Datalux SpaceSaver

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Datalux SpaceSaver series
Branding "microtype", Datalux
Layouts ANSI-derived custom
Keyswitches MEI switch, Cherry ML
Interface Current models are USB
Previous models were AT/XT switchable and PS/2
Introduced Ca. 1988[1]
Price $130 basic
$195 with GlidePoint (2012)

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.

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

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.[2] Current models are USB.

Models

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

SIGUC
S
Subfamily — M (desk), T (tray), ? (panel; not sold via the Datalux website)
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
Always a 'U' — meaning unknown
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 Current
Desk MUPUC GlidePoint Charcoal USB Yes
Desk MUPUW GlidePoint White USB Yes
Desk MURUC Navigation cluster Charcoal USB Yes
Desk MURUW Navigation cluster White USB Yes
Tray TUPUC GlidePoint Charcoal USB Yes
Tray TUPUW GlidePoint White USB Yes
Tray TURUC Navigation cluster Charcoal USB Yes
Tray TURUW Navigation cluster White USB Yes
Desk MOGUC GlidePoint Charcoal No
Desk MORUW Navigation cluster White PS/2 No
Desk MORUC Navigation cluster Charcoal PS/2 No
Tray TIDUB Navigation cluster Black? 5-pin DIN (XT/AT?) No
Tray TORUC Navigation cluster Charcoal PS/2 No
Tray TORUB Navigation cluster Black? XT/AT No

Pictures

External links

References