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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:19:41

Title: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:19:41: What's the oldest keyboard you own and still using, do you collect them...just curious :)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:22:17: The SSK I own I think. 1987
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:22:55: I've got a 1990 G80-5000 that I keep at work, but I'm sure I've got something older than that.

Plus it'll look like a spring chicken compared some of the choicer examples...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:25:36: Ugh Hoggy...that's one of my dream boards. I am jealous. Might you be able to grace this thread with a picture of the G80-5000? I'll get a picture of my SSK if you do :P
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: esoomenona on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:26:08: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:25:36
Ugh Hoggy...that's one of my dream boards. I am jealous. Might you be able to grace this thread with a picture of the G80-5000? I'll get a picture of my SSK if you do :P

Don't lie! That's my dream board...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:27:16: Hush moose, you can't have all the things I love...just most of them.

/me cries all over Moose's Filco Zero
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:27:54: G80-1501 or a focus fk2001. I also have a nixdorf pcb that's probably older.. but that's just a pcb :))
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: snoopy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:27:57: It was my F AT, now it is my '88 SSK.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: metalliqaz on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:31:14: How about oldest continuous ownership? I got my model M when they were still selling model Ms with IBM PCs. 1994. Too bad my family lost the Focus with Alps that we had before that.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:31:49: Is this it...

http://input.yesky.com/imagelist/2009/119/g0010litdbx4s.jpg
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:33:53: What are you asking for mini66? Is that a G80-5000? Or is that hoggy's specific keyboard?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:35:32: I believe my oldest Model M is either an '86 or '87, can't remember...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:36:29: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:33:53
What are you asking for mini66? Is that a G80-5000? Or is that hoggy's specific keyboard?

I just typed "G80-5000" into Google and it brought up the photo I posted
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:37:44: Yes I see that. I was asking what you wanted to know. Is your question "What is a G80-5000?" Which it obviously was.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CommunistWitchDr on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:38:05: My DEC writer is pretty old, probably late 70s.

My hall effect keypads are late 70s too.

My WYSE is pretty old as well, and probably my oldest working board.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:41:13: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:37:44
Yes I see that. I was asking what you wanted to know. Is your question "What is a G80-5000?" Which it obviously was.

I was just curious to know what a "G80-5000" looked like that's all.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:42:48: Yup, your photo is correct then. I'm in love with that thing...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:46:54: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:42:48
Yup, your photo is correct then. I'm in love with that thing...

I see cool :cool:
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:48:43: I had the chance to try one at the earlier Chicagoland meet up this year. It's the closest thing I've found to a Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 keyboard in mechanical form. :D
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Linkbane on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:51:02: I don't have too many special things (I may come into possession of a 1980's Model F), but I do have a Dell Quietkey.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:54:27: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:48:43
I had the chance to try one at the earlier Chicagoland meet up this year. It's the closest thing I've found to a Microsoft Ergonomic 4000 keyboard in mechanical form. :D

Do you ever look on eBay's for one?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:56:36: I have a microswitch / honeywell keyboard from 1976, it beats out the selectric keyboard I have by a few months.

I should have had a univac keyboard from the 1960's, but haata outbid me. again.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: phx on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:58:27: Model M, '89
manufactured on the day I was born. :thumb:
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: fohat.digs on Thu, 03 October 2013, 15:03:31: this
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: SpAmRaY on Thu, 03 October 2013, 15:04:44: Any hints as to finding out how old a G80-1800 pcb is?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 15:04:56: Could some of you post pics please :thumb:
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:27:20: My beam spring keyboard from '79.

