Difference between revisions of "Datalux SpaceSaver"

From Deskthority wiki
Jump to navigation Jump to search
(Referenced infrared version)
(Added the fact that the MIRUW model supports XT/AT by jumper under the 1 key. Confirmed on my personal model.)
(23 intermediate revisions by 8 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{TODO source}}
 +
{{TODO photo|more=true|reason=original MEI versions}}
 +
 
{{infobox dkeyboard
 
{{infobox dkeyboard
 
| name        = Datalux SpaceSaver series
 
| name        = Datalux SpaceSaver series
 +
| image name  = Datalux3.jpg
 
| pn          =  
 
| pn          =  
−
| fcc          =
+
| fcc          = HE829NMICA (Microtype MT-1; 1988)<ref name="eBay-FCC-ID" />
 
| branding    = "microtype", [[Datalux]]
 
| branding    = "microtype", [[Datalux]]
 
| manufacturer =  
 
| manufacturer =  
−
| switch      = [[MEI switch]], [[Cherry ML]]
+
| switch      = [[MEI T-15 series]], [[Cherry ML]]
 
| layouts      = [[ANSI]]-derived custom
 
| layouts      = [[ANSI]]-derived custom
−
| interface    = Current models are [[USB]]<br>Previous models were [[AT/XT switchable]] and [[PS/2 interface|PS/2]]
+
| interface    = [[USB]]<br>Previously, [[AT/XT switchable]] and [[PS/2 interface|PS/2]]
 
| weight      =  
 
| weight      =  
 
| introduced  = Ca. 1988<ref name="InfoWorld" />
 
| introduced  = Ca. 1988<ref name="InfoWorld" />
 +
| discontinued = Yes
 
| price        = $130 basic<br>$195 with GlidePoint (2012)
 
| price        = $130 basic<br>$195 with GlidePoint (2012)
 +
| website      = http://www.datalux.com/products/keyboards/
 
}}
 
}}
  
−
The '''Datalux SpaceSaver''', introduced circa 1988 as the [[Mechanical Enterprises]] '''Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard''', is a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, [[Datalux]]. Three form factors are available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supports an optional [[Cirque GlidePoint]] [[trackpad]] in place of the central navigation cluster.
+
The '''Datalux SpaceSaver''', introduced circa 1988 as the [[Mechanical Enterprises]] '''Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard''' (styled as "microtype"), was a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, [[Datalux]]. Three form factors were available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supported an optional [[Cirque GlidePoint]] [[trackpad]] in place of the central navigation cluster.
  
 
An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the [[nVIEW Toteboard]].
 
An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the [[nVIEW Toteboard]].
 +
 +
The SpaceSaver series is discontinued. The [http://www.datalux.com/embedded-systems/spacesaver-keyboards/ SpaceSaver Keyboards by Datalux: Product End of Life Notification] page does not cite a date of publication or date of discontinuation, but information from Devlin suggests that it would have been somewhere between 2013 and 2014, based on an estimate of when they stopped manufacturing the internals.<ref name="conv-Devlin" /> Datalux were only able to say that the product is superseded by a new model; no information about the SpaceSaver series is believed to remain in existence at Datalux.<ref name="conv-Datalux" />
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
Line 22: Line 30:
 
All three types use [[keyboard profile|flat profile]] keycaps; the tray and panel versions are completely flat, while the desk model has an ergonomic ramped backplane that elevates the rear half of the keyboard in line with its space-saving arrangement.
 
All three types use [[keyboard profile|flat profile]] keycaps; the tray and panel versions are completely flat, while the desk model has an ergonomic ramped backplane that elevates the rear half of the keyboard in line with its space-saving arrangement.
  
−
Datalux SpaceSaver keyboards have been made with both [[MEI switch|MEI]] and [[Cherry ML]] switches. There is a general preference of the ML switches over the MEI switches in terms of feel.
+
Datalux SpaceSaver keyboards have been made with both [[MEI T-15 series|MEI]] and [[Cherry ML]] switches. There is a general preference of the ML switches over the MEI switches in terms of feel.
  
