboard Although the keycaps of an original ZX Spectrum make the most excellent erasers I have ever owned. Erases pencil, pen ink, stains, blood etc. The real question is, would it survive Daley Thompson's Decathlon?
- HaaTa
- Master Kiibohd Hunter
- Location: San Jose, California, USA
- Main keyboard: Depends the day
- Main mouse: CST L-TracX
- Favorite switch: Fujitsu Leaf Spring/Topre/BS/Super Alps
- DT Pro Member: 0006
- Contact:
Haha, all magnetic reed switches are clicky. Some are quite a bit louder (like this one), others are very quiet (have to put your ear next to it to hear it).
Still linear though.
Still linear though.
- Chyros
- Location: The Netherlands
- Main keyboard: whatever I'm reviewing next :p
- Main mouse: a cheap Logitech
- Favorite switch: Alps SKCM Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
How can they be clicky and linear at the same time? :pHaaTa wrote: ↑Haha, all magnetic reed switches are clicky. Some are quite a bit louder (like this one), others are very quiet (have to put your ear next to it to hear it).
Still linear though.
EDIT: oh wait, is the clicking sound the noise of the reed contacts closing? =o It is THAT audible?
- E3E
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: Blue, Neon Green, Striped Amber, Cream Alps, Topre
- Main mouse: Logitech, Topre
- Favorite switch: Alps, Topre
- DT Pro Member: -
Man, I love this little thing. From its form factor, to its sound. Those reed switches really chirp, haha. I'm curious as to how the horizontal spring mechanisms affect feel, at least if there's any significant difference.