Author Topic: Cherry Brown compact format $24 shipped BIN (Read 33443 times)

ricercar · « **on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 01:52:58 »

Cherry Electrical MX SPOS Credit Card Reader Keyboard

Price is link:
$10.00 BIN + 13.75 shipping

HISTORY
I bought one from the same vendor 23 November 2009 for $9.99 BIN. It's now $10 BIN, with one auction in between for $12 BIN. He probably sold zero at $12. Took exactly 7 days to reach San Francisco (area) California.

KEYS
The keys are all cherry browns (haven't removed spacebar yet). Feels a slight bit more stiff than my 2 year old cherry browns, significantly more noisy than the 2-year olds, lower pitched than the Cherry Blues on my Scorpius M10. Width is 14.25 inches (35.5 cm), almost exactly the width of my scorpius M10 without numberpad.

LAYOUT
I'm not a touch typist. The arrow keys are visually hard to find in the compact space, so I put white keycaps on them and now everything is AOK. The [INS-DEL Home-End PGUP-PGDN] grouping is above the numpad, making DEL harder to find by touch, but exposing PGUP-PGDN beautifully to my hand off the right edge.

There is no right ALT key unless you program one. This is inconvenient, but seems to be curable. See next section.

Spoftware required for Magstripe and programmable keys
Cherry software (free but hard to find) is required to enable the credit card reader (hence the POS in the keyboard model number).

Magstripe - After default installation, the magstripe reader outputs the text as if it was typed into the keys, (for example into notepad or whatever the foreground application happens to be.) This is quite useful for entering credit cards online, because the card number is the first piece of data on the magstripe, and most web forms ignore extra characters.
Programmable keys - The software allows reprogramming of the normal FKeys and the blank row above them, all under transparent tops. You can also reprogram the numeric keypad. However there are no transparent covers to simplify relabeling the numeric keypad.

Whatever
There are four green LEDs. Caps, Num, and Scroll toggles as expected, plus a momentary flash on LED 4 when a card stripe is successfully read. Those cylindrical rubber feet are near worthless, They raise the board up, but it's unstable. I plan to open her up tomorrow night.

It was packaged in what appeared to be factory box, but there was no USB-PS/2 adapter. N key rollover web page showed me QWASFD once, so 6 key rollover is tested. IMPORTANT CORRECTION: 2-key rollover.

EDIT
and the keyboard torques much more than my Scorpius M10. Almost forgot that part, but I have a reputation to uphold.

My Pics - Note that the board came with only black keys. The white ones are mine from another keyboard.

the flaw on the N key is a drop of spit. ¿I must have been drooling?

Auction Pics - I received the Serial number 000019 shown in the picture. Unless they are all SN 000019.

Not at all bad for $24 USD.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #1 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 02:28:54 »

are those 2 shot keys?
why is the tilde key next to the spacebar???
SOLD!

ricercar · « **Reply #2 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 02:35:43 »

tilde is by spacebar to allow the enclosure to be less wide by one key.

Don't shoot the messenger: Single shot keys.

The preceding picture shows a difference in color between keys (black) and enclosure (blue!?). Indeed, the case is not the same material as the key caps. but the difference is far less apparent to the naked eye, which sees the case as grey. Also worth mentioning, in real life, the keys have no white spots, and are slightly textured.

The lettering is less dramatic without the camera flash, and it's bumpy, it'll catch my fingernail but will not scrape off on repeated trials with intention to scrape. My eyes are too tired to know if it's raised or recessed lettering, but my guess is recessed.

EDIT:
Adding software screen shots to show the programmable keys

Gotta love a program that will let you mouse click from the keyboard!

Downsides:
In the 3-4 hours I've played with this board, I've noticed that the Z key requires significantly more force and concerted intention to press. If this was a $200 board instead of a $24 board, I'd be disappointed enough to demand replacement. Note however, this ebay seller says no returns, so I've not seriously thought about trying to take the time to argue with him. Even if I persevered, then I 'd have to spend $13.75 to return a $10 board so he can spend $13.75 to send me another. So I'm keeping this, on my desk as primary board even, despite having a Z in my last name. Perhaps I'm too conflict-averse...