−
On [[XT/AT switchable]] models, the [[:Category:Keyboard protocols and interfaces|keyboard protocol]] was selected using a jumper under the 1 key.<ref>eBay — [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-DATALUX-Space-Saver-Professional-Keyboard-G2-/150621939947 Vintage DATALUX Space Saver Professional Keyboard. >G2]</ref> Current models are [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]].
+
On [[XT/AT switchable]] models, the [[keyboard protocol]] was selected using a jumper under the 1 key.<ref name="DT-CIDUC" /> Later models were [[Universal Serial Bus|USB]].
  
 
==Models==
 
==Models==
Line 32: Line 40:
  
 
;S
 
;S
−
:Subfamily — M (desk), T (tray), ? (panel; not sold via the Datalux website)
+
:Subfamily — M (desk), T (tray), C or P (panel)
 
;I
 
;I
 
:Interface — U (USB), O or I (non-USB; the letters do not correspond to PS/2 vs XT/AT)
 
:Interface — U (USB), O or I (non-USB; the letters do not correspond to PS/2 vs XT/AT)
Line 38: Line 46:
 
:GlidePoint — G or P (has GlidePoint), R or D (has navigation cluster); no known explanation for the differences
 
:GlidePoint — G or P (has GlidePoint), R or D (has navigation cluster); no known explanation for the differences
 
;U
 
;U
−
:Always a 'U' — meaning unknown
+
:Uncertain; typically 'U' (US English?), but also 'G' on a German MORGW model<ref name="eBay-MORGW" /> so this may indicate layout
 
;C
 
;C
 
:Colour — W (white), C (charcoal); 'B' is assumed to be "black", but it's not adequately clear from photos on the Web whether this is true
 
:Colour — W (white), C (charcoal); 'B' is assumed to be "black", but it's not adequately clear from photos on the Web whether this is true
Line 45: Line 53:
 
The following table lists all models currently on sale or researched. The list is not exhaustive.
 
The following table lists all models currently on sale or researched. The list is not exhaustive.
  
−
{| class="wikitable"
+
{| class="wikitable sortable"
 +
|-
 +
!Subfamily||Model!!Central area!!Colour!!Connector!!Layout!!Switches
 +
|-
 +
|Panel||PURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| ||
 +
|-
 +
|Desk||MUPUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML
 +
|-
 +
|Desk||MUPUW||GlidePoint||White||USB|| ||ML
 +
|-
 +
|Desk||MURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML
 +
|-
 +
|Desk||MURUW||Navigation cluster||White||USB|| ||ML
 +
|-
 +
|Tray||TUPUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML
 +
|-
 +
|Tray||TUPUW||GlidePoint||White||USB|| ||ML
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Subfamily || Model !! Central area !! Colour !! Connector !! Current
+
|Tray||TURUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||USB|| ||ML
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MUPUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Tray||TURUW||Navigation cluster||White||USB|| ||ML
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MUPUW || GlidePoint || White || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Desk||MOGUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||—|| ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MURUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Panel||CIDUC<ref name="DT-CIDUC" />||Custom keys||Charcoal||XT/AT||English||MEI
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MURUW || Navigation cluster || White || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Panel||POGUC||GlidePoint||Charcoal||PS/2 and serial||English||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TUPUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Desk||MORUW||Navigation cluster||White||PS/2||US English||MEI
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TUPUW || GlidePoint || White || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Desk||MORUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||PS/2|| ||MEI<ref name="eBay-MORUC" />
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TURUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Desk||MODUW||Navigation cluser||White||PS/2||US English||MEI
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TURUW || Navigation cluster || White || USB || '''Yes'''
+
|Desk||MORGW||Navigation cluster||White||PS/2||German||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MOGUC || GlidePoint || Charcoal || — || No
+
|Desk||MIRUW||Navigation cluster||White||5-pin DIN (XT/AT)||US English||MEI
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MORUW || Navigation cluster || White || PS/2 || No
+
|Tray||TIDUB||Navigation cluster||Black?||5-pin DIN (XT/AT?)|| ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Desk || MORUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || PS/2 || No
+
|Tray||TORUC||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||PS/2|| ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TIDUB || Navigation cluster || Black? || 5-pin DIN (XT/AT?) || No
+
|Tray||TIRUC<ref name="eBay-TIRUC" />||Navigation cluster||Charcoal||XT/AT|| ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TORUC || Navigation cluster || Charcoal || PS/2 || No
+
|Tray||TORUB||Navigation cluster||Black?||XT/AT|| ||
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Tray || TORUB || Navigation cluster || Black? || XT/AT || No
+
|Tray||TOGUW||GlidePoint||White||PS/2 and serial||US English||MEI
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
==Pictures==
+
==Gallery==
−
<gallery widths=150px caption="Datalux SpaceSaver desk model">
+
<gallery widths="167" heights="250">
 +
File:MEI Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard magazine advert.jpg | BYTE magazine advert from 1992
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
===MORUW===
 +
Datalux-branded MORUW with MEI switches.
 +
 