(http://i.imgur.com/AvSli.jpg)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: The_Beast on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:32:40: I have a F AT but I'm not sure of it's date of manufacture. I also have a 1991 SSK and a dolch board as well
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Halverson on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:41:56: My Model F 122 is from Dec.19 1984. Don't think I have anything else older than that. Have several things from 87-88.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:51:28: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:25:36
Ugh Hoggy...that's one of my dream boards. I am jealous. Might you be able to grace this thread with a picture of the G80-5000? I'll get a picture of my SSK if you do :P

Here you go.
(http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/hoggyboard/IMAG0223_zpsbbaf9ce8.jpg)
It's gone a horrible pie yellow, but you can't have everything.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:53:03: Quote from: ch_123 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:27:20
My beam spring keyboard from '79.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/AvSli.jpg)

That's beautiful. Is it heavy?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:56:57: That's gorgeous hoggy. Thanks for sharing :D Is that the Portuguese layout?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:59:47: Quote from: CPTBadAss on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:56:57
That's gorgeous hoggy. Thanks for sharing :D Is that the Portuguese layout?
It's a german layout.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: sth on Thu, 03 October 2013, 17:01:45: I've got (i believe) an 80s, maybe late 70s NASA keyboard laying around. I can try to take a picture of it but I bet you HaaTa already has pics of it online somewhere.
I also have an Atari cx85 numpad that's missing a key. It has linear switches that are similar to the NMB space invader technology but I'm blanking on the actual switch right now.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: ch_123 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 17:15:24: Quote from: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:53:03
Quote from: ch_123 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:27:20
My beam spring keyboard from '79.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/AvSli.jpg)

That's beautiful. Is it heavy?

4.5Kg, which is about as much as a 122-key Model F. Of course, this one is barely any wider than an SSK (although a lot deeper and taller)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: N8N on Thu, 03 October 2013, 17:26:54: I have a Model M, a Wyse terminal, and a SGI Granite and I enjoy using all of them. Also have a Model F but that is a slightly odd layout (not an AT board.) Would love to trade it for a F AT with a "normal" numpad area.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Fri, 04 October 2013, 07:40:58: My oldest is my Commodore PC5 / G80-0499HAU. I forget the exact production date but I think it's some time in 1984 or 1985 which makes it a pretty early MX model. I don't use this one though since I don't have any computers that speak what it does, and thus am not even sure if it's still functional.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_schnrub on Fri, 04 October 2013, 07:46:06: My oldest - IBM Model M 1390120 - 9th August 1986
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Game Theory on Fri, 04 October 2013, 07:53:00: Atari 800 or IBM 5251 beam spring
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: snoopy on Fri, 04 October 2013, 07:58:13: I heard one learns to ride... ehm... type on older ... boards ;D
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Dubsgalore on Fri, 04 October 2013, 08:06:56: Probably an at101 or NMB board in a box in my room..

Quote from: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:51:28
Here you go.
Show Image
(http://i987.photobucket.com/albums/ae356/hoggyboard/IMAG0223_zpsbbaf9ce8.jpg)

It's gone a horrible pie yellow, but you can't have everything.

That's wonderful, I'm jealous
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Thimplum on Fri, 04 October 2013, 10:38:31: '88 model m
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 002 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 18:17:57: While it's not my oldest keyboard, it's certainly my oldest Topre keyboard :)
Sony NEWS NWP-411A (1986-87):

(http://i.imgur.com/g0td3l2.jpg)

(http://i.imgur.com/3Bjui4o.jpg)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: HaaTa on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:25:29: Hmm, well, I use all my keyboards (rofl)

The oldest is sorta hard. But, oldest manufactured is probably my Honeywell Dual Magnet Hall Effect (the vintage one) engineering sample (NIB) from 1970, with ICs from 1969!

(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YpnvlKfEppQ/UFeslgdUhlI/AAAAAAAAIYw/o1pNobnge2A/s800/2012-09-17%252015.32.25.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4ZZkyzxpWg/UFet3UzOf4I/AAAAAAAAIas/9guD05H_kV8/s800/2012-09-17%252015.52.29.jpg)
That's 6934 -> Week 34 1969!

Album
https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025 (https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 127001 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:29:31: Quote from: HaaTa on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:25:29
Hmm, well, I use all my keyboards (rofl)

The oldest is sorta hard. But, oldest manufactured is probably my Honeywell Dual Magnet Hall Effect (the vintage one) engineering sample (NIB) from 1970, with ICs from 1969!

Show Image
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YpnvlKfEppQ/UFeslgdUhlI/AAAAAAAAIYw/o1pNobnge2A/s800/2012-09-17%252015.32.25.jpg)

Show Image
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4ZZkyzxpWg/UFet3UzOf4I/AAAAAAAAIas/9guD05H_kV8/s800/2012-09-17%252015.52.29.jpg)

That's 6934 -> Week 34 1969!

