deskthority

I found this keyboard on eBay, and posted it here:
http://deskthority.net/other-external-f ... ms#p241839

As you were all so kind as to let me have it, here are photos! This is a Delta Data Systems keyboard with Micro Switch Hall effect switches. I have not had a chance to open it yet but when I do I will post more photos!

(This is a cross-post with GH.)

For those of you who are not familiar, Micro Switch Hall effect switches are vintage fairly heavy linear switches with extremely thick doubleshot key buttons. Travel is about 4-5mm. The keys are almost always spherical. Flat profiles are more common so I get very excited when one with sculpted keys comes along.

dorkvader has a bunch of keyboards with these switches.

Photos!
Full album here: https://goo.gl/photos/tH7mkSsd9xkBs8yN9

More photos!
This is me playing with some layout ideas. I really wish I had an extra key button for this one.

Nice caps , and nice switches , i don't know why but the case looks home made .

And clean your caps , you dirty dirty boy!

I was thinking that about the case. Not home made necessarily but really easy to make with minimal facilities. I'm now contemplating a bent metal case for TKL keyboards. It would be a breeze to make, so much easier than CNCd aluminum cases. Not as nice perhaps, but just as rugged.

This was right out of the box. Photos first, cleaning later.

Oh wow, another great one. Your collection is becoming quite impressive. That Tab key! :O

Glad someone finally bought it! It was being reposted for months at about $150 or so. I chatted with the seller, but he wouldn't accept my offer...

The case is a Hammond case like was used in a lot of those early keyboards. Cheap and well built, and easy to manufacture.

I think the most interesting thing about this board as mr_a500 pointed out is its inverted T arrow keys.

I really like this board!

great find !

Colossal-ass enter key

How do you like the Hall effect feel then, XMIT?

My Honeywell feels like crap in its flextastic plastic case, but once the PCB is on something solid, it's pretty special. I really do need to convert it to USB, and do something about a better case before I can judge it for real. And some lube. But probably that order! There's only so much typing I can bear to do on a keyboard that doesn't actually work.

Hall effect has no feel!

The Micro Switch switches are big heavy linears. They just feel massive to type on. It's probably like a completely linear beam spring, somewhat heavier. That's not the beam spring feel at all of course, but they share huge key caps and long stems.

What they're famous for is being perfectly linear. If in pristine condition, I suppose. Sure, the caps are reminiscent of a beamspring (or any of the beasts of the tall sphericals age), as are the layouts alas. But I can well imagine a solid, metal case really making these switches sing. You need that metallic, rock solid, instantaneous bottoming out when using vintage linear. Everything else is about minimising friction and wobble. Unlike so many "random ass" linears their age, Hall effects are a switch that ought to shine, given the right environment.

If you want to play with a Hall Effect based keyboard, probably the easiest to find are HP264x terminal keyboards. They show up on ebay semi-regularly and as I've got a good stock you're unlikely to bid against me .

Redmaus wrote: Colossal-ass enter key

haha. I'd be ok if that became a thing...

Well.... where's the damn manufacture date photo??

(sorry, still in "rude mode" after Julle's "rude sales thread" )

(Not sorry but) The (damned) manufacture date is printed on the (f---ing) circuit board. (I didn't post it because I don't care about your hopes, or your dreams.)

I keep meaning to get some more photos of this one. But it may take a little while, so please, don't hold your breath. (Or, do, and see if I care.)

Welcome back!