I unexpectedly came across this a while ago. Of course, I had to have it Unfortunately I was too slow and missed a Type 3 from the same source. I was familiar with later Sun keyboards but didn't know this one.
The Sun Type 4 uses unbranded (as far as I could see) foam and foil switches with rubber sleeves for the tactile response. It feels quite pleasant to type on, much more than the later models (the Type 5 is not too bad for a rubber dome, and it went down from there). This being said by someone who has used almost exclusively buckling springs for the past 20 years.
This model introduced what came to be known as the "Sun keys" on the left side (Stop, Again, Props, etc). The keys were present on the previous model (Type 3) but were only labeled L1 to L10, the Type 4 is the first with the new labels. Unlike the Type 5 and later models it doesn't have a separate navigation cluster. The big Ctrl key is on the left of A where it belongs, and a small Caps Lock is relegated to the spacebar row. It has a Compose key (not present on the Type 3), a Line Feed key (not present on later models) and the right cluster sports an '=' key that morphed into Audio Mute on the Type 5 (they share the same scancode). Another uncommon feature is the ISO-shaped Enter on an otherwise purely US layout.
The caps themselves are double shot, the left and right cluster have additional markings on the front (L1 to L10 and R1 to R15, respectively).
Sorry about the picture quality, it's the best I can do at this time with low light and no camera stand.
Sun Type 4
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- Main keyboard: IBM Model M
- Favorite switch: Buckling spring
- DT Pro Member: -
- Attachments
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- Double shot keycaps, black on cream.
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- The rubber sleeves are quite firm, and also in excellent shape considering their age.
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- It's probably older than some of the people here.
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- Some of the pads were slightly corroded, but not enough to be a problem.
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- The now-traditional "Sun keys" on the left, with the front labels calling back to the previous Type 3.
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- kbd_right.jpg (182.5 KiB) Viewed 5201 times
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- kbd_left.jpg (176.15 KiB) Viewed 5201 times
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- For a keyboard this age, the foam and foil were in suprisingly good shape.
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- Still made in the US back then.
- back_label.jpg (238.73 KiB) Viewed 5201 times
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- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- DT Pro Member: 0011
Yeah, that must have been build by Key Tronic. The switches look like it, the legends look like it and the M/N ("Manufacturer's Number"?) is in Key Tronic's format.
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- Main keyboard: IBM Model M
- Favorite switch: Buckling spring
- DT Pro Member: -
Now that you mention it... I have another, no-name, regular PC layout keyboard around, the insides of which are clearly identified as Key Tronic. Not only did they look similar, it even gave a rubber sleeve to the Sun.Findecanor wrote: ↑Yeah, that must have been build by Key Tronic. The switches look like it, the legends look like it and the M/N ("Manufacturer's Number"?) is in Key Tronic's format.
So, you're absolutely right, it's most likely Key Tronic-made.
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- Location: UK
- Main keyboard: Filco ZERO green alps, Model F 122 Terminal
- Main mouse: Ducky Secret / Roller Mouse Pro 1
- Favorite switch: MX Mount Topre / Model F Buckling
- DT Pro Member: 0167
nice little board. I assume it feels better than the type 5 ?
the sun type 5 is one of them boards i wish had better switches as it looks bloody gorgeous.
the sun type 5 is one of them boards i wish had better switches as it looks bloody gorgeous.
- Redmaus
- Gotta start somewhere
- Location: Near Dallas, Texas
- Main keyboard: Unsaver | 3276 | Kingsaver
- Main mouse: Kensington Slimblade
- Favorite switch: Capacitative Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
Yeah this looks like a pretty great board. I have seen way to many sun rubber domes in places.
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- Main keyboard: IBM Model M
- Favorite switch: Buckling spring
- DT Pro Member: -
Yes, it's firmer and clickier than the Type 5. As I mentioned, I'm a buckling springs user, so while I wouldn't dare say they are comparable in any way, I find the Type 4 is still quite comfortable to type on. Much less force (than BS) to actuate the switch, obviously, but not too light either. The spacing of the keys also feels better, I always tend to over-reach with the Type 5 and 6.andrewjoy wrote: ↑nice little board. I assume it feels better than the type 5 ?
the sun type 5 is one of them boards i wish had better switches as it looks bloody gorgeous.
Not only does the Type 5 look good, it also has a very interesting layout. Before I got the Type 4, It inspired me to consider creating a Sun-like keyboard with Matias switches