Northgate OmniKey 102 collecting question

[dwf]

Last week I bought a gold logo Northgate Omnikey 102 (1989) at a thrift shop in Minneapolis for $6.99.  I bought it because I have been using a couple of OmniKey keyboards practically since their manufacture, and one has developed a couple of iffy keys, so thought I would get a cheap replacement.  

The "new" keyboard is clean, and seems to function fine.  However, in looking at Ebay, I see what appear to be identical models selling for $300 or $400.  Can any collector out there tell me what to look for to see if this is really such an (apparently) desirable board?

[sandy55]

Because it usually has ALPS blue/click switches.
Not all Omnikey 102 but yours does most possibly.

ALPS blue ( if the 'board kept in good environment ) is pretty good.
It came very earlier, maybe at the same time with green.
In most case, switching assy is black ( or grey ) but not white.

Do not pull off a key cap with a plier or a screw driver.
In worst case you'll break key cap. Use an appropriate tool called key cap remover
( am I correct, folks ?)   this advice also applies to omni Ultra question.

You're really LUCKY
 
 
sandy

[dwf]

Thanks, Sandy.  I have a couple of original Northgate key pullers. I had originally used them to switch keys for my WordStar-trained fingers.

I pulled a couple of keys.  The switch "plunger" is white.  I guess that means I just have a good inexpensive replacement keyboard? No boat down payment . . .  :-)

Thanks.

Darrell

[sandy55]

Oooops!  So yours has a white plunger.
To say the truce, "1989" warned me possibility of white plunger.
But any way, it's not cheap as $6.99.  It's a BARGAIN price for an omni 102 in mint condition.  You'are lucky anyway. just lacked in not having lucky blues.

One more tip, Focus and Silitec mobels I introduced in your Ultra question have almost same key caps except those for function keys. shapes, color, thickness,  two-color-molded made... almost identical.        

sandy