« previous next »
Pages:  [1]     Go Down

Author Topic: Keyboards and Key Switches  (Read 5603 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline pyn

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 5
Keyboards and Key Switches
« on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 18:56:41 »
Alright, I'm relatively new to this forum, but I thought it would be useful for everyone if we could compile a list of mechanical key switch keyboards along with the technology used in each 'board.

Buckling Spring
IBM Model M
Unicomp

ALPS (Black - tactile, non-clicky)[/U]
ABS M1 (simplified)
Dell AT101W

ALPS (White - non-tactile, non-clicky)[/U]
Focus FK-5001
Unitek K-258
Nan Tan KB-6551
Matias Tactile Pro 2.0 (simplified)
Solidtek/DSI ASK-6600U (simplified)
Solidtek KB-6600ABU (simplified)
SIIG Minitouch (simplified)
Kinesis Evolution (simplified)

Cherry (MX Black - non-tactile, non-clicky)[/U]
Steelseries 7G
Gigabyte GK-K8000
Filco FKBN87ML/EB
Filco FKBN104ML/EB
Filco FKB104ML/EB
Filco FKB104M/EB
Cherry MX 11900
Kinesis Evolution

Cherry (MX Brown - tactile, non-clicky)[/U]
Filco FKBN87M/EB
Filco FKBN104M/EB
iRocks KR-6230
Compaq MX 11800
Compaq 11802
Cherry G80-3000

Cherry (MX Blue - tactile, clicky)[/U]
Cherry G80-3000LSCRC-2
Das Keyboard
iOne Scorpius M10
iOne Scorpius M10 BL
iOne Scorpius 35
Logged

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #1 on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 19:01:50 »
Logged

Offline o2dazone

  • Posts: 953
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #2 on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 19:14:56 »
Yeah, I should have included "Feel free to update " - I didn't mean for it to sound like "Use the search noob!!"
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #3 on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 19:18:21 »
We do have a keyboard reference in the wiki that is out of date... Might add to it.
Logged

Offline sggsix

  • Posts: 28
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #4 on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 19:34:15 »
Ripster,  I love your avatar.
Logged
HHKB Pro 2  (black)
Realforce 101 (white)
Unicomp Spacesaver Model M Russian Key Caps (pearl)
HHKB Lite 2 Japanese Key Caps (black)
HHKB Lite English Key Caps (white)

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #5 on: Thu, 02 July 2009, 20:27:45 »
Quote
Buckling Spring
IBM Model M
Unicomp


I think you may need to take a look at Clickykeyboards.com :p
Logged

Offline takasta

  • Posts: 33
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 05:29:44 »
lol ripster, that your wife? haha
Logged
Cherry MX Blue DAS III, FKBN87MC/CB
Cherry MX Brown FKB104M/EB
Topre Capacitative Realforce UB103

Offline pyn

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 5
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #7 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 13:15:03 »
oops sorry, I didn't see the wiki link.  does anyone know what switches are used in DSI mechanical keyboards?
Logged

Offline pyn

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 5
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #8 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 13:50:19 »
well, in particular I was looking at the DSI KB-SMK-88.  I want to get a tenkeyless 'board of some sort and it seems to be reasonably priced.
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #9 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 14:00:01 »
Cherry switches. As far as I know, the ones with black Cherries are the most common. These are linear swiches that arent particularly pleasant to type on.
Logged

Offline pyn

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 5
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #10 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 14:03:15 »
ahh, I was hoping for Cherry Blues or Browns
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #11 on: Fri, 03 July 2009, 14:43:01 »
Modular keyboard != SMK 88. I think iMav has/had a SMK88 with blue cherries, but Xsphat and another member ended up with ones with black switches when they bought ones.
Logged

Offline microsoft windows

  • Blue Troll of Death
  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 3621
  • President of geekhack.org
    • Get Internet Explorer 6
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #12 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 07:47:55 »
Here's a list of IBM Model M variants made by Lexmark:
Space Saver (No Number Pad)
M2 (Looks a little different from ordinary M)
M4 (Mini Space Saver)
M4-1 (Mini Space Saver with Trackpoint)
M5-1 (Regular Model M but with small trackball round arrow keys)
M5-2 (Regular Model M but with larger trackball above indicator lights)
M13 (Regular Model M but with TrackPoint)
M15 (Ergonomic)
Logged
CLICK HERE!     OFFICIAL PRESIDENT OF GEEKHACK.ORG    MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN MERRY CHRISTMAS

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #13 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 10:12:33 »
Im slowly updating the Keyboard Reference with IBM keyboards and some others. Pretty much got all the Unicomps, also added Filcos and Dell/SGI ATs.

