Eh...the "Space Cadet" keyboard looks so much cooler.
There's nothing wrong with the design:Show Image(http://lispm.dyndns.org/pics/symbolics-keyboard-1.jpg)
Are the key caps cupped like the older boards? I've seen a few of those on Ebay in the past but never actually pulled the trigger and got one.
Congrats. I still have to get one of these too. Perfect match for my mug.
It should use NMB switches. It does not click, right?
I'm still of the opinion that cupped keys are inferior and an outdated necessity from the times the keys needed to be hit in the center. If that is no longer the case, they just slow you down.
I'm not an expert on the different types of switches, so I don't know exactly how to classify it. There is no tactile bump. It requires enough force to move that I wouldn't expect any accidental key presses, but once it starts to move, there is almost no resistance. There is no mushy feeling, though. It has a very shallow throw.
Lol, you're like a man in an ordinary car who comments to someone with a Lamborghini that the other model is much cooler ;)
Not really, but there haven't been enough "Fun" keyboards.
Now you have to post a pic. :-)
Edit: Does it look like this?Show Image(http://www.asl.dsl.pipex.com/symbolics/photos/IO/kbd2_6831.jpg)
Are the key caps cupped like the older boards?
Looks like rubber sleeve with rubber contact on pcb. Maybe there is something different under the white plunger.
I'd check the switch internals first. Rubber contact on pcb was just a guess.
Rubber sleeves can be replaced by springs. A C64 (or two) would be an easy donor here.
Edit: If you have too much time you can make the springs yourself:
http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=n&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww5f.biglobe.ne.jp%2F~silencium%2Fkeyboard%2Fhtml%2F5576b01kai.html&sl=ja&tl=en (http://translate.google.com/translate?prev=hp&hl=en&js=n&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww5f.biglobe.ne.jp%2F~silencium%2Fkeyboard%2Fhtml%2F5576b01kai.html&sl=ja&tl=en)
Edit2: No idea about a new switch.
Are there any soldered switch legs? That should be clue whether it uses rubber contacts.
If you want it clicky it might be easier to get rev c and replace the NMB switches. If they aren't clicky already. Sandy should know if this kind of NMB swap is possible.
Are the legs soldered to pcb traces? If yes it looks like there is a mechanical switch under the plunger. The rubber sleeve is just for the tactile sensation.
A rubber contact usually has the pcb traces on the upper side of the pcb with no need to solder through.
This could also mean than the switch does not engage at the bottom out point but earlier. Could be a good switch after all.
Edit: those pics look like regular rubber domes. It even says 'membrane'. Whether they use a plunger or not doesn't make much difference. The NMB is totally different mechanical switch. Do a search for 'space invaders' here on the board. There are two types, linear and clicky. They are color coded, IIRC. White should be linear.
Hmm, it looks surprisingly similar to a pile of horse crap. Say it ain't so!
That's what you get when you search for NMB keyboard switch. Because they produce rubber domes now.
The old mechanical switch is at the top of the same page:
http://www.freeopenbook.com/upgrading-repairing-pc/ch18lev1sec2.html
Good old Scott Mueller - his favorite board is the Endurapro apparently. He seems to get BS mixed up with capacitive switches though.
Older IBMs, I believe the Model F is one, had a capacitive BS switch, but he is wrong that Unicomp and the later IBMs have them.
Ed_, can you please record a keyboard audio clip of you typing on this board, and post it in the keyboard audio clip section of the forum?
Thanks
SGGSIX
Ed_, can you please record a keyboard audio clip of you typing on this board, and post it in the keyboard audio clip section of the forum?
Thanks
SGGSIX
First some notes: I'm not posting a full review, since I just got it and won't have the time to build a converter for a while.
No, they're not.
Old Symbolics keyboards like the one lowpoly has used Hall Effect keyswitches made by the Micro-Switch company.