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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: postanthony3000 on Sun, 13 January 2019, 08:33:09

Title: Trans Computer KB-102A (Aruz Switches)
Post by: postanthony3000 on Sun, 13 January 2019, 08:33:09

I just cleaned up this keyboard that I could find very little information on.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WQVE81rYSUsA1RUi6

With these blue Aruz switches

https://photos.app.goo.gl/a1SsWWPWAfYaqY7L6

When I started cleaning it I got about 10 keycaps off when the numpad 7 slider ripped out of the switch and was still attached to the keycap! My advice is that if you think you have these switches then DO NOT attempt to take the keycaps off. With a little bit of ingenuity (superglue) I was able to get the switch put back together. The issue is that the plastic tabs on the top of the housing that keep the slider inside are tiny and weak. They don't stand much chance against the force that it usually takes to get an alps mount keycap off of a switch. I still had some issues with chatter from poor soldering so I reflowed most of the switches and took out the E switch to clean the contacts (and yes, the slider did rip out of that one as well and I lost the spring but I borrowed one from a Black Alps switch).

Now it is working near perfectly. These switches feel pretty good. Nice and clicky with a satisfying thock. They are pretty smooth and I think that might have something to do with the hash pattern of the slider. It could reduce the surface area that might cause friction. I like them better than White Alps but I don't have any Blue Alps to compare them to yet. They are just not designed to be durable in the slightest.

Here are some pictures of the back.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/betsjAHgYHMnLqhM8

https://photos.app.goo.gl/BtrC7ViqpNV6vkuw7

Title: Re: Trans Computer KB-102A (Aruz Switches)
Post by: whiffysole on Sun, 13 January 2019, 10:39:47

Excellent work!
This board is quite pretty, I must say. How's the build quality overall?

Title: Re: Trans Computer KB-102A (Aruz Switches)
Post by: postanthony3000 on Sun, 13 January 2019, 10:58:31

The case is all plastic and it has a metal switch plate. The plastic is about medium thickness and doesn't flex much. It weighs close to the same amount as the Dell AT101W which I had sitting next to it.

The keycaps are ABS doubleshot but on the thin side. The two flip out feet are really tough to actually flip out, I'm afraid of breaking them when I try.

I'd say 7/10

4/10 if I include the build quality of the switches and the soldering.

I still like using it though, it feels nooice.