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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: mr_a500 on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:26:57

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:26:57

I've always loved the crisp, thick plastic, double-shot keycaps on the TI-99/4A - and for a while, I've had a vague idea that maybe I could find a way to use them on a modern keyboard. Well, I popped a couple off today and look what I found:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13487&stc=1&d=1289597117)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13486&stc=1&d=1289596482)

I'm not absolutely certain, but doesn't that look Cherry compatible? I don't have a Cherry keyboard, so I can't test it. If it is, then I think I'll start loading up on dead TI-99 computers.

Of course, the TI-99/4a doesn't have all the keys needed for a modern keyboard, but the keys that are replaced will look great.

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=9713&d=1273100233)

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: Fwiffo on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:38:35

Nothing a Dremel or something couldn't fix (assuming the stem fits also).

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: didjamatic on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:38:49

If you're into keyboards enough to pop caps, you need a cherry keyboard.

(Oh, See my avatar :)

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:39:05

OK, I've just been looking at some Cherry switches and I see the problem.

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:45:29

I also opened my 1980 TRS-80 Model III today and look what I found:

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13488&stc=1&d=1289598263)

Hmm....

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: Soarer on Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:05:26

Quote from: ripster;246074

topological puzzles....

Erm... they are topologically equivalent to Cherry keycaps ;-)

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: lowpoly on Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:22:47

Looks like these Alps switches are similar to those in the Apple M0110. All the time I could have just got a TI99/4A for more switches, lol.

Took one of my M0110 caps and put it on a Cherry stabilizer. No tight fit (wiggle, wiggle).

Edit: It was the stabilizer that wiggled. Tried it on a blue stem and it fits. Not very tight but fits. The puzzle still applies though.

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: mr_a500 on Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:53:13

The Kaypro keys look even more compatible. (not sure about the angled keytops though)

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13492&stc=1&d=1289602293)

Notice how much thicker the blue keys are.

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: rantenki on Fri, 12 November 2010, 23:21:02

Spoiler alert!

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Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: hfcobra on Fri, 12 November 2010, 23:28:36

they look compatible to me.....   :P

Title: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible??
Post by: hfcobra on Sat, 13 November 2010, 01:50:26

Quote from: ripster;246222

The only reason I know this is because of my Apple M0110.  It's those old linear ALPS.

Show Image

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=7398&stc=1&d=1263844357)

Show Image

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=7402&stc=1&d=1263844399)

Now these cause a slightly DIFFERENT problem.  It's the thickness of the stems.

Show Image

(http://geekhack.org/attachment.php?attachmentid=13492&stc=1&d=1289602293)

ah, i see now.   I did not think that that would have been a big issue, but now that you have put close ups of the keys i can see that that would definitely be a problem