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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:04:17

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:04:17

I don't know too much about keyboards, but I've been keeping my eyes open for a mechanical one to Steampunk. I found this today at Goodwill for a few bucks. I wasn't surprised when I hadn't heard of the company, but I found it unusual when I couldn't find out too much about them online. There were basically just a couple old auctions for other Ancer models and a few mentions on these forums. I am wondering if it would be a sacrilege to deface this keyboard by modding it, or if I am good to go. Thoughts?

There is still a protective film over the LEDs, and the cord still has the plastic wrap. I don't know how old it is, but I wouldn't be surprised if it was sitting on the Goodwill shelf for 20 years.

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:08:53

And I hate having newbie questions like this, but how do I post photos of it? I keep getting the error:  "Post denied. New posts are limited by number of URLs it may contain and checked if it doesn't contain forbidden words."

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: Encryptor on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:16:36

I think you have to get your post count up first.  Maybe to 5?  I think thats when the option appeared for me.

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:33:55

Ah. Thanks!

I am about to do a shameful thing. For Science!

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:34:22

4

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:34:36

5

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:36:47

Ok, here are some photos?

(http://i.imgur.com/CTVugh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/rdaTbh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/vb3WUh.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/3okOrh.jpg)

Here is a modded board in the same vein I am thinking:

(http://steampunkworkshop.com/sites/default/files/spmini.jpg)

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: Encryptor on Sun, 22 January 2012, 01:43:04

What kind of switches does it have?  I love that steampunk keyboard, those keycaps are ~awesome~

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 02:20:31

:P Yeah, I'm a big fan of the steampunk aesthetic. I really like the wooden spacebar and frame on this one.

I am thinking a wooded spacebar and enter key, with all the others Royal tombstone keys. (I haven't seen anyone do a tombstone mod yet.)

Tombstone keys:

(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Lot-50-Royal-glass-celluoid-vintage-typewriter-tombstone-keys-jewelry-crafts-/00/s/ODUwWDEyODA=/$(KGrHqJHJC4E7zDosBgVBPE48yE5rQ~~60_12.JPG)

I'm not sure what kind of switches they are. Here is a photo:

(http://i.imgur.com/jtIbp.jpg)

Edit: Hmm... that is a little blurry. Let me know if you need a clearer shot, or more information.

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: laffindude on Sun, 22 January 2012, 02:56:54

http://geekhack.org/showwiki.php?title=Identify+That+Vintage+Switch+-+The+Geekhack+Switch+Reference+Wiki#Futaba

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: Encryptor on Sun, 22 January 2012, 04:14:41

From the Wiki: Originally Posted by sandy55
re Futaba switch
 It's actually a mechanical switch. You will get strange( or should I say *unpleasant* ) feel with it. You'll get faint tactile feel, and then shortly after tactile feel, clicking ( distracting clanky/klangy/echoey noise as skriefal described ) comes with upwarding a key. I evaluate the switch as "too much self-assertion, lacks Gracefullness"

Perfect for steampunk, haha.

Title: How rare/valuable is an Ancer Research Group keyboard? I am thinking of modding one.
Post by: ajmmin on Sun, 22 January 2012, 11:57:01

Quote from: Encryptor;496114

From the Wiki: Originally Posted by sandy55
You will get strange( or should I say *unpleasant* ) feel with it. You'll get faint tactile feel, and then shortly after tactile feel, clicking ( distracting clanky/klangy/echoey noise as skriefal described ) comes with upwarding a key. I evaluate the switch as "too much self-assertion, lacks Gracefullness"

Perfect for steampunk, haha.

I can confirm the clicking on the recoil after a stroke. I don't know if I would call it "strange" or "unpleasant," but it is definitely different than what I remember from the Model M's growing up. It's better than the non-mechanical boards I've been using for the last 15 years.

And yes, it does sound perfect for steampunk. :P

@ripster: Wow... almost 50k posts and photos of Hermione!? I will definitely call you the "#1 Keyboard Expert On The Planet!"