Eagle something-something F&F—but check this layout!

[ander]

Eagle Computer Keyboard FT02 2554-01 8-83 Vintage Retro *Mechanical / Clicky*

It's a foam-'n'-foil board, so I know that limits some interest right there. But it looks like it may be NOS, and it's only $54.99 shipped—and check out this layout! (zoom in fully for maximum awe):





Woo hoo! Don't you love how the F-keys continue below the number pad? And how have we been getting by without an Enhance key?

Anyway, I'm just saying.

[ander]

Oh, and the big retro SA-style alpha legends are cool, aren't they?

In the closeups, the text legends look shiny, like they're pad-printed. Would they have been doing that back then, though? And don't all the others look double-shot? Would they have used both print methods on one board? Whaddaya think? Should I wear brown shoes with a blue suit? As you can see, I have many questions.

I'm really, really tempted to buy this just to keep it out somewhere and gawk at it as I walk by. [exercising tremendous maturity]

[nmur]

what is going on with that arrow cluster... is that a left arrow under a function layer or a backspace only?

[ander]

what is going on with that arrow cluster... is that a left arrow under a function layer or a backspace only?

I'd guess it's just a Backspace (which usually have left-pointing arrows on them). So, only Right and Down arrow keys, too... This was obviously a special keyboard for people who never needed to go back and edit.  :?)

[JP]

I was looking at this as well. I have something similar already but these boards are built like tanks. Also F&F has a bad reputation. Bad F&F is like the worst switch ever but good F&F is a decent linear switch.

[suicidal_orange]

what is going on with that arrow cluster... is that a left arrow under a function layer or a backspace only?

I'd guess it's just a Backspace (which usually have left-pointing arrows on them). So, only Right and Down arrow keys, too... This was obviously a special keyboard for people who never needed to go back and edit.  :?)

Pretty sure there's an up arrow hiding in the shine, though left is most used and that's on a layer if it's there at all so still strange.

I dislike huge blocks of keys without spaces but the bendy ends and general randomness make this one look good.

[JP]

I knew I recognized that keyboard. Here is another like it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eagle-Computer-Keyboard-FT01-2554-51-7-83-Vintage-Retro-Mechanical-Clicky/302863288143?hash=item46840f074f:g:ke0AAOSwdZdbhyhO

[ander]

I was looking at this as well. I have something similar already but these boards are built like tanks...

And then there's that layout!  :?O

I dislike huge blocks of keys without spaces...

Then I suggest you stay away from The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T., the 1953 Dr. Seuss movie featuring a piano so big it takes 500 kids to play it.

I knew I recognized that keyboard. Here is another like it.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Eagle-Computer-Keyboard-FT01-2554-51-7-83-Vintage-Retro-Mechanical-Clicky/302863288143?hash=item46840f074f:g:ke0AAOSwdZdbhyhO

Yep, Key Tronic Foam & Foil, all right. Confirming this has briefly given me a sense of purpose.