Album
https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025 (https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025)

That PCB is ****ing gorgeous.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: calavera on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:31:10: nothing special. '87 model m ssk
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: CPTBadAss on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:44:57: Quote from: 002 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 18:17:57
While it's not my oldest keyboard, it's certainly my oldest Topre keyboard :)
Sony NEWS NWP-411A (1986-87):

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/g0td3l2.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3Bjui4o.jpg)

Damn, that is really cool. And I love that layout, I've never seen anything like it but it looks awesome.

Quote from: HaaTa on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:25:29
Hmm, well, I use all my keyboards (rofl)

The oldest is sorta hard. But, oldest manufactured is probably my Honeywell Dual Magnet Hall Effect (the vintage one) engineering sample (NIB) from 1970, with ICs from 1969!

Show Image
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YpnvlKfEppQ/UFeslgdUhlI/AAAAAAAAIYw/o1pNobnge2A/s800/2012-09-17%252015.32.25.jpg)

Show Image
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4ZZkyzxpWg/UFet3UzOf4I/AAAAAAAAIas/9guD05H_kV8/s800/2012-09-17%252015.52.29.jpg)

That's 6934 -> Week 34 1969!

Album
https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025 (https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025)

Haata, what do those switches feel like? And as always, you have such great stuff. I'm very sad I can't go to your Kiibohd meetups. :(
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 09:44:10: My December 1984 Model M.

Not a separate keyboard, but my Commodore PET and its keyboard is slightly older, would have to open it to get exact date.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hoggy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:37:44: Have you got a picture of the PET? I used one for my Computing GCSE (my school didn't believe in ... I dunno... spending money, I guess).
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Puddsy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:40:31: Quote from: 002 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 18:17:57
While it's not my oldest keyboard, it's certainly my oldest Topre keyboard :)
Sony NEWS NWP-411A (1986-87):

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/g0td3l2.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3Bjui4o.jpg)

That's awesome. I love the JP legends on the keycaps.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: morpheus on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:58:58: Quote from: 002 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 18:17:57
While it's not my oldest keyboard, it's certainly my oldest Topre keyboard :)
Sony NEWS NWP-411A (1986-87):

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/g0td3l2.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3Bjui4o.jpg)

Nice board man! I had no idea Sony made a Topre Keyboard, when did it come out and is it available in the US?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:50:51: Quote from: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 09:44:10
My December 1984 Model M.

Not a separate keyboard, but my Commodore PET and its keyboard is slightly older, would have to open it to get exact date.

1984? Are you sure about that? Earliest I've seen in 1985.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:52:38: Quote from: hoggy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:37:44
Have you got a picture of the PET? I used one for my Computing GCSE (my school didn't believe in ... I dunno... spending money, I guess).

Oddly enough, I don't have a picture of the PET itself, but it looks just like any PET with the gray real-key keyboard.

Relevant to GH, I do have pictures of the keyboard disassembled: http://imgur.com/a/NMTSo
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:54:59: Quote from: ch_123 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:50:51
Quote from: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 09:44:10
My December 1984 Model M.

Not a separate keyboard, but my Commodore PET and its keyboard is slightly older, would have to open it to get exact date.

1984? Are you sure about that? Earliest I've seen in 1985.

Yep. It's the earliest M I know of. It's the first thread I ever posted here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39985

And here are the pics also linked in that thread: http://minus.com/mBlackModelM
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: snoopy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:02:19: and the only proof is that number on the controller? I think without birth certificate or any other documentation you can't really proof the date of the complete board
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:16:51: Quote from: snoopy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:02:19
and the only proof is that number on the controller? I think without birth certificate or any other documentation you can't really proof the date of the complete board

There's no question the controller board is from 1984.

But there's more to indicate it's a very early build. If you read through the thread you'll see the keyboard has a number of unique attributes as well (socketed programmable chip, different keyboard assembly mounts, how the LED board is wired up, the case itself).

