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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: aegrotatio on Tue, 15 June 2010, 21:12:04

Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: aegrotatio on Tue, 15 June 2010, 21:12:04
I'm thinking of this keyboard.  The layout, despite the L-shaped Enter, is non-offensive to me.

What I'd like to know, for sure, is if this keyboard is clicky.  The data sheet doesn't really say.

Also, what does DSI really mean by "Advanced ALPS Mechanical Switches" anyway?  It seems to be thrown around and it's not mentioned in the data sheet for this board, either.

http://www.notestation.com/bigfontkeyboard.htm

Normally I just go by DSI's online information but at least one other expensive keyboard's information page and data sheet disagree as to whether they are Cherry or ALPS switches, so I want to know if anyone knows about this particular big font keyboard.

Thanks for your thoughts on this.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: bitflipper on Tue, 15 June 2010, 21:51:02
Quote from: ripster;193517
These.  Simplified clickies.  

Couldn't get the DSI rep to open them up so I don't know what type.  DSI Rep is a scaredy cat.  I suspect Fukkas with a click leaf and some Yellow dye thrown in for Yuks.


Short memory, Ripster. Non-clicky, no click leaf. Linear with increasing force. Here's the thread (http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?t=9388&do=comments&highlight=dsi+big+font) where I posted pics of the switch and components.

I couldn't use this board for typing or gaming or even bludgeoning an intruder in my house. Honestly, it's in my donation pile. I'm just considering harvesting parts and tossing or just donating to my favorite charity who might appreciate it.

Even the green linears have a leaf spring which makes the force more constant. These yellows are terrible. Not recommended at all.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: aegrotatio on Tue, 15 June 2010, 22:02:38
I suck. I should have searched better.

Thanks for the information.

If you want one of these, in the "Clearance Section" under "comfort combo" has this board and a backrest for cheaper than the keyboard by itself in the clearance section.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: Oqsy on Tue, 15 June 2010, 23:31:10
Ooooo keycaps I can actually READ!  It would be fun to have the alphanumerics for my Northgate, but I'd be afraid you'd all point at me and tease me for being blind and call me four eyes and steal my lunch money.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: bitflipper on Wed, 16 June 2010, 01:07:56
Quote from: Oqsy;193551
Ooooo keycaps I can actually READ!  It would be fun to have the alphanumerics for my Northgate, but I'd be afraid you'd all point at me and tease me for being blind and call me four eyes and steal my lunch money.


PM me your address and I'll send you the key caps or the entire board if you want it. I can't guarantee how long the lettering will last, though.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: ricercar on Wed, 16 June 2010, 01:26:26
If Oqsy isn't interested in the large print kb, my bad eyes definitely are.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: clickclack on Wed, 16 June 2010, 04:09:47
For some strange reason I actually dig the look of the big font keyboards. And I pretty much use blank keyboards... huh, go figure =)
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: Harry_Y on Wed, 16 June 2010, 07:12:10
Quote from: Oqsy;193551
Ooooo keycaps I can actually READ!  It would be fun to have the alphanumerics for my Northgate, but I'd be afraid you'd all point at me and tease me for being blind and call me four eyes and steal my lunch money.


I like it as well,  I'm thinking about having my
Bi-Focal strength upped as it is. (Old age).
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: Oqsy on Wed, 16 June 2010, 13:06:23
PM sent.  I hope you're in the USA or this might not be worth your trouble.
Title: DSI Big Font Keyboard thoughts
Post by: Oqsy on Tue, 22 June 2010, 21:17:10
I got the keycaps and I have to say I like it.  I put them and my freshly arrived ALPS Geekhack key on my Northgate Omnikey today.  There are no nubs on the F/J keys, but I can handle that as I've worn a few of them out over the years and have always gotten by fine without them.  I plan on doing some non-permanent cosmetic mods to the board before posting pics, but they ARE on the way soon.