Additionally, I find that I'm inadvertently opening a new browser tab often, and this doesn't happen on other keyboards ever. I strongly suspect my typing, with my ring finger sloppily hitting Left CTRL plus shift when I'm intending to type only shift+t.

On the good side, in 3-4 hours it's already sounding more like my 2 year old Cherry browns.

All in all I'm pleased with this keyboard. I probably won't pull the keyswitches out .... for that I'd buy another...

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #3 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 02:48:55 »

those look like some beefy lasered keycaps
i wonder if he carries it in beige...

itlnstln · « **Reply #4 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 08:02:53 »

Bought one. For $24, I couldn't pass it up. I wonder if I can buy a G81-1800 and put the board in its case. I doubt it since there is the extra row of keys and the card reader, but it might be worth a shot.

EDIT: Ricercar, were these NIB? It looks like it from the auction description, but it was kinda hard to tell.

lowpoly · « **Reply #5 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 08:18:15 »

A G86 with MX switches. Interesting.

itlnstln · « **Reply #6 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 08:21:57 »

Quote from: lowpoly;137726

A G86 with MX switches. Interesting.

I thought the same thing. I wouldn't have touched it with a 10 foot pole had ricercar not had pics.

timw4mail · « **Reply #7 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 08:56:28 »

Is the case really stiff, or does it flex?

timw4mail · « **Reply #8 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 09:04:17 »

Quote from: ripster;137741

These Cherry Product codes.........

Maybe because it says MX POS you are supposed to ignore the website specs AND the G86 part. Just weird.

Good find - the Compaq Brown Cherry 11800 is a LOT more expensive now as a way to try them dem Brown Cherries.

Although it does have better keys... (*ducks*)

itlnstln · « **Reply #9 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 09:04:58 »

I was comparing the pics to my ML4100. It has a very similar layout (tilde key next to the spacebar, etc.). It looks like a good replacement for it on my desk at work. I'll have to probably use it for a few days to see if I could use it as my main 'board. If the layout is too weird for regular use, I'll put it on my docking station. The programmable keys on the top look like they'll make some good volume controls, too.

lowpoly · « **Reply #10 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 10:30:35 »

The article number says G80-62410.

Current models are G86-61410. Maybe that's the difference.

Also, made in the USA.

itlnstln · « **Reply #11 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 10:57:25 »

Great. Leave it up to the Americans to screw up the system.

elbowglue · « **Reply #12 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:29:11 »

Jsut bought 2 - Bing.com cashback of $2 bucks, total is
$20+ 14.58 shipping - 2 dollars cashback = 32.58 for 2x cherry brown compact keyboards.

OMFG it's a good deal. Better buy it before I decide to buy 4 more in a single purchase... shipping dosen't go up much in multiples.

itlnstln · « **Reply #13 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:34:32 »

Be wary of the layout, though. It is very similar to the ML4100, and I have troubles sometimes with the smaller modifier keys and odd positioning of the page navigation.* I like the size for portability reasons, but the layout is frustrating at times. That said, I bought one, and I am going to give it an honest shot before relegating to my docking station.

* The ML4100 also has smaller keys, so that might have something to do with my issues. I am not sure if this keyboard has smaller keys or not, but I doubt it.

lowpoly · « **Reply #14 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:36:57 »

Would someone be willing to ship one to me?

(And I didn't want to buy more 'boards before Christmas...)

itlnstln · « **Reply #15 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:38:05 »

Quote from: lowpoly;137775

Would someone be willing to ship one to me?

(And I didn't want to buy more 'boards before Christmas...)

I will. I have done it for Lam several times.

lowpoly · « **Reply #16 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:44:00 »

Great, thanks. So, I order it and you PM me your address?

itlnstln · « **Reply #17 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 11:49:30 »

Quote from: lowpoly;137778

Great, thanks. So, I order it and you PM me your address?

Sent you a PM.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 13:10:08 »

kept seeing them, and the MX SPOS, and wondering...
(mostly for double shot keys)

might have to get one just cause, now...

EDIT i wont buy both... ill be nice...

