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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Regal on Sun, 21 June 2015, 14:19:16

Title: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: Regal on Sun, 21 June 2015, 14:19:16
Hello everyone,

I just got this keyboard off ebay for $50 (don't know why it says $80) as the "c" key on my main keyboard is having issues.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111686995459?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I'm wondering if y'all think it was a fair deal and also if you know more about it or have any mod tips (like change the switches, etc.)

Thanks!
Regal
Title: Re: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: fohat.digs on Sun, 21 June 2015, 14:55:56
Quote from: Regal on Sun, 21 June 2015, 14:19:16

I'm wondering if y'all think it was a fair deal and also if you know more about it or have any mod tips (like change the switches, etc.)


I have never seen one like that.

My guess is that it would be a switch donor if it is old original white Alps, they are well-liked.
You might have some good caps, too, they built stuff better back in the day.
Title: Re: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: Nover on Sun, 21 June 2015, 15:05:00
Looks a lot like a Unitek K 158, which usually had either MX Blacks or MX Blues.
Title: Re: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: chyros on Sun, 21 June 2015, 16:37:25
Looks virtually identical to a Chicony KB-5170. Should be white or blue Alps, I guess.
Title: Re: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: Norman_the_Owl on Thu, 25 June 2015, 21:00:20
50 is a fair price. Not an amazing deal, but decent
Title: Re: New Keyboard off Ebay -- Looking for more info
Post by: HaZe.eXe on Mon, 28 September 2015, 00:52:46
Quote from: Regal on Sun, 21 June 2015, 14:19:16
Hello everyone,

I just got this keyboard off ebay for $50 (don't know why it says $80) as the "c" key on my main keyboard is having issues.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111686995459?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I'm wondering if y'all think it was a fair deal and also if you know more about it or have any mod tips (like change the switches, etc.)

Thanks!
Regal

I've got a keyboard that is very similar to yours! :) My keyboard is from a "Rabbit 286" portable computer, that was made in the 80's.
The keyboard seems to be a Chicony KB-5170. It got Blue Complicated Alps (SKCM) switches and it's really an awesome keyboard. The switches are much smoother than Cherry MX Blue. Unfortunately, the case was broken when I got it. So I'm trying to figure out to make a new one.

I think that your keyboard maybe have White Complicated Alps. And if it do, you made a REALLY good buy. Here's a link with some info and different keyboards that got those switches: http://deskthority.net/wiki/Alps_SKCM_White

Here's some pics on my kb:

Backside with the Rabbit logo
(http://i58.tinypic.com/r227fa.jpg)

Here it says "Chicony KB-5170"
(http://i58.tinypic.com/54t4d2.jpg)

The case is pretty much useless :/ But the keyboard still works perfectly!
(http://i62.tinypic.com/15wb8ty.jpg)

Can't wait to fix this keyboard!
(http://i59.tinypic.com/rky5g7.jpg)

If anyone know someone that can make a case for this with a simple design, plz send me a PM!

Greetings from Sweden