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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: babuinix on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:31:53

Title: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:31:53
(http://images04.olx.pt/ui/28/07/51/Fotos-de-Teclado-para-pc-IBM-vintage_445330651_1.jpg?x=1394189215)

(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/29/77/39/447856839_1x.jpg?x=1394302067)

??
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Photekq on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:33:36
Rubberdome.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:46:39
But worth 5 bucks :)
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: nilpt on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:49:33
The second could be an M2. Not my cup of tea, but for $5...  :)
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Mon, 10 March 2014, 17:51:51

But worth 5 bucks :)

x2. Def worth 5 buck.

Also, the keyboard in the second pic looks like an M2, which could be either buckling spring or rubber dome.

The second could be an M2. Not my cup of tea, but for $5...  :)
ninja'ed
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Tue, 11 March 2014, 00:44:24
So I'd get it. Even if it rubberdome, for 5 bucks... you can re-sell it with profit.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:11:51

Are these worth getting for 10 bucks?

(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)

(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_4x.jpg?x=1394557368)

rubber dome? I like the font :]
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:13:28
Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)


Are these worth getting for 10 bucks? rubber dome? I like the font :]

Those might be orange alps
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Computer-Lab in Basement on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:16:59
Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)


Are these worth getting for 10 bucks? rubber dome? I like the font :]

Those might be orange alps

I think these are too new to be the ALPS variations. The first one might be, but the full-sized one I doubt is ALPS. I could be wrong, but didn't all the ALPS ones come with detachable ADB cables?
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:20:12
Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)


Are these worth getting for 10 bucks? rubber dome? I like the font :]

Those might be orange alps

I think these are too new to be the ALPS variations. The first one might be, but the full-sized one I doubt is ALPS. I could be wrong, but didn't all the ALPS ones come with detachable ADB cables?

I was talking about the first one. OP edited his post in between the time I looked at it and hit quote
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:25:47
The first one: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Desktop_Bus_Keyboard
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Tue, 11 March 2014, 17:48:19
The first one: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Desktop_Bus_Keyboard

thx a lot!
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Findecanor on Tue, 11 March 2014, 18:46:35
Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)


Are these worth getting for 10 bucks? rubber dome? I like the font :]

Those might be orange alps
No, both Apple keyboards are rubber dome. The first one is a Apple Keyboard II (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Apple_Keyboard_II), not a Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard.
The second is a AppleDesign Keyboard (http://deskthority.net/wiki/AppleDesign_Keyboard).

One or the other could have Alps-compatible keycaps though, depending on the variation. I don't think the DT Wiki is complete.
There was a thread about a month ago here or on DT about the Alps-compatible variations of the AppleDesign Keyboard.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Sat, 22 March 2014, 20:21:27
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/31/53/95/450834895_1x.jpg?x=1395533281)

Selling for 5 bucks near my town, the one in the botton got me intrigued, that ps2 cable......

Would it be a IBM ?? The case doesnt match Model M tough...

I emailed the seller for more picures with no avail ...

Any guesses?
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: dustinhxc on Sat, 22 March 2014, 20:29:22
Man I like the space where the Windows key usually goes.. I need an IBM BS.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Sat, 22 March 2014, 21:03:59
Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/31/53/95/450834895_1x.jpg?x=1395533281)


Selling for 5 bucks near my town, the one in the botton got me intrigued, that ps2 cable......

Would it be a IBM ?? The case doesnt match Model M tough...

I emailed the seller for more picures with no avail ...

Any guesses?

probally not.

and next time just ask the sellers to take off a key and take a picture of a switch, or look up model numbers
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: QuadGMoto on Sat, 22 March 2014, 21:48:43

Are these worth getting for 10 bucks?

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/23/67/27/435996027_1x.jpg?x=1394518519)


Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_2x.jpg?x=1394557368)

Show Image
(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/24/22/73/438181973_4x.jpg?x=1394557368)


rubber dome? I like the font :]

The second one is the Apple Design Keyboard, the rubber dome successor to the Alps based Apple Extended Keyboard II. I hated the thing when it came out because I had been using an original AEK.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Sun, 23 March 2014, 18:49:31
and next time just ask the sellers to take off a key and take a picture of a switch, or look up model numbers

What this might be:?

