Plum Keyboard (USB)

HaaTa · 21 Sep 2016, 05:57

Here's something I don't usually post, a USB keyboard! Picked this up pretty randomly on ebay as something with Cherry ML switches. Not sure I'm a fan of the layout, but that's a personal preference thing.
Looking at the case, it seems these were first made sometime around 1992 (case data stamps), but this keyboard was QC'd in 2003. A 10 year run on the same tooling...not bad

But look at all the PCB bodges...such bad, much sadness, so cheap. Make a new pcb would you.

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And as per usual, some force curve goodness

Flickr Album

IKSLM · 21 Sep 2016, 09:34

Hehe, why on earth would you put the return key next to space?

Wodan · 21 Sep 2016, 10:06

That's not uncommon with split-space-bar layouts.
https://thevankeyboards.com/products/mi ... 3068593411

Meh the only one I can think of right meow

y11971alex · 21 Sep 2016, 20:47

What's wrong with the PCB? Forgive my ignorance with electrical engineering.

tlt · 21 Sep 2016, 20:49

The components that looks like they are falling off was actually put there like that in the factory.

HaaTa · 21 Sep 2016, 20:56

You can also see the white/green cut marks of where they modified the pcb...

y11971alex · 21 Sep 2016, 23:20

Are these actual problems or just matters of aesthetics?

HaaTa · 21 Sep 2016, 23:36

Basically, it shows lack of testing during designing the keyboard. It's also more prone to failures depending on the quality of the rework (because it has to be done by hand).

y11971alex · 21 Sep 2016, 23:38

HaaTa wrote: Basically, it shows lack of testing during designing the keyboard. It's also more prone to failures depending on the quality of the rework (because it has to be done by hand).

But Zenith TVs advertised that hand-made point-to-point circuits are better than printed circuits "that can crack"!

ohaimark · 21 Sep 2016, 23:39

Just got one of these for $29.99 shipped.

jebbra · 22 Sep 2016, 07:36

I wonder what kind of layout placing tab in that way, then you got me..

xmagusx · 04 Oct 2016, 14:49

My offer @$9 (+ $11 shipping) was accepted for anyone who is still interested in these but was put off by the high shipping.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Custom-Orth ... 1886670015

CeeSA · 04 Oct 2016, 23:47

I like the board.

@ebay "Does not ship to Germany "

MrBishop · 18 Jan 2017, 21:55

if i can reprogram it might be worth it but as it sits idk. ... maybe if i lubed the ML's it might be wroth the scratcy

ohaimark · 18 Jan 2017, 21:57

It isn't. Heed my advice. I just wanted a cheap ortholinear for my collection.

MrBishop · 18 Jan 2017, 22:11

yeah i mean the layout is kinda interesting but i'd totally have to reprogram it to QWERTY because i just can't PLUM. also i have a ML board and yes its a mech and yes its low profile doesn't mean its good as many have confirmed. may try and lube the switches or something.
but i think i'll just pass on this one. maybe if i can find a typematrix but its rubber dome so i'll probably pass on that one too. guess i'll just have to make my own if i want a layout like that that isn't goofy.

thanks for the advice on this.