Author Topic: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible?? (Read 3084 times)

mr_a500 · « **on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:26:57 »

I've always loved the crisp, thick plastic, double-shot keycaps on the TI-99/4A - and for a while, I've had a vague idea that maybe I could find a way to use them on a modern keyboard. Well, I popped a couple off today and look what I found:

I'm not absolutely certain, but doesn't that look Cherry compatible? I don't have a Cherry keyboard, so I can't test it. If it is, then I think I'll start loading up on dead TI-99 computers.

Of course, the TI-99/4a doesn't have all the keys needed for a modern keyboard, but the keys that are replaced will look great.

Fwiffo · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:38:35 »

Nothing a Dremel or something couldn't fix (assuming the stem fits also).

didjamatic · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:38:49 »

If you're into keyboards enough to pop caps, you need a cherry keyboard.

(Oh, See my avatar

mr_a500 · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:39:05 »

OK, I've just been looking at some Cherry switches and I see the problem.

mr_a500 · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 15:45:29 »

I also opened my 1980 TRS-80 Model III today and look what I found:

Hmm....

Soarer · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:05:26 »

Quote from: ripster;246074

topological puzzles....

Erm... they are topologically equivalent to Cherry keycaps ;-)

lowpoly · « **Reply #6 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:22:47 »

Looks like these Alps switches are similar to those in the Apple M0110. All the time I could have just got a TI99/4A for more switches, lol.

Took one of my M0110 caps and put it on a Cherry stabilizer. No tight fit (wiggle, wiggle).

Edit: It was the stabilizer that wiggled. Tried it on a blue stem and it fits. Not very tight but fits. The puzzle still applies though.

mr_a500 · « **Reply #7 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 16:53:13 »

The Kaypro keys look even more compatible. (not sure about the angled keytops though)

Notice how much thicker the blue keys are.

rantenki · « **Reply #8 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 23:21:02 »

Spoiler alert!

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hfcobra · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 12 November 2010, 23:28:36 »

they look compatible to me.....

hfcobra · « **Reply #10 on:** Sat, 13 November 2010, 01:50:26 »

Quote from: ripster;246222

The only reason I know this is because of my Apple M0110. It's those old linear ALPS.

Show Image

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Now these cause a slightly DIFFERENT problem. It's the thickness of the stems.
Show Image

ah, i see now. I did not think that that would have been a big issue, but now that you have put close ups of the keys i can see that that would definitely be a problem

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Author Topic: TI-99/4A keycaps - Cherry compatible?? (Read 3084 times)