Author Topic: Oldest membrane keyboard ? (Read 4337 times)

The Solutor · « **on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 03:31:22 »

Just out of curiosity who built the first membrane keyboard ?

I remember when the Sinclair QL

was presented and its keyboard was marketed as "spill resistant" (and heavily criticized for that).

But maybe something was built before the QL.

Do you have any ideas on that ?

ch_123 · « **Reply #1 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 03:51:26 »

I think those keyboards had Cherry ML switches.

I suppose calculators would have had them. Then you had some of the early home computers -

These were zero-travel membrane switches. The key corresponded to the top layer of the membrane.

The Solutor · « **Reply #2 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 04:02:21 »

The QL was my 3rd computer, and has (i still have it) a membrane keyboard, not too different from the modern ones.

My first PC was the TI994/A and its keyboard is not so common: the key pushes a silicone stem which in turn pushes on the membrane. But the silicone bit is not cup shaped, it's just a cylinder took in place by two lateral wings.

BTW I wasn't asking about the flat membrane keyboard, but about the classic shaped ones.

The Solutor · « **Reply #3 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 04:21:51 »

Forgot to mention the after-market Shöne keyboard.

Probably this one used the cherrys.

Human · « **Reply #4 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 06:01:03 »

Quote from: The Solutor;323198

The QL was my 3rd computer, and has (i sill have it) a membrane keyboard, not too different from the modern ones.

Show Image

My first PC was the TI994/A and its keyboard is not so common: the key pushes a silicone stem which in turn pushes on the membrane. But the silicone bit is not cup shaped, it's just a cylinder took in place by two lateral wings.

BTW I was asking about the flat membrane keyboard, but about the classic shaped ones.

I loled at the keyboard matrix.

Oh wait, the size of PCB also take my attention

7bit · « **Reply #5 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 06:53:50 »

Quote from: The Solutor;323202

Forgot to mention the after-market Shöne keyboard.

Show Image

Probably this one used the cherrys.

I like the color-scheme!

The Solutor · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 02 April 2011, 07:32:26 »

Quote from: 7bit;323219

I like the color-scheme!

Yes a good mix of vintage and modern look.

bettablue · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 03 April 2011, 03:14:55 »

I bet that was a real ***** to type on.

The Solutor · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 03 April 2011, 03:30:46 »

Depends on what you were coming from, at the time all kserious keyboards were mechanical, so if you were used to one of it the feel of QL was a bit strange.

But if you were coming (like me ) from the older brother ZX Spectrum

The QL was an huge well... Quantum Leap

BTW the QL keyboard was later available on the updated version of the Spectrum, and also as an aftermarket upgrade.

hoggy · « **Reply #9 on:** Sun, 03 April 2011, 03:57:30 »

Oldest membrane doorstop?

The Solutor · « **Reply #10 on:** Sun, 03 April 2011, 04:05:37 »

Quote from: hoggy;323635

Show Image

Oldest membrane doorstop?

Never used a ZX81, nor a ZX80, no doors here, just force fields. :tongue:

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Author Topic: Oldest membrane keyboard ? (Read 4337 times)