EDIT and i was going to gloat having got it for cheaper with cashback, but shipping cost more for me.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #19 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 13:39:57 »

no, i bought #2

itlnstln · « **Reply #20 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 13:45:29 »

Webwit, where did you find that footage of my dad?

lowpoly · « **Reply #21 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 14:22:34 »

Thanks for the tip, ricercar.

sixty · « **Reply #22 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 15:06:57 »

Very interesting. Wish I had gotten one. Also, the seller must be like "huh?" - first not selling any in probably months, now selling all at once

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #23 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 15:25:51 »

Haha, last night I sent the seller a message along with my purchase, "I have a feeling you're gonna sell out of these reeeeeeal soon."
Guess I was right.

ricercar · « **Reply #24 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 20:38:33 »

It pleases me to have realized what I had found in time for some of you to enjoy one also. Ripster, if mine is brown and yours is not, I'll consider sending you a pair of spoon glasses. :smokin:

Quote from: itlnstln;137723

Ricercar, were these NIB? It looks like it from the auction description, but it was kinda hard to tell.

Mine was nearly NIB, with the box obviously cut for this keyboard, and a Cherry label on the end. I say nearly, because with my serial number of 19, I have to guess it was opened by the seller for the photos. It was wrapped in a non-sealed plastic bag, and the cable is still wrapped in cellophane/plastic tape.

Here's the PDF manual URL
http://www.cherry.de/files/manual/KA_G86-6x4xx-SPOS_DE-US-FR-RU.pdf

Here's the software download URL
http://www.cherry.de/english/service/download.php

Product Selection = SPOS Kyeboard Series
Operating System (whatever)
Language selection - beware the default is German

The PDF is attached to this post. The software zip is not attachable at 7 Megs. PM me if you can't get it from the Cherry site.

rdjack21 · « **Reply #25 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 21:17:32 »

Oh man and the only reason I did not get one earlier was because I don't have a windows machine to program it. Now that I find out they do in fact have a Linux port of the software all the keyboards are gone! Baaaaaaa

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #26 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 21:19:50 »

by programmable dont they mean do it once, dont have to have the software ever again?

if so, a loaner for 5 minutes?

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #27 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 22:01:29 »

This might be perfect for use as a laptop keyboard. it's small enough to slip right in my bookbag, and the browns make it less annoying than bringing a model M to school where the instructor yells at me and I say I have arthritis but nobody believes me

Hak Foo · « **Reply #28 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 22:19:47 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;137911

This might be perfect for use as a laptop keyboard. it's small enough to slip right in my bookbag, and the browns make it less annoying than bringing a model M to school where the instructor yells at me and I say I have arthritis but nobody believes me

Take a Model F.

If anyone bugs you, clobber 'em with it.

AndrewZorn · « **Reply #29 on:** Tue, 01 December 2009, 22:29:59 »

Quote from: PRISONER 24601;137911

This might be perfect for use as a laptop keyboard. it's small enough to slip right in my bookbag, and the browns make it less annoying than bringing a model M to school where the instructor yells at me and I say I have arthritis but nobody believes me

didnt even think about that when i bought it, was actually still trying to think of a use for it.

you know, since i am too paranoid to really take my hhkb anywhere (utilizing its size and detachable cable, instead it will just sit on the desk)

and it is cheap, in case it breaks...
and it is programmable, to keep settings for use in other computers... MAN, too bad the alpha keys cant be remapped, SO CLOSE to a portable colemak board... wow.

overdriver · « **Reply #30 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 01:02:34 »

wait.. I bought one, so there are only 9 more left

I guess the seller realized he can SELL this one LOL

Yes, it is SAME seller and same price.

I hope more Geekhack member can share this joy :biggrin:

Here is NEW listing:

Cherry Electrical MX SPOS Credit Card Reader Keyboard

Big Thanks to Ricercar for original posting. Without your posting, we would never knew this deal!

ocdonkb · « **Reply #31 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 01:28:09 »

god, should i get one too? I already have the Filco cherry brown, so not sure what I'd do with this.

Urge to follow the pack = Rising.

msiegel · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 02:09:34 »

Quote from: ocdonkb;137928

god, should i get one too? I already have the Filco cherry brown, so not sure what I'd do with this.

Urge to follow the pack = Rising.

don't do it!

you still need a topre board

sixty · « **Reply #33 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 02:33:34 »

EDIT: webwit helping me out, thanks.

