Author Topic: Radioshack TRS-80 model ii keyboard. What switches are those?  (Read 2879 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline WiLOUCHE

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 3
  • Location: Montreal, QC, Canada
Hello community!!!
I recently picked one of those keyboard because I thought it looked nice! (Album below)
https://imgur.com/a/zLLiV9q

Here is my questions:
1- What is this kind of switch? I heard TRS-80 model 3 and 4 were using alps. Do you recognize it?
2- Would I be able to use them on any kind of modern switch, like alps mathias or something like that for a board I would make.
3- What layout would I be able to use it for? A planck? A HHKB style keyboard? A ID75...? I'm open to suggestions of what you think the best layout for it would be!

Thank you!!!

Offline Findecanor

  • Posts: 5039
  • Location: Koriko
Re: Radioshack TRS-80 model ii keyboard. What switches are those?
« Reply #1 on: Wed, 08 July 2020, 14:40:39 »
1. The switches have embossed writing "Key Tronic" "Spokane", don't they? ;)
They look like vintage Key Tronic foam-and-foil switches.

2. The keycap mount is Key Tronic's own. AFAIK no other manufacturer uses it. The switches are capacitive and plate-mounted, and PCB and plate would probably need to be custom for another layout. Controllers for capacitive keyboards do exist, however. (Search for "xwhatsit")
« Last Edit: Wed, 08 July 2020, 14:47:42 by Findecanor »
🍉

Offline WiLOUCHE

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 3
  • Location: Montreal, QC, Canada
Re: Radioshack TRS-80 model ii keyboard. What switches are those?
« Reply #2 on: Wed, 08 July 2020, 15:03:45 »
Alright thank you, you're right!

Anyone know if there is a project anywhere to make these keycaps usable? I haven't found one and would really like to make use of these keycaps :)
A 3d printed part maybe like this project: https://github.com/tltx/MeC64/tree/master/keycap_adapter