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
 
File:Datalux1.jpg|Front view.
 
File:Datalux1.jpg|Front view.
 
File:Datalux2.jpg|Raised [[enter]] key.
 
File:Datalux2.jpg|Raised [[enter]] key.
Line 88: Line 119:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==External links==
+
===POGUC===
−
*[http://www.datalux.com/EmbeddedSpaceSaverKeyboards-Selection.php Datalux SpaceSaver product overview]
+
Datalux-branded POGUC; switch type is not known.
−
*Vintage Computing & Gaming — [http://www.vintagecomputing.com/index.php/archives/539 &#x005B;Retro Scan of the Week&#x005D;] (January 26th, 2009) — 1990 product advertisement
+
 
 +
<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
 +
File:Datalux POGUC -- top.jpg              | Top
 +
File:Datalux POGUC -- panel form factor.jpg | Panel form factor, with lip
 +
File:Datalux POGUC -- rear label.jpg        | Rear label
 +
File:Datalux POGUC -- PS2 plug.jpg          | PS/2 plug, for the keyboard
 +
File:Datalux POGUC -- serial plug.jpg      | Serial plug, for the GlidePoint trackpad
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
==Trivia==
 +
Several models of the Datalux SpaceSaver were used as props for the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the TV-show ''Seaquest DSV''.
 +
Some were in the submarine ''Seaquest'' itself, most notably on its bridge. Others were on computer control stations for undersea colonies that the Sequest visited.<ref name="propbay" />
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references>
 
<references>
 
<ref name="InfoWorld">Google Books — [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=fToEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32 InfoWorld, September 12, 1988]</ref>
 
<ref name="InfoWorld">Google Books — [http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=fToEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA32 InfoWorld, September 12, 1988]</ref>
 +
<ref name="eBay-MORGW">eBay — [http://www.ebay.de/itm/281194901096?orig_cvip=true Datalux (814940/MORGW) Spacesaver Tastatur deutsch PS/2] {{volatile}}</ref>
 +
<ref name="DT-CIDUC">Deskthority — [http://deskthority.net/photos-f62/datalux-spacesaver-keyboard-tray-model-t3974.html Datalux SpaceSaver keyboard, Tray model]</ref>
 +
<ref name="eBay-MORUC">eBay — [http://www.ebay.com/itm/321152286223?orig_cvip=true Datalux Moruc Space Saver Keyboard Police Responder Computer Terminal] {{volatile}}</ref>
 +
<ref name="eBay-TIRUC"><del>eBay — [http://www.ebay.com/itm/141092504861 OT 20 Datalux Tiruc Space Saver Keyboard 65 135746 N8]</del> '''(DEAD!)'''</ref>
 +
<ref name="propbay">PROPbay.com [http://www.propbay.com/original/computer-keyboard-seaquest-dsv-tv-1993-movie-prop-4204.html Computer Keyboard Movie Prop from SeaQuest DSV (TV)(1993)]. Retrieved 2016-07-02.</ref>
 +
<ref name="conv-Devlin">Correspondence with Devlin, 2016-08-11</ref>
 +
<ref name="conv-Datalux">Conversation with Datalux support, 2016-08-12</ref>
 +
<ref name="eBay-FCC-ID">eBay — [http://www.ebay.com/itm/Retro-Vintage-Microtype-Mechanical-Enterprises-Inc-MT-1-Keyboard-Unique-Layout-/122438774261?orig_cvip=true Retro Vintage Microtype Mechanical Enterprises Inc. MT-1 Keyboard Unique Layout] {{volatile}}</ref>
 