There's a thread on it over at Deskthority, where webwit and clickykeyboards had a go at tracking down "lineage": http://deskthority.net/keyboards-f2/a-couple-of-model-m-s-i-m-curious-about-t5112.html

It's been suggested it's a prototype. I have to take another shot at some old contacts from IBM to see if I can get more information.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:19:32: Quote from: snoopy on Sat, 05 October 2013, 14:02:19
and the only proof is that number on the controller? I think without birth certificate or any other documentation you can't really proof the date of the complete board

Like some of HaaTa's older keybaords, E TwentyNine's model M is also hard to date. I think t's a prototype of some sort, ans as such, the 1984 "date" correlates to the time they were designing it, that said, it could have been actually put together as late as 1985. Then again, do we count the "age" as the date it was first assembled? From what I know about the prototyping process, they probably put it together a few times and modified it before M production started.

So it's hard to say. Notice HaaTa posted the age of the IC's on his keyboard. My two mid 1970's microswitch keyboards have different dates on them from when the chips were made, to the manufacturing date on the PCB, to the production date on the frame. Which do I count?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: ch_123 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 15:51:10: Quote from: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:54:59
Quote from: ch_123 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 13:50:51
Quote from: E TwentyNine on Sat, 05 October 2013, 09:44:10
My December 1984 Model M.

Not a separate keyboard, but my Commodore PET and its keyboard is slightly older, would have to open it to get exact date.

1984? Are you sure about that? Earliest I've seen in 1985.

Yep. It's the earliest M I know of. It's the first thread I ever posted here: http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=39985

And here are the pics also linked in that thread: http://minus.com/mBlackModelM

Oh yes, I remember this one now... Very nice find!
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_a500 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 16:12:49: My three oldest keyboards were all made in 1980: Apple II Plus, TRS-80 Model III and IBM 3278 beam spring.

Of the nearly 50 keyboards I own, only 4 aren't from the 80's - the "newest" being a 1993 SGI granite. I don't own a single rubber dome keyboard.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: rowie on Sat, 05 October 2013, 21:42:11: Quote from: ch_123 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 16:27:20
My beam spring keyboard from '79.

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/AvSli.jpg)

This keyboard looks wicked cool! How do you like it, and do you still use it?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: divito on Sat, 05 October 2013, 21:50:55: Quote from: 002 on Fri, 04 October 2013, 18:17:57
While it's not my oldest keyboard, it's certainly my oldest Topre keyboard :)
Sony NEWS NWP-411A (1986-87):

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/g0td3l2.jpg)

Show Image
(http://i.imgur.com/3Bjui4o.jpg)

That's quite a cool layout. Makes me think of what I want to design in the future.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 002 on Sat, 05 October 2013, 22:59:25: Quote from: morpheus on Sat, 05 October 2013, 11:58:58
Nice board man! I had no idea Sony made a Topre Keyboard, when did it come out and is it available in the US?

Sony made their NEWS (Network Engineering Workstation) in the late 80s til the mid 90s. They weren't very popular outside of Japan and I don't like your chances of finding one for sale in the USA, but they do pop up from time to time on Yahoo Auctions Japan :)

Topre made at least two other keyboards for Sony's 'NEWS' line, including the keyboard for the NWS-1200 (which uses conductive switches, like the Sony BKE-2010/2011), and the NWP-5461 keyboard (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Sony_NEWS_NWP-5461).
Here's my thread on deskthority (http://deskthority.net/photos-videos-f8/the-feeling-of-oneness-with-membrane-t5961.html) about the conductive Topre switch on the BKE-2011
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Tony on Mon, 07 October 2013, 01:44:28: 1986, Compaq MX 11800.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: davkol on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:08:44: Cherry G80-1000HAD with MX Black switches, made in mid '88 IIRC. Someone has asked me to take some pictures, because the switches feel vintage, but look modern... I guess I should already upload that stuff.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:43:48: Commodore PC-10 keyboard (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Cherry_G80-0915) and a terminal Model M, both from 1987.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Retrete on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:54:33: 1983 Cherry M7 terminal keyboard

(http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lx9xch.jpg)
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/34ry4qv.jpg)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: SpAmRaY on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:57:08: Quote from: Retrete on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:54:33
1983 Cherry M7 terminal keyboard

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lx9xch.jpg)

