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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Yirg on Tue, 30 July 2013, 06:39:09

Title: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: Yirg on Tue, 30 July 2013, 06:39:09

I found this old keyboard at work and couldn't resist pulling a key cap to see the switch. This is what I found:

(http://s24.postimg.org/96l3pf0kl/DSCN0119.jpg)

Does anyone recognize this switch? Is it considered any good?

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: CPTBadAss on Tue, 30 July 2013, 07:03:04

It looks to be an Alps clone.  Some form of XM maybe. What does it feel like: Clicky or Tactile? In general, I really like Alps but the clones aren't usually my favorite.

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: hoggy on Tue, 30 July 2013, 07:04:26

I'll guess it's a slider over rubber dome.  Take the keyboard apart a bit more and look for a rubber sheet with some 'domes' on it.

I could be wrong (wouldn't be the first time)...

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 30 July 2013, 08:17:56

I think it is domes and plungers.

If it was switches, they would be separate units, not humps molded into the casing.

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: Yirg on Tue, 30 July 2013, 08:31:39

Yes, I guess you guys are right. It does have a rubber dome:

(http://s16.postimg.org/52tvozw7p/DSCN0122_cr.jpg)

What's the benefit (if any) of this design over simple membrane type?

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: davkol on Tue, 30 July 2013, 08:40:54

I used to wonder why ordinary RD keyboards felt worse after cleaning... well, it was probably because cleaning removed lube from sliders. If you have separate sliders and keycaps, you don't have to worry about that.

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: nappi11 on Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:17:23

Yes it seems to be NMB Rubber dome with slider. Quite nice switches.

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: hoggy on Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:20:36

Could be worse.  I asked pretty much the same question 3 years ago - turned out to be a fujitsu peerless.  I've tried giving the keyboard away several times.

At the end of the day, if you like the board, then you like the board.

Title: Re: Compaq 166516-BB6 - anyone recognize these switches?
Post by: davkol on Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:38:20

Quote from: hoggy on Tue, 30 July 2013, 10:20:36

At the end of the day, if you like the board, then you like the board.

If you join the tautology club, you join the tautology club. (http://xkcd.com/703/)