(http://s30.postimg.org/pd8il8rhd/IMG_5595.jpg)
(http://s30.postimg.org/ce244hhcx/IMG_5597.jpg)
(http://s30.postimg.org/wcmkklrfl/IMG_5598.jpg)
(http://s30.postimg.org/a38ne1vz5/IMG_5599.jpg)

Worth 5 bucks?
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Sun, 23 March 2014, 18:50:34
and next time just ask the sellers to take off a key and take a picture of a switch, or look up model numbers

What this might be:?

Show Image
(http://s30.postimg.org/pd8il8rhd/IMG_5595.jpg)

Show Image
(http://s30.postimg.org/ce244hhcx/IMG_5597.jpg)

Show Image
(http://s30.postimg.org/wcmkklrfl/IMG_5598.jpg)

Show Image
(http://s30.postimg.org/a38ne1vz5/IMG_5599.jpg)


Worth 5 bucks?

I have no fing idea what board that is but the sdl cable alone is worth $5
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Daniel Beardsmore on Sun, 23 March 2014, 19:01:43
Curved backplane, so most likely membrane.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: dorkvader on Sun, 23 March 2014, 21:38:01
I'd say it's worth the $5 for that SDL cable if it's IBM compatible (6 pin).

I have an 8 pin SDL cable and it's so depressing to look at.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:26:59
I'd say it's worth the $5 for that SDL cable if it's IBM compatible (6 pin).

I have an 8 pin SDL cable and it's so depressing to look at.

Thx , ended up buying it for the cable, in case i need to replace my current one.

Found this cool looking keyboard for sale, might be able to get it for 5/10 bucks.

(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/34/49/61/453154861_4x.jpg?x=1397511904)

Anyone knows if its any good? Manufacturer ? rubberdome?

Thx in advance
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:28:17
gonna need better pics than that

looks like a g84, but need better photos. its def not a mech

seriously, ask the seller for the model number, use google, and if its worth anything, itll pop up there
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Photekq on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:31:11
It's definitely not a G84. Keys are too high profile. It looks almost exactly like a siig minitouch, but the enter key is different.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: ideus on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:37:09
It's definitely not a G84. Keys are too high profile. It looks almost exactly like a siig minitouch, but the enter key is different.


The SIIG Mini has the enter key in an L shape.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:43:08
It's definitely not a G84. Keys are too high profile. It looks almost exactly like a siig minitouch, but the enter key is different.

hmmm. Was going to say siig until I saw the enter key too

OP, just either ask the seller (for every board youve put here) what the model number is or ask them to take off a cap
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:47:59
Thx all for the imput, ill try and squeeze more info from the seller
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:49:32
It's definitely not a G84. Keys are too high profile. It looks almost exactly like a siig minitouch, but the enter key is different.

hmmm. Was going to say siig until I saw the enter key too

OP, just either ask the seller (for every board youve put here) what the model number is or ask them to take off a cap

Most of these sellers are old people that are not very computer savy, their just trying to get rid of junk and hardly respond the emails, when i ask for more information or pics they just cant be harsed cause its only 5/10 bucks involved anyway... :\
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Thu, 17 April 2014, 19:52:48
if its that cheap then just buy them
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Thu, 17 April 2014, 20:12:18
if its that cheap then just buy them

Ill do my best.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Fri, 18 April 2014, 04:44:46
Found it on google, its a BTC 5100C , rubber dome.

(http://images10.newegg.com/NeweggImage/productimage/23-110-008-02.jpg)

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823110008

Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: sth on Fri, 18 April 2014, 05:01:51
Man I like the space where the Windows key usually goes.. I need an IBM BS.

you can do that with your kmac happy...
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: tp4tissue on Fri, 18 April 2014, 06:01:27
The thing about mechanical keyboards is...

$100 is entry fee..

then you do the $200

then the $250

then the $400 + $100 equipment

THEN... eventually, when you transcend simply looking for something to buy.. you build an Ergodox.. and that's the last keyboard you'll ever want...


(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/044.gif)
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Fri, 18 April 2014, 10:51:56
Last 2 comments lost me.