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/34ry4qv.jpg)

That's a sweet mod! I believe I posted on it over at DT but doesn't hurt to say it here also!
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Dubsgalore on Tue, 08 October 2013, 16:49:04: Quote from: Retrete on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:54:33
1983 Cherry M7 terminal keyboard

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lx9xch.jpg)

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/34ry4qv.jpg)

Incredibly Bad-ass
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: sprit on Tue, 08 October 2013, 18:45:04: Quote from: Retrete on Tue, 08 October 2013, 15:54:33
1983 Cherry M7 terminal keyboard

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/2lx9xch.jpg)

Show Image
(http://oi39.tinypic.com/34ry4qv.jpg)

Beautiful! I never come across M7, seen M8.
For me the oldest one is Apple Model 0110 Macintosh keyboard in 1984, the first PC of mine.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: kilogeek on Sun, 05 January 2014, 11:27:01: The compaq RT 102 I have D.O.B. is 1993, looks like new, older than the model M I had (1995).
A guy I met few days ago bought me some hardware and told me he had several old AT & XT PCs
in his garage (286, 386... DIN connectors, before IBM PS/2 series) with 2 keyboards per PC,
he is going to bring them to me next time he goes to Paris, don't know the brands yet but
these are surely nice pieces of hardware :p
Title: Compaq RT 102 : 1993
Post by: kilogeek on Sun, 05 January 2014, 11:32:30: [attach=1]
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 05 January 2014, 13:47:15: this topic comes up every once in a while.

My oldest is a honeywell hall effect keyboard from mid 1976. I also have one from 1977 that I've posted pictures of (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=41396.0). They're pretty similar, though the 1976 one has a cool ceramic gold pin IC package. I will be converting this KB to USB sometime in the future.

---
The oldest KB I'm actually using at the moment is a model F 122 from 1984
(http://i.imm.io/V0MB.jpeg)
Title: Re: Compaq RT 102 : 1993
Post by: Findecanor on Sun, 05 January 2014, 14:51:37: Quote from: kilogeek on Sun, 05 January 2014, 11:32:30
(Attachment Link)
NMB RT6856 (http://deskthority.net/wiki/NMB_RT6856T).
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: tuxsavvy on Wed, 08 January 2014, 03:55:37: I guess my partly broken Northgate Omnikey 101 is the oldest one, may the same Omnikey may tie in against my APC Clicker F-21.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: tooki on Wed, 08 January 2014, 05:02:15: My oldest is an original Apple Extended Keyboard, which would have been sold between April 1987 and October 1990.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 10:25:11: My IBM AT Model F.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: kmiller8 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 10:27:30: my birthday board obviously

(http://i.imgur.com/6RZxSeD.jpg)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: TacticalCoder on Wed, 08 January 2014, 10:57:46: Quote from: mini66 on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:19:41
What's the oldest keyboard you own and still using, do you collect them...just curious :)

My daily driver is a 18 months old or so HHKB Pro 2 but I do have an Industrial Model M from 1990 hooked to a computer I use semi-regularly.

I've also got a very nice HP LaserJet 4M+ which is nearly 20 years old and which still works flawlessly (and cheap toners, lasting very long, for one of the lowest price-per-page ever). 300 000+ pages printed and still running strong. I've got 3 of them ;D

Oldest keyboard is probably the one hooked to my Atari 600 XL (which I have since I was a kid) or to the Ti99/4a I bought recently but I can't say I use these ones regularly.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: E TwentyNine on Wed, 08 January 2014, 14:50:19: Quote from: 1391406 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 10:25:11
My IBM AT Model F.

How do you decode the date on an AT Model F ?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Melvang on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:15:50: Quote from: HaaTa on Fri, 04 October 2013, 21:25:29
Hmm, well, I use all my keyboards (rofl)

The oldest is sorta hard. But, oldest manufactured is probably my Honeywell Dual Magnet Hall Effect (the vintage one) engineering sample (NIB) from 1970, with ICs from 1969!