</references>
 
</references>
  
Line 101: Line 151:
 
[[Category:Keyboards with Cherry ML switches]]
 
[[Category:Keyboards with Cherry ML switches]]
 
[[Category:Flat keyboards]]
 
[[Category:Flat keyboards]]
 +
[[Category:Protocol switchable keyboards]]
 
[[Category:Keyboards with integrated pointing device]]
 
[[Category:Keyboards with integrated pointing device]]
−
[[Category:Contemporary keyboards]]
 
 
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]
 
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]

Revision as of 18:19, 24 February 2021

Template icon--Warning.svg Warning
The veracity of the contents of this page cannot be determined: it contains dead references! Please replace the dead references with new references or primary material (chiefly photographs).
Template icon--Illustration.png This article requires additional photographic illustration — original MEI versions
Datalux SpaceSaver series
Datalux3.jpg
FCC ID HE829NMICA (Microtype MT-1; 1988)[1]
Branding "microtype", Datalux
Layouts ANSI-derived custom
Keyswitches MEI T-15 series, Cherry ML
Interface USB
Previously, AT/XT switchable and PS/2
Introduced Ca. 1988[2]
Discontinued Yes
Price $130 basic
$195 with GlidePoint (2012)
Website www.datalux.com/products/keyboards/

The Datalux SpaceSaver, introduced circa 1988 as the Mechanical Enterprises Microtype Space-Saver Keyboard (styled as "microtype"), was a long-standing family of compact keyboards from Mechanical Enterprises (MEI) and its successor, Datalux. Three form factors were available: desk model, tray model, and panel model; each form factor supported an optional Cirque GlidePoint trackpad in place of the central navigation cluster.

An infrared wireless version was available in the form of the nVIEW Toteboard.

The SpaceSaver series is discontinued. The SpaceSaver Keyboards by Datalux: Product End of Life Notification page does not cite a date of publication or date of discontinuation, but information from Devlin suggests that it would have been somewhere between 2013 and 2014, based on an estimate of when they stopped manufacturing the internals.[3] Datalux were only able to say that the product is superseded by a new model; no information about the SpaceSaver series is believed to remain in existence at Datalux.[4]

Description

All three variants conserve width by placing the function keys, navigation cluster and number pad behind the alphanumeric area in four rows: the keyboards trade width for depth. Keycap spacing is standard 0.750″ (19.05 mm), but row spacing is reduced to 0.625″ (0.588 mm) to compensate for having nine rows instead of the usual six.

All three types use flat profile keycaps; the tray and panel versions are completely flat, while the desk model has an ergonomic ramped backplane that elevates the rear half of the keyboard in line with its space-saving arrangement.

Datalux SpaceSaver keyboards have been made with both MEI and Cherry ML switches. There is a general preference of the ML switches over the MEI switches in terms of feel.

On XT/AT switchable models, the keyboard protocol was selected using a jumper under the 1 key.[5] Later models were USB.

