HP 8660B keyboard module review (HP pulse transformer switches)

[chyros]

Today we look at what's probably the most complex switch design I've ever seen, in a very interesting early 70s control pad. Thanks for HaaTa for explaining to me how these little devils work!

[flurryvelvet]

Those switches are like... the polar opposite of an oki spring

[chyros]

Those switches are like... the polar opposite of an oki spring

Yes, which all the more enhances the elegance of the latter's design!

[natAT]

I've watched this excellent video more than a few times. Can still only say: I've never been so happy to be utterly confused by a switch.

Engineers usually have some set of requirements to be satisfied in a design. Heck knows what those requirement were with these .

[Charli931]

I always preferred the MHz key/mouthfeel on the HP8660B. I could never get used to the high pitched ping of the SWP WIDTH. Famously, Hewlett wanted "CLEAR KYBD" to just say "CLEAR", but you know now Packard could get.

[Evie2136]

Old HP was weird. They used an incomprehensible protocol for their terminal boards. I wouldn't be surprised if this is equally or more crazy.

[chyros]

Old HP was weird. They used an incomprehensible protocol for their terminal boards. I wouldn't be surprised if this is equally or more crazy.

I'm not convinced this even speaks a protocol xD .