IDENTIFY THE KEYBOARD thread

[Polecat]

Impressive , thank you.
Since iam limiting my collection to Alps , MX , One Model M & hopefully some topre in the future, not for me.

Datacomp, like Chicony, has a history of using different switches in the same keyboard design. They used a different model number or suffix to indicate that, but we don't have a model number on this one. There were other Datacomp 500-series keyboards that aren't in the wiki, so there is a chance of that one having Alps switches. But physically the only documented match is the DFK-501F.

edit: changed DFK-501 to DFK-501F. Searching for a DFK-501A or DFK-502A, the likely model numbers for Alps versions, gives no matches. Later Datacomps used a different model number with no switch suffix, like DFK-121/DFK-191 for Futaba/Alps.

[hellothere]

Since i am limiting my collection to Alps , MX , One Model M & hopefully some topre in the future, not for me.

While I can't fault a limitation like that, Futaba MA is pretty decent. If you can get one with MX-style stems, so much the better. They do feel a bit like Alps plate spring, because they ... are plate spring. I think the Alps plate springs feel a bit better, but I've really enjoyed the Futaba MA keyboards I've owned.

[guidemetothelight]

Datacomp, like Chicony, has a history of using different switches in the same keyboard design.

Interesting ! Thanks for sharing. I wont go for the board, if someone wants the link to it , ill gladly post it here

[guidemetothelight]

While I can't fault a limitation like that, Futaba MA is pretty decent.

I just have to start shrinking down my keyboard collection. I came to the realization that i dont need 50 boards , maybe just 10 really good ones

[Muirium]

And 4 spares for each of them.

Honestly, prioritise Topre. If that doesn’t ruin you on all other keyboards, then give Model F a chance. A Model M in an exclusive rroster like that is a waste.

There are other classics too, and new things once again. But yes Topre first.

[guidemetothelight]

And 4 spares for each of them.

Jep , same reasoning. Just need to convince my girlfriend that this is the case.

Honestly, prioritise Topre. If that doesn’t ruin you on all other keyboards, then give Model F a chance. A Model M in an exclusive rroster like that is a waste.

I dont think i can justify a 400+Euro Keyboard right now, cause iam one of the younger people here in that sub and money is always a bit tight.Sadly thats the lowest i´ve seen a model f in germany. But i badly want to have one in the future. I do gotta say, typing on the Model M is quite nice, i dont (yet) get why people on this sub dislike it so much. But like i said, never had a Model F.

There are other classics too, and new things once again. But yes Topre first.

So many cool boards, so little closet space
I own a BTC Dome with slider board which Chyro described as the poor mans topre, it is ok but nothing that blew me away.

[Muirium]

Well, I'm not exactly minted, either, but I'm patient. I've never spent anything like €400 on a board and surely never will. The way to get into Model F is to find an XT. I sold mine for £150 last year to Anachronism in person: he had fun cleaning it out after my old cat was done with it! The XT will absolutely ruin you on M. F is so clearly what they were aiming for, and all M can do is try and fail, like an anxious younger brother trapped in his shadow. Better layouts on M, though.

Unless an XT comes into your sights—there are surprisingly many of them out there—I'd aim for Topre. I've only a handful of them myself, and they're all right at the high end of my favourite keyboards. Again, patience will score you one for a reasonable price. This winter I got my second HHKB, new in box for less than a Unicomp. Absolutely delighted with it! Though yes, I went and ordered a Bluetooth controller from Hasu before it even arrived, which pushed the total price up a fair bit; but you really don't have to.

[guidemetothelight]

...I'd aim for Topre. I've only a handful of them myself, and they're all right at the high end of my favourite keyboards. Again, patience will score you one for a reasonable price. This winter I got my second HHKB, new in box for less than a Unicomp.

As if it was destiny (or something lol) i got a very good deal on a NIB HHKB2 yesterday , ordered it on the spot

Though yes, I went and ordered a Bluetooth controller from Hasu before it even arrived, which pushed the total price up a fair bit; but you really don't have to.

Might need to do that too & some mx sliders while we are at it

[Muirium]

Congratulations. Welcome to the executive suite.

I absolutely swear by Hasu’s controller. Superbly professional piece of kit. Even puts the stock controller to shame!



