Author Topic: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring? (Read 3358 times)

dw_junon · « **on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 09:47:04 »

http://search.ebay.com/310120688833

AT&T got this patent in '89 for a quieted buckling spring keyswitch mechanism. Looking at the design imitation on this board, down to the apparently detachable keycaps, could this be a physical example?

Note 'board is missing keycaps and is not verified by seller as working, however you do have "Satisfaction Guaranteed." at least.

$9.99 B-i-N, US shipping only (damn). I have no connection with the seller.

xyzzy · « **Reply #1 on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 09:58:04 »

The shape of the keyboard and of the key stems look suspiciously similar to that of a Model M.

I vote for a rebranded M with a different font used for the characters (and the led panel). Something like this: http://geekhack.org/showthread.php?p=5712

itlnstln · « **Reply #2 on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 10:23:48 »

I think this is a unique 'board (i.e. not a rebranded M). Some of the curves in the molding, especially around the keys, don't look M-ish. This AT&T 'board has smoother curves.

dw_junon · « **Reply #3 on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 11:15:29 »

The Ambra 'boards are fascinating, however they were a "wholly-owned subsidiary of IBM" and so perhaps freer to play with the design (as opposed to more typical OEMs with little difference besides their logo), while AT&T really aren't... They also appear to be Greenock [IBM's plant in Scotland] production, which generally seems to share minor differences with its US counterparts.

IMO, particularly the "wrist" edge and specifically the lip looks more square and much more subtle than than on a IBM 'board, and possibly less elevated though it is very hard to be sure from the camera angles.

bhtooefr · « **Reply #4 on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 12:12:28 »

Well, the thing's about $20 shipped in the US... someone could always, y'know, buy it.

(I can't, I don't have the money.)

Chloe · « **Reply #5 on:** Fri, 13 February 2009, 19:52:58 »

AT&T have keyboards by NMB and Cherry so it might well be rebranded. It could be a Chicony or Key Tronic, they made some keyboards with Model M like cases, but the keycaps suggest IBM buckling spring.

elmwood · « **Reply #6 on:** Sat, 14 February 2009, 00:51:43 »

I've seen that before. It's a Model M. I may buy it for the hoard if I've got replacement keycaps. I may be able to replace all the non-letter keys.

dw_junon · « **Reply #7 on:** Sun, 15 February 2009, 20:02:02 »

Quote from: elmwood;21693

I've seen that before. It's a Model M. I may buy it for the hoard if I've got replacement keycaps. I may be able to replace all the non-letter keys.

Ah, do you happen to have pictures?

I'm really unsure what to make of this thing.

xsphat · « **Reply #8 on:** Sun, 15 February 2009, 20:05:33 »

I think it's too far gone to bother with.

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Author Topic: AT&T PS/2 101 kbd - possibly buckling spring? (Read 3358 times)