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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: blawb on Tue, 04 January 2022, 18:41:49

Title: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: blawb on Tue, 04 January 2022, 18:41:49
Hello! What are some examples of some interesting keyboards with layouts larger than a standard 104 key layout?
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 04 January 2022, 19:28:28
The Sun Type 5 (https://deskthority.net/wiki/Sun_Type_5) was IMHO maybe the most beautiful mass-produced keyboard that ever came bundled with a computer as standard — expensive 1990's workstation or server computer that is. Sun had spent money on good design.
Disappointing rubber dome switches though, although AFAIK there was a third-party clone that had MX switches.

BTW. Later when the USB HID protocol for keyboards was designed, Sun had influence enough to get every key on that keyboard be part of the standard report format, and not relegated to any extraneous  "Media key" packet or something.

There are also several interesting examples listed in https://deskthority.net/wiki/Category:Big_terminal_keyboards on the Deskthority Wiki.
(People wouldn't have added them to the WIki if they didn't find them interesting or significant in one way or other ;) )
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: sharktastica on Tue, 04 January 2022, 20:20:53
If you're fine with vintage/retro, the four variants of 122-key IBM Model Ms (https://sharktastica.co.uk/topics/m122_diffs) and the earlier Model F counterpart are the most obvious big 104/105+ keyboards.
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: TheMastermind on Sun, 09 January 2022, 12:37:34
Quote from: sharktastica on Tue, 04 January 2022, 20:20:53
If you're fine with vintage/retro, the four variants of 122-key IBM Model Ms (https://sharktastica.co.uk/topics/m122_diffs) and the earlier Model F counterpart are the most obvious big 104/105+ keyboards.

This might be a stretch but would It be possible to change a model F keys with mx compatible? If not I would guess the next best thing would be to make a custom PCB and case. :/
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 09 January 2022, 14:09:33
Quote from: TheMastermind on Sun, 09 January 2022, 12:37:34

would It be possible to change a model F keys with mx compatible?


Vintage IBM key caps are entirely different in just about any way you can think of.
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: HungerMechanic on Sun, 09 January 2022, 15:56:19
The Base Kit:

(https://preview.redd.it/dmwgk0vjvji71.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=f4dc8bde6fd5dc7d33dc9ed81064dbb7dbe8deb6)


https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/p8a68a/does_your_gmk_set_have_base_kit_compatibility/
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: Tactile on Sun, 09 January 2022, 17:30:49
Big layouts with MX switches? BAH! If you're going big you might as well also go for the glorious, magnificent typing experience of the Model F switches. Nothing compares.
[attach=1]
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: jennyluce on Tue, 11 January 2022, 00:26:56
(https://assets.hongkiat.com/uploads/cool-computer-keyboards-2018/mad-catz-gaming-keyboard.jpg?newedit)

this will be the one( but there should be a keyboard that what is your current typing speed.
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: granola bar enthusiast on Tue, 26 April 2022, 08:45:54
The Boston is a 1800 layout board with two F-rows, currently the GB has been put on standby but it is an option
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: zslane on Tue, 26 April 2022, 11:39:50
Space Cadet!

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: Tactile on Tue, 26 April 2022, 11:48:56
Quote from: granola bar enthusiast on Tue, 26 April 2022, 08:45:54
The Boston is a 1800 layout board with two F-rows, currently the GB has been put on standby but it is an option
Interesting. My TG3 board is somewhat similar.
[attach=1]
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: opensecret on Tue, 26 April 2022, 21:31:36
I'll offer what I think is one of the greatest layouts in the history of keyboards--the Northgate Ultra T.
[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: Darthbaggins on Wed, 27 April 2022, 08:46:58
The board I use at work (Overclock.net edition Ducky 9008G2 w/ MX Blacks):
(https://i.imgur.com/tYTvEkp.jpg)
Title: Re: Interesting big keyboards?
Post by: Maledicted on Fri, 29 April 2022, 08:32:38
F107  ;D

(https://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=45475.0;attach=241799;image)

All of the big buckling spring boards are cool though, Northgates too if you like Alps. The best part of those boards is the cables are removable.