Show Image
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-YpnvlKfEppQ/UFeslgdUhlI/AAAAAAAAIYw/o1pNobnge2A/s800/2012-09-17%252015.32.25.jpg)

Show Image
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-C4ZZkyzxpWg/UFet3UzOf4I/AAAAAAAAIas/9guD05H_kV8/s800/2012-09-17%252015.52.29.jpg)

That's 6934 -> Week 34 1969!

Album
https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025 (https://plus.google.com/photos/113845661925823397356/albums#photos/113845661925823397356/albums/5789286994082633025)

Very nice looking board and PCB. This is from back when traces were MANLY.

I just picked up a terminal board that I would love to get a Soarer converter for and use. It is a Link. Back label says "KB LINK GEN US WY ASCII", Serial No: 45cz5500195, Part No: 50-120-000-100. Everything on the inside says WYSE but the caps are double shot black on beige two tone not the purple/yellow on beige double shots like WYSE usually are. The date on the case is 1983, and the date on the PCB is 1985. This thing is practically NIB as the caps have ZERO shine and still have texture on them even the "E" which is the most common used letter on the English language. I opened it up and the plate and the PCB were cleaner than the Orbweaver when I got that. All for a steal of a price at $3 from an e-recycler.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: bazemk1979 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:20:11: IBM Model F XT NIB
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:21:09: Quote from: bazemk1979 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:20:11
IBM Model F XT NIB

NIB? Nice.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: bazemk1979 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:23:05: Quote from: JPG on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:21:09
Quote from: bazemk1979 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 19:20:11
IBM Model F XT NIB

NIB? Nice.

yea was from a Rutenberg corp. or something like that
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 1391406 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 23:21:52: Quote from: E TwentyNine on Wed, 08 January 2014, 14:50:19
Quote from: 1391406 on Wed, 08 January 2014, 10:25:11
My IBM AT Model F.

How do you decode the date on an AT Model F ?

Personally, I don't know that any numbers on any of the stickers correlate to a date.
Title: Re: Compaq RT 102 : 1993
Post by: kilogeek on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:22:50: Quote from: Findecanor on Sun, 05 January 2014, 14:51:37
Quote from: kilogeek on Sun, 05 January 2014, 11:32:30
(Attachment Link)
NMB RT6856 (http://deskthority.net/wiki/NMB_RT6856T).

Yes you're right, not a rare piece... I'll get soon a very rare one : Bull Micral Keyboard, don't know yet what mechanism is used but these were built mainly for the french market in the 80's, same prices as first IBM PC XT & AT...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:32:19: Quote from: kilogeek on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:22:50
Yes you're right, not a rare piece... I'll get soon a very rare one : Bull Micral Keyboard, don't know yet what mechanism is used but these were built mainly for the french market in the 80's, same prices as first IBM PC XT & AT...

Hmm, interesting. Many of the more common bull keyboards I know of from the later 1980's are rubberdome (though likely quite nice rubber dome from what I have seen) I'm interested in seeing what you turn up here.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: 127001 on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:34:30: Quote from: dorkvader on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:32:19
Quote from: kilogeek on Sat, 11 January 2014, 13:22:50
Yes you're right, not a rare piece... I'll get soon a very rare one : Bull Micral Keyboard, don't know yet what mechanism is used but these were built mainly for the french market in the 80's, same prices as first IBM PC XT & AT...

Hmm, interesting. Many of the more common bull keyboards I know of from the later 1980's are rubberdome (though likely quite nice rubber dome from what I have seen) I'm interested in seeing what you turn up here.
http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=43697.0

Seems like it might be MX Blacks
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: lilky on Sat, 11 January 2014, 14:42:10: So many awesome old keyboards in here :eek: I wish I could get my hands on some of these bad boys...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: tricheboars on Sat, 11 January 2014, 18:28:25: My '87 Model M
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Comment on Sat, 11 January 2014, 19:59:18: Quote from: hoggy on Thu, 03 October 2013, 14:22:55
I've got a 1990 G80-5000 that I keep at work, but I'm sure I've got something older than that.

Plus it'll look like a spring chicken compared some of the choicer examples...

