What switches did the "Mother" computer keyboard in "Alien" use?

[mr_a500]

(I know... this is a silly question to ask, but...)

Has anybody figured out what switches these are:



That's the best picture (only picture) I could find. I don't have the DVD or I'd scan a few more shots. I seem to recall springs on the outside of round plungers in one shot of the side of the keyboard.

I know the keyboard is probably a mockup like the rest of the Mother computer, but the switches and keycaps must be from a real keyboard manufacturer. (possibly from a "movable switch" keyboard?)



I'd love to get those keycaps with the weird symbols.

[mr_a500]

Don't know but I found this tidbit on IMDB.

They're talking about the special effects & beeps. The typing effects - where the text blurs across the screen - was done by the same guy who did the Doctor Who titles in the 70's.

Gawd those Vintage Linears are bad.

What?? You're crazy. Some vintage linears are awesome.

[Input Nirvana]

The whole idea of the computer as 'Mother' had a big creep effect for me.

I thought it would be fun to have Klingon symbols on keys because for the most part (from what I remember seeing) the symbols are pretty damn cool. WASD Keyboards to the rescue!

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Nothing like gibberish on Kinesis Contoured keys to send a message about yourself to others.

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[mr_a500]

I've never met a Vintage Linear I've admired.  Although I'd like to try Green ALPS now that I think I know why they have a good reputation.
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Yes, I've seen your list many times... but for the (so-called) Number One Keyboard Expert On The Planet (*choke* :wink:), you weren't very specific. All the keyboards you listed had at least 3 different versions with different switches. Did you try every version? An ALPS TI-99/4a feels nothing like a Mitsumi TI-99/4a.

[Input Nirvana]

I always defer to The Number One Keyboard Expert On The Planet.

It's just easier.

And a helluva lot more fun.

[mr_a500]

If you could be more specific as to what switch to try I can always go back and look for it.  They're all in a dusty warehouse that this guy calls a "museum".

Or better RipOmeter it.  I found most ridiculously stiff and frictiony.  There's a better chance the Chinese Red Cherry Clones will someday be the ones I like.

I was specific. Try an ALPS TI-99/4a (seem to be rare, though). Also try an ALPS TRS-80 Model III. They feel sort of like an original AEK, but the keys are made out of a better, more solid material.

The stiff, frictiony ones you tried are probably the ones with that weird DEC-type switch or Mitsumi.