EDIT: The Switch Reference and Keyboard Reference seem to serve the same function, but the Keyboard Reference is more detailed. Maybe the switch reference should be made a real switch reference not just a list of keyboards.
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #14 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 10:58:50 »
You're probably better off just filling the blanks in the Keyboard reference. I think it makes more sense to provide a listing of different keyboards and their details rather than just a list of keyboards that use a particular type of switch (Particularly confusing when some keyboards have more than one type of switch). No point in having a dozen competing lists that serve the same basic function.
Logged

Offline pyn

  • Thread Starter
  • Posts: 5
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #15 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 11:35:04 »
Quote from: ch_123;101145
You're probably better off just filling the blanks in the Keyboard reference. I think it makes more sense to provide a listing of different keyboards and their details rather than just a list of keyboards that use a particular type of switch (Particularly confusing when some keyboards have more than one type of switch). No point in having a dozen competing lists that serve the same basic function.


yeah, I had no idea that some manufacturers would actually alternate the type of switch they used in the same keyboard without notification.  just goes to show that they really have no idea who their target audience is with these 'boards.  it's kind of like putting mountain bike tires on lance armstrong's bike then just sitting back and saying "shhhh, he'll never notice."
Logged

Offline lal

  • Posts: 360
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #16 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 12:14:53 »
Quote from: ch_123;101145
You're probably better off just filling the blanks in the Keyboard reference. I think it makes more sense to provide a listing of different keyboards and their details rather than just a list of keyboards that use a particular type of switch (Particularly confusing when some keyboards have more than one type of switch). No point in having a dozen competing lists that serve the same basic function.


I don't think so.  A keyboard list by switch type as in the OP is *way* more clear if you just want to know what keyboards are available with a specific switch, once you've figured out what switch you want (to try).  This would be a tedious task with the Keyboard Reference.  Some kind of database would be cool where you can sort the data by any attribute you like...
Logged
BS: Customizer, Model Ms; Alps: CSK-2101, FK-2002, AT-101 (SGI & Dell), MCK-860, FKBN87Z/EB; Cherry: Poker X, FKBN87MC/EB, WY60, G80-3000, G84-4100, TDV 5010

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #17 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 14:23:24 »
True enough, so really we need both then...
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #18 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 15:23:23 »
Manyak's mechanical keyboard guide might also be a useful addition to the wiki.
Logged

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #19 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 15:48:15 »
The first part with a description of all the various mechanical boards availabe on the market with pics may also be a good reference.
Logged

Offline Manyak

  • Posts: 295
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #20 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 17:25:54 »
The pre/post 1994 reference to IBM boards was simply because I didn't feel like writing out the whole history of IBM/Lexmark production and listing all the different models out there. Just my laziness.

And yeah I'll copy/paste it right now since you guys seem to like it. I never bothered because there are reviews for pretty much everything here already. And it's not like I actually used all those boards (Even the Optimus Maximus is in there, and I can't imagine many people being crazy enough to buy it).

And if you guys see something there that should be changed or added or whatever lemme know. :D
Logged
Currently Owned:
Filco FKBN104MC/EB - Model M 1390131 \'86 - Model M 1391401 NIB - Unicomp Endurapro NIB - iRocks KR-6230 - Compaq MX-11800 - Cherry G80-8113HRBUS-2 - Cherry ML-4100 - Cherry MY-8000-something - Dell AT101W (Black) - ABS M1 - Siig Minitouch - Chicony KB-5181 w/ SMK Montereys - Chicony KB-5181 w/ SMK Montereys NIB - Cherry G80-3494LYCUS-2 - Deck Legend

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #21 on: Sat, 04 July 2009, 18:25:38 »
Yeah, I noticed that IBM's model numbers seem to change at random. And Lexmmark made four models of ANSI-layout Model M (cant remember exactly how they go, but they start with 4, 5, 8 and 9) that seem to be identical, and seem to randomly alternate between single and double piece key caps, and some have detachable cables, and others dont. Oh, and they were all made at the same time... It's a complete mess.
Logged

Offline Hak Foo

  • Posts: 1270
  • Make America Clicky Again!
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #22 on: Sun, 05 July 2009, 01:50:25 »
Perhaps it would make sense to enumerate the features that have changed during the M's run and then the model numbers might make sense.