Where did you find yours? Been lookin around to find one but im sure you can guess how that turned out
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: JDrive on Sat, 11 January 2014, 20:59:40: IBM PC XT, no idea on the build date.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: berserkfan on Sun, 12 January 2014, 02:57:19: Do typewriters count? I have one, but haven't seen it in years. Got to be somewhere in my house since no way I could have thrown out such a huge, heavy thing by accident.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hydrospell on Sun, 12 January 2014, 08:37:40: Current oldest - 1986 Apple IIgs keyboard bought off prdlm2009
Tomorrow Fedex will deliver my 1984 M0110. :cool:
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Tarzan on Sun, 12 January 2014, 08:44:02: I've got a 1983 Wyse on my desk at the moment. I thought the foam-and-foil Keytronics/Wang keyboard I bought last year was older, but it's got a 1987 inspection sticker inside, so perhaps not.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_a500 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 18:16:59: The IBM beam spring I'm typing this with has a 1977 copyright, but unfortunately there's an Oct. 1980 stamp on the inside. Well at least it was designed in 1977, using a 1971 patented switch.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 13 January 2014, 18:59:48: Quote from: mr_a500 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 18:16:59
The IBM beam spring I'm typing this with has a 1977 copyright, but unfortunately there's an Oct. 1980 stamp on the inside. Well at least it was designed in 1977, using a 1971 patented switch.

there's a good chance it saw service sometime later in life.

For example, my 1984 model F was serviced by an IBM tech in 1988 and 1994, and bears a stamp for each time.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_a500 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 19:40:43: Your post gave me hope that this is a 70's keyboard... but the attached 3276 manual has a revision date of July 1980. Damn! Oh well. I would have preferred 1977 (year of the "1977 trinity" and Star Wars), but 1980 is good enough.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 13 January 2014, 20:11:46: Sadly I only have three keyboards from 1977, and I gave one away.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_a500 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 20:32:40: Why must you taunt me?

Oh, but how many of those 1977 keyboards can you actually type things with?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 13 January 2014, 21:47:25: Quote from: mr_a500 on Mon, 13 January 2014, 20:32:40
Why must you taunt me?

Oh, but how many of those 1977 keyboards can you actually type things with?
One is a typewriter (selectric II) that I use to type addresses and notes to my roommates and the like. The other is a hall effect keyboard that HaaTa has working code for. I just have to mod the PCB for NKRO. Same deal with the KB I have from 1976.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mr_a500 on Tue, 14 January 2014, 09:47:08: You can't count typewriters! If typewriters are included, I've got my original Selectric from the 60's and a 1923 Underwood portable.

The hall effect is neat though. That's the one with triple shot keys, isn't it? I'd like to see that one working.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Hypersphere on Mon, 30 June 2014, 20:42:09: The oldest one that I use regularly is an IBM XT; according to the date inside the case, it was made on October 1, 1984. However, I have recently acquired an IBM Displaywriter (beam spring), which I plan to restore to working order in the months ahead.

More recently, I have developed an interest in terminal boards from the 70s and early 80s, such as those made by ADDS, Burroughs, DEC, Fluke, HP, IDT, Kaypro, Link, NBI, Perkin-Elmer, Televideo, Wyse, and Xerox, among others.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: dorkvader on Mon, 30 June 2014, 20:48:13: Quote from: mr_a500 on Tue, 14 January 2014, 09:47:08
You can't count typewriters! If typewriters are included, I've got my original Selectric from the 60's and a 1923 Underwood portable.

The hall effect is neat though. That's the one with triple shot keys, isn't it? I'd like to see that one working.
nah, the one with tripleshots is from 1977.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: hwood34 on Mon, 30 June 2014, 21:51:58: Apple M0110 from '84
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Pacifist on Mon, 30 June 2014, 21:52:50: model f-122, not sure what date
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Frenir on Mon, 30 June 2014, 21:52:51: My model M from 93'

Not that old, but still older than me...
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Mon, 30 June 2014, 22:25:59: Probably either of my televideo keyboards, or my AT F, and failing those my '88 Model M.

I'm going to put SI blacks in the televideo.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 30 June 2014, 22:50:02: My AT Model F. It's either 1984 or 1985 - I don't know exactly, but it was produced from 1984 to 1985, so it could be older than be by a year :)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: microsoft windows on Tue, 01 July 2014, 08:42:57: No typewriters?
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: D01 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 11:40:49: NMB RT8255C+.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mougrim on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:13:19: Quote from: microsoft windows on Tue, 01 July 2014, 08:42:57
No typewriters?