Anyway, ended up buying it for 5 bucks.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Sat, 19 April 2014, 02:22:12
The thing about mechanical keyboards is...

$100 is entry fee..

then you do the $200

then the $250

then the $400 + $100 equipment

THEN... eventually, when you transcend simply looking for something to buy.. you build an Ergodox.. and that's the last keyboard you'll ever want...


Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/044.gif)


Yeah, my average per mech is prolly below $30 if not $20. Also, ergodox is MX, which I would not bother with. Then again, it's got such a different layout that it seems to me that I would have a problem with rotating to different things.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Pacifist on Sat, 19 April 2014, 02:23:54
The thing about mechanical keyboards is...

$100 is entry fee..

then you do the $200

then the $250

then the $400 + $100 equipment

THEN... eventually, when you transcend simply looking for something to buy.. you build an Ergodox.. and that's the last keyboard you'll ever want...


Show Image
(http://www.cute-factor.com/images/smilies/onion/044.gif)


Naw, you type on the egdx but collect everything else
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: maatmouse on Sat, 19 April 2014, 13:12:41
The first one looks like an old IBM model M. From memory, that looks like the real deal..

The Apple one, I'm not sure about. Looks old enough. You would have to touch one to be sure. Nothing quite sounds or feels like a mechanical keyboard.

If you're paying $5 for the lot, then go for it.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Fri, 16 May 2014, 16:22:22
Some new finds in the oldies sales, anyone have info about these, switches etc?

386sx16 Commodore keyboard,

(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2013/05/07/00/294821/5251883ed01791a.jpg)

(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2013/05/07/00/294821/5551883ec5e7f79.jpg)

Needs a special connector for PS2 , thats big DIM need a small converter right?
 
(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2013/07/06/17/371312/4351d846f6b25b3.jpg)
From a 486 ^^

(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2014/04/21/17/847676/8153554a9eb2a41.jpg)
(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2014/04/21/17/847676/5053554aa9c8441.jpg)
(http://static1.troca-se.com/uploads/items/2014/04/21/17/847676/2453554ab444c20.jpg)

Haven got much clues about the last 2
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: Findecanor on Fri, 16 May 2014, 16:40:35
1. Commodore. Probably Mitsumi hybrid switch (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Mitsumi_hybrid_switch) with buckling rubber sleeve. Definitely not mechanical.
2. BTC 53 series (http://deskthority.net/wiki/BTC_53_series). Foam and foil. If the Esc key is 1.25 wide it is often BTC.
3. Most likely a Fujitsu FKB4804. Likely rubber dome, not sure. Looks like a successor to the FKB4700 where most have Fujitsu Peerless (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Fujitsu_Peerless) switches.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Fri, 16 May 2014, 16:53:35
1. Commodore. Probably Mitsumi hybrid switch (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Mitsumi_hybrid_switch) with buckling rubber sleeve. Definitely not mechanical.
2. BTC 53 series (http://deskthority.net/wiki/BTC_53_series). Foam and foil. If the Esc key is 1.25 wide it is often BTC.
3. Most likely a Fujitsu FKB4804. Likely rubber dome, not sure. Looks like a successor to the FKB4700 where most have Fujitsu Peerless (http://deskthority.net/wiki/Fujitsu_Peerless) switches.

Much Obliged kind Sir, knew i could count with GeekHack expertees  :D
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Sat, 17 May 2014, 02:10:10
You always can. You can find all the KB geeks here... well, here and at Deskthority.. although geeks are somewhat overlapping :)
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Mon, 19 May 2014, 16:17:41
Hello again, anyone know anything about this old PC brand Bull Micral?

Any chance the keyboard is mechanical/any good?

(http://olx-t.imgrap.com/ui/29/71/79/447406279_2x.jpg?x=1400505525)
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Mon, 19 May 2014, 23:48:55
French clone of IBM PC.

As for keyboard - I don't know. But I think it almost certain rubberdomed.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Tue, 03 June 2014, 13:55:03
Finaly the keyboardHunt paid off!

Some oldtimer was selling this package for 100€ (pc+monitor+mouse+keyboard+software)

(http://s29.postimg.org/494d634vb/456444175_5x.jpg)

He lives a bit far off from the city I live in but after some persuation he agreed to sell only the keyboard for 10€.