Models

Model codes are five characters, with the following possible meanings:

SIGUC
S
Subfamily — M (desk), T (tray), C or P (panel)
I
Interface — U (USB), O or I (non-USB; the letters do not correspond to PS/2 vs XT/AT)
G
GlidePoint — G or P (has GlidePoint), R or D (has navigation cluster); no known explanation for the differences
U
Uncertain; typically 'U' (US English?), but also 'G' on a German MORGW model[6] so this may indicate layout
C
Colour — W (white), C (charcoal); 'B' is assumed to be "black", but it's not adequately clear from photos on the Web whether this is true

Known models

The following table lists all models currently on sale or researched. The list is not exhaustive.

Subfamily Model Central area Colour Connector Layout Switches
Panel PURUC Navigation cluster Charcoal USB
Desk MUPUC GlidePoint Charcoal USB ML
Desk MUPUW GlidePoint White USB ML
Desk MURUC Navigation cluster Charcoal USB ML
Desk MURUW Navigation cluster White USB ML
Tray TUPUC GlidePoint Charcoal USB ML
Tray TUPUW GlidePoint White USB ML
Tray TURUC Navigation cluster Charcoal USB ML
Tray TURUW Navigation cluster White USB ML
Desk MOGUC GlidePoint Charcoal —
Panel CIDUC[5] Custom keys Charcoal XT/AT English MEI
Panel POGUC GlidePoint Charcoal PS/2 and serial English
Desk MORUW Navigation cluster White PS/2 US English MEI
Desk MORUC Navigation cluster Charcoal PS/2 MEI[7]
Desk MODUW Navigation cluser White PS/2 US English MEI
Desk MORGW Navigation cluster White PS/2 German
Desk MIRUW Navigation cluster White 5-pin DIN (XT/AT) US English MEI
Tray TIDUB Navigation cluster Black? 5-pin DIN (XT/AT?)
Tray TORUC Navigation cluster Charcoal PS/2
Tray TIRUC[8] Navigation cluster Charcoal XT/AT
Tray TORUB Navigation cluster Black? XT/AT
Tray TOGUW GlidePoint White PS/2 and serial US English MEI

Gallery

  • BYTE magazine advert from 1992

MORUW

Datalux-branded MORUW with MEI switches.

  • Front view.

  • Raised enter key.

  • Curved case design.

  • White MEI switch.

  • Horizontal comparison with standard key size.

  • Vertical comparison with standard key size.

POGUC

Datalux-branded POGUC; switch type is not known.

  • Top

  • Panel form factor, with lip

  • Rear label

  • PS/2 plug, for the keyboard

  • Serial plug, for the GlidePoint trackpad

Trivia

Several models of the Datalux SpaceSaver were used as props for the 2nd and 3rd seasons of the TV-show Seaquest DSV. Some were in the submarine Seaquest itself, most notably on its bridge. Others were on computer control stations for undersea colonies that the Sequest visited.[9]

References

  1. ↑ eBay — Retro Vintage Microtype Mechanical Enterprises Inc. MT-1 Keyboard Unique Layout [Volatile reference]
  2. ↑ Google Books — InfoWorld, September 12, 1988
  3. ↑ Correspondence with Devlin, 2016-08-11
  4. ↑ Conversation with Datalux support, 2016-08-12
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Deskthority — Datalux SpaceSaver keyboard, Tray model
  6. ↑ eBay — Datalux (814940/MORGW) Spacesaver Tastatur deutsch PS/2 [Volatile reference]
  7. ↑ eBay — Datalux Moruc Space Saver Keyboard Police Responder Computer Terminal [Volatile reference]
  8. ↑ eBay — OT 20 Datalux Tiruc Space Saver Keyboard 65 135746 N8 (DEAD!)
  9. ↑ PROPbay.com Computer Keyboard Movie Prop from SeaQuest DSV (TV)(1993). Retrieved 2016-07-02.
Retrieved from ‘https://deskthority.net/wiki/index.php?title=Datalux_SpaceSaver&oldid=48419’