Only electric ones :)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:40:43: I have an AEG Olympia that I just scavenged the caps from.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:43:33: Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:40:43
I have an AEG Olympia that I just scavenged the caps from.
One of the Cherry g80/g81s?

Oldest I have is a 1988 g80-2000had
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:45:12: Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:43:33
Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:40:43
I have an AEG Olympia that I just scavenged the caps from.
One of the Cherry g80/g81s?

Oldest I have is a 1988 g80-2000had

Yup, I put the key caps on my Filco last night :) Now someone need to help me finish the bottom row :)

http://i.imgur.com/fs4FSb7.jpg
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:48:10: Oh, very cool! It's got a beige \| key.

Could you tell me the model number? :-*
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:51:16: Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:48:10
Oh, very cool! It's got a beige \| key.

Could you tell me the model number? :-*

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AEG-Olympia-AT-PS2-Keyboard-EXTREMELY-RARE-GREAT-SHAPE-/171360305424?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=OXGfpDAqC6zXS8gs4jR95kl244Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:53:35: Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:51:16
Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:48:10
Oh, very cool! It's got a beige \| key.

Could you tell me the model number? :-*

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AEG-Olympia-AT-PS2-Keyboard-EXTREMELY-RARE-GREAT-SHAPE-/171360305424?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&_trksid=p2047675.l2557&nma=true&si=OXGfpDAqC6zXS8gs4jR95kl244Q%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

Quote
Double shot Vintage Cherry POM Keycaps

What does it have? Never heard of ds pom
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:54:35: Nice one. If you ever open the board up, there should be a sticker somewhere on the PCB (or if it's a G81 on the controller board) that gives the actual Cherry article number.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:54:51: I am pretty sure they are abs, definitely doubleshot. Yeah, I'll try to locate that article number for you.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Dubsgalore on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:56:13: Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:54:51
I am pretty sure they are abs, definitely doubleshot. Yeah, I'll try to locate that article number for you.
Those will be ABS
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 16:27:38: Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 12:54:35
Nice one. If you ever open the board up, there should be a sticker somewhere on the PCB (or if it's a G81 on the controller board) that gives the actual Cherry article number.

G81-3015HAU
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 16:28:04: Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 16:27:38
G81-3015HAU
Thanks dude :thumb:
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: rowdy on Tue, 01 July 2014, 19:02:42: Just waitin' for someone to say they have a 1920s piano (keyboard) :))
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: darkspider on Wed, 02 July 2014, 04:12:57: The oldest i own is IBM Model M with silver logo made in 24 Apr 1986 :)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Battou62 on Wed, 02 July 2014, 08:25:56: Quote from: Photekq on Tue, 01 July 2014, 16:28:04
Quote from: Battou62 on Tue, 01 July 2014, 16:27:38
G81-3015HAU
Thanks dude :thumb:

Do I win some award for discovering a new Cherry article? :P
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: mashby on Wed, 02 July 2014, 10:14:00: My oldest computer keyboard is the Kishsaver, which was built in 1983 (http://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=52394.msg1247210#msg1247210).

However, if we're including typewriters, then the oldest keyboard I own is a Burroughs Standard Typewriter (http://oztypewriter.blogspot.com/2012/11/on-this-day-in-typewriter-history_15.html) circa 1935 that I "inherited" from my grandfather. He was a Burroughs service technician.

(http://l.mashby.com/H2Mp+)
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: Sifo on Wed, 02 July 2014, 10:16:41: Any keyboard older than me I find amazing really. Mine are all made in the 2000's so nothing to share :(
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: madhias on Wed, 02 July 2014, 10:18:49: My oldest keyboard is a IBM Model M SSK from April 1991.
Title: Re: What's the oldest keyboard you own
Post by: sacratoy on Wed, 02 July 2014, 11:07:03: (http://i.imgur.com/HyQRft8.jpg)

My Omnikey 102 (GT6OMNIKEY ULT2)

Manufactured in 1989. I have 2 of these lightly used. 1 of them new in box. I'll be set on keyboards the rest of my life...