* 2-to-1 piece keycaps
* Detachable-to-fixed cable
* Drainage holes
* Several stages of plating over openings not needed in the bottom.
Logged
Overton130, Box Pale Blues.

Offline Hak Foo

  • Posts: 1270
  • Make America Clicky Again!
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #23 on: Sun, 05 July 2009, 02:47:10 »
Well, I think it might make sense to set up a grid, and then people with different models can plug in the details.

I have mostly 1391401s.

The one intact one which isn't s 1391401 is as follows:

52G9658, label date 6-28-93.  Oval IBM label, blue text on grey.  Plt F2.

The cable is fixed, but the outlet is in the location of the old SDL socket.

Four drainage holes.  Speaker hole still in place.  Keys appear two-piece, but I've done a lot of swapping since my Ms tend to come missing a key or two.

(I have two Lexmark boards I just use for spares, but they're not around.)
« Last Edit: Sun, 05 July 2009, 02:54:52 by Hak Foo »
Logged
Overton130, Box Pale Blues.

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #24 on: Mon, 06 July 2009, 14:39:45 »
Quote from: ripster;101304
I think the IBM Model M deserves it's own wiki entry if anyone wants to start that.  


I'd be interested in throwing one together. Im thinking a table like the one on Wiki with links to the appropriate entry in the keyboard reference (to which I've added pretty much all the IBM/Unicomp keyboards). Anyone else have any ideas?
Logged

Offline lowpoly

  • Posts: 1749
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #25 on: Mon, 06 July 2009, 15:59:17 »
Quote from: ch_123;101145
You're probably better off just filling the blanks in the Keyboard reference. I think it makes more sense to provide a listing of different keyboards and their details rather than just a list of keyboards that use a particular type of switch (Particularly confusing when some keyboards have more than one type of switch). No point in having a dozen competing lists that serve the same basic function.
That's why databases would be so good. You could just sort (or search) it for manufacturers, switch types, whatever. A 'board database, switch database, mfgr database, etc. all connected. With wiki pages it would require a lot of manual link work which just won't happen.
« Last Edit: Mon, 06 July 2009, 16:03:21 by lowpoly »
Logged

Miniguru thread at GH // The Apple M0110 Today

Offline timw4mail

  • Posts: 1329
    • https://timshomepage.net
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #26 on: Mon, 06 July 2009, 19:07:07 »
Hmm... that sounds like an interesting side project...

I'd host it on my website, if you guys gave me the information.
Logged
Buckling Springs IBM Model F AT, New Model F 77, Unicomp New Model M
Clicky iOne Scorpius M10, OCN-branded Ducky DK-9008-C, Blackmore Nocturna, Redragon Kumara K552-1, Qtronix Scorpius Keypad, Chicony KB-5181(Monterey)
Tactile Apple AEKII (Cream damped ALPS), Filco FKBN91M/JB (Japanese Tenkeyless), Cherry G84-5200, Cherry G84-4100LPAUS, Datalux Spacesaver(Cherry ML), Redragon Devarajas K556 RGB, Newmen GM711, Poker II (Cherry MX Clear), Logitech G910 Orion Spark, Logitech K840
Linear Lenovo Y (Gateron Red), Aluminum kiosk keyboard (Cherry MX Black)

Offline ch_123

  • * Exalted Elder
  • Posts: 5860
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #27 on: Tue, 07 July 2009, 06:17:43 »
It would be better if we had it hosted on Geekhack, but if you wanted to try making one, take a look at the entries in the Keyboard Reference.
Logged

Offline lowpoly

  • Posts: 1749
Keyboards and Key Switches
« Reply #28 on: Tue, 07 July 2009, 06:30:11 »
I agree that something like this should be hosted on Geekhack. It needs access to user/pw data for ex.
« Last Edit: Tue, 07 July 2009, 06:32:42 by lowpoly »
Logged

Miniguru thread at GH // The Apple M0110 Today
Pages:  [1]     Go Up
« previous next »