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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: yrzero on Tue, 06 November 2012, 07:25:56

Title: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: yrzero on Tue, 06 November 2012, 07:25:56
Hello all, I have come to request some assistance in identifying the key switches on my NTC KB-6251EM.

I acquired the keyboard from my Dad, who purchased it in 1992. I spent the afternoon giving it a good clean, but I cannot for the life of me work out what these switches are. They are quiet (no click) and not especially tactile, if that helps at all. Also, the post surround is covered in metal with an 'M' logo embossed on them. The logo looks like this -->   ,\\

Any information about the switches (or the keyboard in general for that matter) would be much appreciated!

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/A7ASyndCMAAXB0z.jpg)
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 06 November 2012, 08:04:08
Interesting... they look like they're Cherry MX compatible.

I hope someone else around here knows what they are, cuz now I'm curious too...
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: trentva on Tue, 06 November 2012, 08:28:02
looks cool
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: yrzero on Tue, 06 November 2012, 08:45:32
Interesting... they look like they're Cherry MX compatible.

My first thought was that they may be an MX White knock-off of some description, but I can't really tell. The only other keyboards I've seen of this model have ALPS white switches, so these had me even more intrigued!
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Xerces on Sat, 22 December 2012, 16:16:18
Cauliflower switches? jk. Actually, I'm trying to found out too. I got a Chicony KB-5191 with the same type of switches, but I can't find any info on them. Are these MX knock-offs? Typing on the sort of feels like browns.
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: rootwyrm on Sat, 22 December 2012, 17:48:01
That's interesting.. the "M" logo is actually a very old and reliable manufacturer whose name escapes me at this moment. The confusing part is that they should be White Alps and the Chicony should be SMK (which is Cherry compatible) or SMK knockoff (also Cherry compatible.) And the SMK's are tactiles, definitely, with pronounced clicking. Not as loud as Cherry blues either.

Not seeing a photo of the switch; can you attach one?
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: absyrd on Sun, 23 December 2012, 10:27:29
Look like ALPS clones based upon the housing and shape. Open up a switch? :P
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Ascaii on Sun, 23 December 2012, 11:42:53
They are lemon colored mitsumi switches. If you want more info on them, I sold Haata a board with these a long time ago.

Misumi switches are available in different colors, ive had lemon, mint green, and pink mitsumi switches.
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: rootwyrm on Sun, 23 December 2012, 14:43:08
They are lemon colored mitsumi switches. If you want more info on them, I sold Haata a board with these a long time ago.

Misumi switches are available in different colors, ive had lemon, mint green, and pink mitsumi switches.

AHHA! Thank you, Ascaii! Mitsumi, yes! I should remember that - for over a decade I insisted on Mitsumi floppy drives. I should have remembered. (Also had a Mitsumi board, did not like.. too light. Think it was pink but don't hold me to it.)
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 23 December 2012, 15:18:51
There were also mechanical Mitsumi switches with a square mount, like their cheaper semi-mechanical "rubber arc" switches.
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Ascaii on Sun, 23 December 2012, 16:57:35
Findecandor, these are mechanical.  Most mitsumi branded boards tend to be rubber domes...I have only found mechanical mitsumis in chicony boards and industrial/editing applications.
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Xerces on Sun, 23 December 2012, 20:02:47
They are lemon colored mitsumi switches. If you want more info on them, I sold Haata a board with these a long time ago.

Misumi switches are available in different colors, ive had lemon, mint green, and pink mitsumi switches.

Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: Mystery switches on an NTC KB-6251
Post by: Magna224 on Mon, 24 December 2012, 17:05:55
Mitsumis feel similar to black ALPS to me. I have a tenkey with them.