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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 06:23:38

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 06:23:38

Hi!

So, it seems like I have a mystery on my hands. Today I received a keyboard, Costar Electronics CSK-7102 in the mail. I thought it would be interesting since I had no idea about the kind of switches it has. They look kind of ALPS-ish. I haven't been able to find any information whatsoever about the keyboard.

So, my question is: What kind of swithces does it have? I'll attach pictures.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: I've not been able to insert any URLs or images into this post. I'm not sure why.

EDIT2: Let's be sneaky: h t t p : / / i . i m g u r . c o m / Y e n t 5 . j p g

EDIT3: Just check out the album "Mystery keyboard" accessible from my profile.

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: spzz on Thu, 22 September 2011, 09:05:41

What do the keys feel like?

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 09:33:53

Quote from: spzz;419935

What do the keys feel like?

They're very hard to actuate, about twice the force is required compared to my Filco (with MX Blues). The click is very low-pitched, and the keyboard sounds hollow when typed on. As you can see in the picture of the switch, there's no writing on the switces.

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 22 September 2011, 10:25:14

http://i.imgur.com/Yent5.jpg

I've no idea what that is. Where's the actuation point: is it at the top, or bottom of the travel?

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 11:12:51

The actuation point is relatively close to the top. The keys have sort of a mushy feeling reminiscent of a bad rubber dome keyboard, although with a tactile bump and click.

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: Ascaii on Thu, 22 September 2011, 11:20:15

These might be rubber domes...but individual, housed domes. Have you opened it up yet?

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 22 September 2011, 11:24:26

I have a couple of keyboards with switches like that, although they are white. The body that the slider goes into appears to be integral with the barrel plate or whatever the large substrate piece would be called. These also actuate near the top, but I don't think the force required is much different from most standard keyswitches.

Never took the boards completely apart, but they seem to have NMB circuit boards, one branded CTX and one branded AT&T.

I have had it listed on ebay with a lot of views but no bids. I am going to take it down soon and donate them to a charity.

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 11:26:57

Quote from: Ascaii;419992

These might be rubber domes...but individual, housed domes. Have you opened it up yet?

I have opened up the keyboard, but not one of the switches. I doubt they're individual domes, as there is a clear click and bump. The switches seem to be of very low quality, as each switch feels and sounds different. I'll point out that I haven't actually connected it up yet as I'm still waiting for my AT adaptor to arrive, so I'm not sure wether it actuates at the click.

EDIT: I've now opened up the keyboard once again, and this time I've taken photos. They can be found in the aforementioned gallery.

Title: Mystery keyboard + switch (Costar CSK-7102)
Post by: atarian88 on Thu, 22 September 2011, 15:48:28

http://geekhack.org/album.php?albumid=189