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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: timw4mail on Thu, 06 August 2009, 19:56:11

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: timw4mail on Thu, 06 August 2009, 19:56:11

So, I've seen this Laser brand keyboard on ebay a few times:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280329460642&fromMakeTrack=true&ssPageName=VIP:watchlink:top:en

Anyone know what kind of switches it has?

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: timw4mail on Thu, 06 August 2009, 21:04:36

Nobody?

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: skriefal on Thu, 06 August 2009, 22:15:53

It's probably round SMK switches.  Asking price seems a bit high.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: itlnstln on Fri, 07 August 2009, 08:41:26

I would venture a guess of rubber domes.  When Laser was around, they were known for being cheap POSs, so I doubt they would have had a quality 'board.
 
You never know, though.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: timw4mail on Fri, 07 August 2009, 08:44:42

Quote from: itlnstln;107859

I would venture a guess of rubber domes.  When Laser was around, they were known for being cheap POSs, so I doubt they would have had a quality 'board.
 
You never know, though.

Did they have rubber domes in 1987?

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: skriefal on Fri, 07 August 2009, 08:51:54

They did make boards with SMK switches -- I have one.  It's not the same model as shown in that auction, however.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 07 August 2009, 08:54:01

Quote from: itlnstln;107859

I would venture a guess of rubber domes.  When Laser was around, they were known for being cheap POSs, so I doubt they would have had a quality 'board.
 
You never know, though.

A guy I know had a Laser board with black Alps switches, although the one he had had an AT layout.

Quote

Did they have rubber domes in 1987?

Im pretty sure they did. They also had the 'foam-and-foil' switches which were even worse.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: lowpoly on Fri, 07 August 2009, 10:13:47

Quote from: timw4mail;107861

Did they have rubber domes in 1987?

Yes.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: bitflipper on Fri, 07 August 2009, 16:47:49

The seller has pulled a keycap and posted a new photo of the switch.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 07 August 2009, 17:00:51

SMKs it is.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: bitflipper on Fri, 07 August 2009, 17:11:47

Quote from: ch_123;108030

SMKs it is.

SMKs any good? I don't see a lot of info on the wiki.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: ch_123 on Fri, 07 August 2009, 17:13:03

They're meant to be similar to the Cherry blues, except nicer (in the opinion of those who have used both). If you read the review of the V-Tech keyboard by timw4mail, you should get more info.

Title: Laser keyboard (no, not that one)
Post by: timw4mail on Fri, 07 August 2009, 18:38:43

They are a very nice switch. If you come from a Model M they feel more natural, because you have to press the switch further to actuate it. The feel of the switch can also depend a lot on the keycap. I've found that shorter keycaps don't feel as nice, because you don't get some of the travel of the switch.

Also, it seems the seller is auto-rejecting lower offers.