Datapoint 1500

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snuci
Vintage computer guy

29 Nov 2015, 20:31

The Datapoint 1500 is a terminal/computer that has unique looking key switches. On further investigation, it turns out it is a normal Key Tronic foam and foil board as well. This is the second foam and foil keyboard that I've opened that has outstanding looking foam discs for its age. I'm starting to think Apple Lisa foam and foil keyboards had bad foam discs to start with or the electronics was different so the foam took more abuse.

Anyway, here are some pics with Key Tronic square switches. even with a rubber barrier, you can see the key switches have gotten dirty:
Datapoint 1500  - complete with keyboard
Datapoint 1500 - complete with keyboard
Datapoint 1500 - complete with keyboard.JPG (88.43 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - keyboard mounted in case
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard mounted in case
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard mounted in case.JPG (106.48 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - keyboard top
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard top
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard top.JPG (106.54 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - Key Tronic circuit board top
Datapoint 1500 - Key Tronic circuit board top
Datapoint 1500 - Key Tronic circuit board top.JPG (150.62 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - separated key switches (foam and foil)
Datapoint 1500 - separated key switches (foam and foil)
Datapoint 1500 - separated key switches (foam and foil).JPG (103.08 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - Key Tronic identification
Datapoint 1500 - Key Tronic identification
Datapoint 1500 - Key Tronic identification.JPG (134.25 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - keyboard back
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard back
Datapoint 1500 - keyboard back.JPG (118.15 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - side view with springs
Datapoint 1500 - side view with springs
Datapoint 1500 - side view with springs.JPG (72.71 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - key caps
Datapoint 1500 - key caps
Datapoint 1500 - key caps.JPG (54.46 KiB) Viewed 2343 times
Datapoint 1500  - key caps profile
Datapoint 1500 - key caps profile
Datapoint 1500 - key caps profile.JPG (48.4 KiB) Viewed 2343 times

terrycherry

30 Nov 2015, 12:30

Still a good looking keyboard on my mind.
The piece of rubber should be use to mute the pressing noise.
keep it on with the better quality, snuci!

mr_a500

30 Dec 2015, 23:33

1981 and still round PCB pads and square slider?? That's very odd. My 1979 Key Tronic has round sliders (though still round pads). 1981 was the year they introduced the "butterfly" switch.

According to my research, the first Datapoints used George Risk magnetic reed switches. Once again, terminal makers went to Key Tronic to make cheaper keyboards. (though Key Tronic at this period was still pretty good)

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