Zenith ZFA-138-42 Mods + Video with Typing Sounds
Posted: 09 Dec 2018, 19:07
The Zenith ZFA-138-42 keyboard is similar to the Zenith Z-150, but the former has been lightened up a bit for use in a "portable" computer. The ZFA-138-42 resembles the ZFA-161-416 that is cataloged in the DT wiki:
wiki/Zenith_ZFA-161-416
Some features of the ZFA-138-42:
+ Black Zenith logo badge.
+ Simplified flat top case (compared to the Z-150). Has nubs and latches for securing it to the luggable computer.
+ Plastic rather than steel back case.
+ Steel plate.
+ Alps SKCL Green switches (linear).
+ Alps wire stabilizers on the spacebar and other wide keys.
+ Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps (spacebar is ABS). White alphanumeric keys; gray modifiers.
+ Modified XT layout.
+ AT-type connector, but proprietary protcol.
Modifications:
+ Hybridized switches from linear to tactile/clicky with tops, sliders, springs, and click leaves from SKCM Blue Alps.
+ Cleaned Blue Alps parts using an ultrasonic cleaner. Lubed the sliders with Dupont dry teflon.
+ Installed an internal Orihalcon/Soarer converter.
+ Remapped keys to a HHKB-esque layout.
+ Installed a micro-USB connector.
+ Closed the opening for the former connector with a US 25-cent coin (perfect fit!).
+ Lined the case with "art foam".
+ Replaced modifier caps with caps from Matias black blanks, Tai Hao red Dolch, and Tai Hao black.
+ Installed a Matias Quiet slider in the Spacebar switch.
+ Applied self-adhesive thin foam strips on the top plate where the spacebar stabilizer inserts make contact.
Pics:
Top left - Zenith badge
Right side
Hybrid switch and underside of dye-sub PBT cap
Micro-USB connector
Former connector opening blocked with US 25-cent coin
Bottom case showing a flip-out foot and latch
Waveform of typing sounds (dB vs time)
Typing sequence: 3 times each of the following sequences:
097
oii
;lk
/.,
\
Return
Right Shift
NumPad Insert
Spacebar
Thumping finger on top-center case
The typing sounds and feel on this modified Zenith remind me of typing on a Leading Edge DC-2014. I prefer the looks of the Zenith.
Video with typing sounds
wiki/Zenith_ZFA-161-416
Some features of the ZFA-138-42:
+ Black Zenith logo badge.
+ Simplified flat top case (compared to the Z-150). Has nubs and latches for securing it to the luggable computer.
+ Plastic rather than steel back case.
+ Steel plate.
+ Alps SKCL Green switches (linear).
+ Alps wire stabilizers on the spacebar and other wide keys.
+ Dye-sublimated PBT keycaps (spacebar is ABS). White alphanumeric keys; gray modifiers.
+ Modified XT layout.
+ AT-type connector, but proprietary protcol.
Modifications:
+ Hybridized switches from linear to tactile/clicky with tops, sliders, springs, and click leaves from SKCM Blue Alps.
+ Cleaned Blue Alps parts using an ultrasonic cleaner. Lubed the sliders with Dupont dry teflon.
+ Installed an internal Orihalcon/Soarer converter.
+ Remapped keys to a HHKB-esque layout.
+ Installed a micro-USB connector.
+ Closed the opening for the former connector with a US 25-cent coin (perfect fit!).
+ Lined the case with "art foam".
+ Replaced modifier caps with caps from Matias black blanks, Tai Hao red Dolch, and Tai Hao black.
+ Installed a Matias Quiet slider in the Spacebar switch.
+ Applied self-adhesive thin foam strips on the top plate where the spacebar stabilizer inserts make contact.
Pics:
Top left - Zenith badge
- zfa-left1ad2c125.jpg (97.38 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
- zfa_rt_ad1bc125.jpg (110.37 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
- zfa_Blue1ad1c125.jpg (100.91 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
- zfa-usb1ad2c125.jpg (54.15 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
- zfa_quarter_ad1bc125.jpg (57.65 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
- zfa_latch1ad2c125.jpg (70.81 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
Waveform of typing sounds (dB vs time)
- zfa-138-42-gblue-db.PNG (27.33 KiB) Viewed 1539 times
097
oii
;lk
/.,
\
Return
Right Shift
NumPad Insert
Spacebar
Thumping finger on top-center case
The typing sounds and feel on this modified Zenith remind me of typing on a Leading Edge DC-2014. I prefer the looks of the Zenith.
Video with typing sounds