[strike]Ok guys, I need help here. Since he doesn't ship internationally. Can anyone PLEASE pick up one for me and help me out? I will be able to pay up the costs by Paypal (however just in a few days since my PayPal currently holds no balance).

If wanted I could also trade for another board of some type in exchange? Anyone want one of the 1 Euro G80-1800s? lol.

Seriosly I would greatly appreciate if anyone (preferably someone who is already buying one anyway) would pick one up for me and keep it around for a few days until I get to recharge PayPal some time next week.

Thanks in advance.[/strike]

SCTony · « **Reply #34 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 05:12:53 »

4 left

ak_nala · « **Reply #35 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 06:05:59 »

All gone. Just as I was thinking about it, perhaps a bit too hard - last bidder got all 4.

If I hadn't just won an MX 11800 to try Browns, I wouldn't have hesitated so long.

itlnstln · « **Reply #36 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 07:48:19 »

Damn, they're shipping fast, too. I got my tracking numbers at about 6:30 last night, and they are scheduled to arrive on 12/4.

rdjack21 · « **Reply #37 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 09:34:20 »

Man someone was up all night

Missed again

mp29k · « **Reply #38 on:** Wed, 02 December 2009, 12:34:38 »

Bummer!
So I missed out too... Was going to buy when I saw they added 9 more.

Was it someone on here who bought them out? buying in lots of 4 seems like something someone on this board would do...

If so, is anyone willing to let one go for a comparative price ($25 shipped, since if you combined shipping you probably got each unit much cheaper than that)?

-K

mp29k · « **Reply #39 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 14:20:56 »

Arg!
Really beating myself up that I didn't just buy one the first day when I saw the ricercar OP. :-(

elbowglue · « **Reply #40 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 14:32:29 »

Got mine in the mail too. Well I got both in the mail. So far so goooood. Cherry browns here too.

ricercar · « **Reply #41 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 15:49:47 »

Sings, "I'm so happy / That you're happy"

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #42 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 15:53:09 »

i can't wait to get home and check the doorstep. i should have this and a few other goodies in the mail today yayaya

ricercar · « **Reply #43 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 15:56:28 »

WTF? You got a CD in your package Ripster? I'm jealous. I want a refund.

itlnstln · « **Reply #44 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 16:21:20 »

Quote from: ripster;138456

These Cherry Lasered Keys are kinda dirty looking. I REALLY wanted the clear top keys though - just awesome.

I don't know about dirty, but they are certainly beige in appearance. Are your keys' legends crisp like the double-shots/pad printing, or are they kind of "blurry" and imprecise?

itlnstln · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 16:34:41 »

That's about the same on my Cherry. The letters on my Cherry don't seem to be as precise. I'll have to check out this 'board tomorrow when it comes in.

ricercar · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 16:44:01 »

Quote from: ripster;138456

I REALLY wanted the clear top keys though - just awesome.

I went back (too late) to buy three more expressly to get more clear top keys.

PRISONER 24601 · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 19:47:23 »

yay

thx ricercar i owe ya one!

elbowglue · « **Reply #48 on:** Thu, 03 December 2009, 23:57:33 »

I like it so far. Very compact. I think I like the filco tenkeyless layout better though.

Question for you guys, are you gonna keep the spacebar as cherry grey or switch it with a cherry brown?

Quote from: ripster;138563

While testing the keyboard I noticed the programmable keys above F1 to F12 send unique scancodes (same as my Model M 1397000 IIRC) but the two above Esc and PrtSc must be programmed through the Cherry SW.

The main cluster key spacing is the same but obviously the "larger" keys have all been shrunk a bit. Grey Cherry under the spacebar. Easy to pull keys - no little white Filco doohickies. This Grey Cherry is a breeze compared to the Model F AT spacebar!
Show Image

If you have a key that feels different from the others (like Ricercar's Z) it's probably a bit of molding crud on the bottom of the key. Pull the key and a bit of sandpaper will take care of it (one of my F keys had some binding).

Keys are PBT (at least the spacebar is).

rdjack21 · « **Reply #49 on:** Fri, 04 December 2009, 00:22:03 »

Man yall are making me jealous... I should have stayed up all night and got one from the second batch... Baaaa Baaa :sleep: :Cry:

News:

Author Topic: Cherry Brown compact format $24 shipped BIN (Read 33443 times)