Bluetooth is transformative for me. Love it on HHKB Pro 2. They’re a classic board without it, but Hasu really makes them sing.

As for MX sliders in an HHKB: I’ve never tried it. Intriguing idea, but I’ve a Novatouch for MX dress-up like that. The HHKB is harder because of that 6.0 unit spacebar. 6.25 just won’t fit.

[Muirium]

Back on topic:



Yes, Empire of the Sun, but what about that tape console system he’s so not playing the monitor isn’t even on?

[Muirium]

Result from my nerdy brother: Amstrad CPC464

https://www.retrogamer.net/profiles/har ... d-cpc-464/

[John Doe]

May someone know what this board is?

Spoiler:

F13505B9-04B6-4757-9E8C-0A113FC93175.jpeg (388.68 KiB) Viewed 13742 times

[Lalaland124]

May someone know what this board is?

Spoiler:

F13505B9-04B6-4757-9E8C-0A113FC93175.jpeg

What a beauty! Don't know about the board but screams green alps to me.

[John Doe]

May someone know what this board is?

Spoiler:

F13505B9-04B6-4757-9E8C-0A113FC93175.jpeg

What a beauty! Don't know about the board but screams green alps to me.

Yeah, green or yellow is aswell my guessing but this is the only pic I have about it, sadge

[guidemetothelight]

5555.png (783.7 KiB) Viewed 13604 times

4444.png (727.87 KiB) Viewed 13604 times

Anyone have any Info about possible Switch Type ?
Some kind of Yakumo branded Chicony Board ? They are notorious for using a lot of different switches in their boards.
Thanks in Advance

[davkol]

GYUR31SK is Silitek (GYU), my guess is rubber dome.

[guidemetothelight]

GYUR31SK is Silitek (GYU), my guess is rubber dome.

thx

[guidemetothelight]

index2.jpg (120.18 KiB) Viewed 13207 times

What could that be ?
looks kinda like something siemens would build

[guidemetothelight]

Got one more:

5.jpg (106.67 KiB) Viewed 13206 times

4.jpg (114.28 KiB) Viewed 13206 times

[Polecat]

Got one more:

5.jpg

4.jpg

Monterey K9 variant, with DEC layout (probably what the -D suffix stands for). Only the second one I've seen. Switches could be blue or green Alps, Mitsumi miniature, or something different.

[OleVoip]

index2.jpg

ACS keyboard with Siemens STB11 switches, like this one,
wiki/ACS_AN90

[79f0167]

May someone know what this board is?

Spoiler:

F13505B9-04B6-4757-9E8C-0A113FC93175.jpeg

[hellothere]

May someone know what this board is?

Spoiler:

F13505B9-04B6-4757-9E8C-0A113FC93175.jpeg

I don't think I've seen a keyboard with pine black Alps. Nice find.

[engr]

I don't think I've seen a keyboard with pine black Alps. Nice find.

There was one specific version of Bigfoot that had them, it pops up on eBay every once in a while. Looks like there is one available right now.

[Polecat]

I don't think I've seen a keyboard with pine black Alps. Nice find.

I have a NeXT with pine black Alps. They're clean but they feel terrible. Very inconsistent, and lots of binding. Some of them literally squeak. I had planned to buy a Drakware converter for it, but they've been out of stock for a while now. Plus I'd have to change the switches, and the layout isn't great. So it'll probably become a cap donor like the first one I had.

[John Doe]

Does anyone have any clue about this beamers' info after so long period?

5DED7792-2BD0-424E-852E-19330076CD31.jpeg (145.48 KiB) Viewed 12770 times

[New_User1]

Any thoughts?

12121.jpg (1.43 MiB) Viewed 12747 times

UPD. I forgot to mention - there is a Siemens logo on the back side.

[guidemetothelight]

Any thoughts?

Looks like something out of a portable / luggable pc ...

[Muirium]

One with particularly idiosyncratic opinions about user interface. Note the Zoom key where Tab should be, and Window Select above it.

With Scroll Lock and the like in attendance, it's mostly a PC keyboard but definitely not quite.

[ThePipersSon13]

Hey all really struggling to figure out what this is. https://imgur.com/a/yk9pz7B
My only thought is I don't think I have ever seen a keycap with a Spade on it.
Cheers in advance.