(http://s21.postimg.org/54t4x8pvb/Teclado_IBM.jpg)

UK Made, 1991, needs some scrubbing but im happy anyway cause i finaly got my 2nd Model M and can now adventure into painting/dying!
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 03 June 2014, 15:34:48
can now adventure into painting/dying!

That is a Greenock-made spacebar, almost sure to be ABS. Test it before you try to dye it!
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: False_Dmitry_II on Tue, 03 June 2014, 15:48:42
It even looks a bit discolored, so probably. Either spray paint it the same "vinyl dye" as the case, or buy a PBT one from unicomp in order to dye it.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Tue, 03 June 2014, 15:56:05
can now adventure into painting/dying!

That is a Greenock-made spacebar, almost sure to be ABS. Test it before you try to dye it!

Not sure i fully understand what you said with "greenock-made spacebar" and ABS, but i assume its material / plastic related, being the spacebar might be prone to bend if too much heat is involved?

Sugestions of how to aproach the dying processs to the space bar?

Thx in advance
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: fohat.digs on Tue, 03 June 2014, 17:13:25
Not sure i fully understand what you said with "greenock-made spacebar" and ABS, but i assume its material / plastic related, being the spacebar might be prone to bend if too much heat is involved?

Sugestions of how to aproach the dying processs to the space bar?

Thx in advance

PBT is the plastic that IBM keycaps are made from, and can be dyed quite well.

Apparently it is more difficult to make larger items, such as spacebars, from PBT, so most manufacturers use ABS for spacebars and cases. US-made Model Ms have PBT spacebars, but the 2 Greenocks I have had, both late-1990s, had ABS spacebars. You can test with a dab of acetone (fingernail polish remover, if you have a female around) to see if it melts the surface.

The minimum temperature required to make most water-based dyes "take" is about 185 F or 85 C, and this is just about where ABS starts to soften and deform.

A full boil is much better, and PBT will handle this without a problem.
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: babuinix on Tue, 03 June 2014, 18:23:23
Not sure i fully understand what you said with "greenock-made spacebar" and ABS, but i assume its material / plastic related, being the spacebar might be prone to bend if too much heat is involved?

Sugestions of how to aproach the dying processs to the space bar?

Thx in advance

PBT is the plastic that IBM keycaps are made from, and can be dyed quite well.

Apparently it is more difficult to make larger items, such as spacebars, from PBT, so most manufacturers use ABS for spacebars and cases. US-made Model Ms have PBT spacebars, but the 2 Greenocks I have had, both late-1990s, had ABS spacebars. You can test with a dab of acetone (fingernail polish remover, if you have a female around) to see if it melts the surface.

The minimum temperature required to make most water-based dyes "take" is about 185 F or 85 C, and this is just about where ABS starts to soften and deform.

A full boil is much better, and PBT will handle this without a problem.

Thx a lot for the imput, will test first! :D
Title: Re: Are these mechanical (or worth getting for cheap ~5bucks) ??
Post by: mougrim on Wed, 04 June 2014, 01:37:36
Not sure i fully understand what you said with "greenock-made spacebar" and ABS, but i assume its material / plastic related, being the spacebar might be prone to bend if too much heat is involved?

Sugestions of how to aproach the dying processs to the space bar?

Thx in advance

PBT is the plastic that IBM keycaps are made from, and can be dyed quite well.

Apparently it is more difficult to make larger items, such as spacebars, from PBT, so most manufacturers use ABS for spacebars and cases. US-made Model Ms have PBT spacebars, but the 2 Greenocks I have had, both late-1990s, had ABS spacebars. You can test with a dab of acetone (fingernail polish remover, if you have a female around) to see if it melts the surface.

The minimum temperature required to make most water-based dyes "take" is about 185 F or 85 C, and this is just about where ABS starts to soften and deform.

A full boil is much better, and PBT will handle this without a problem.

Thx a lot for the imput, will test first! :D

It quite yellowed, so it almost certainly ABS. But, as it was mentioned, you can buy good PBT spacebar from Unicomp - and it wil last, literally, forever.