Key Tronic foam and foil
| Manufacturer | Key Tronic |
|---|---|
| Switch type | Linear, tactile |
| Sense method | Capacitive |
| Keycap mount | Key Tronic |
Key Tronic foam and foil is a type of foam and foil switch manufactured by Key Tronic.
Description
Key Tronic foam and foil switches were apparently tactile from the outset, using buckling rubber sleeves. In 1981, Key Tronic introduced a linear variant by popular request; this was referred to as the Butterfly™ switch.[1] The headline "floats like a butterfly" suggests that the moniker derives from the smooth feel of the switch, while it is also suggested that the name refers to the design of the capacitor pads on the PCB, potentially without regard to the force curve.[2]
Being capacitive, Key Tronic keyboards using foam and foil switches are N-key rollover.[1] Key Tronic referred to their foam and foil switches in advertisements as "solid state"; Cherry also referred to their foam and foil switch as solid state, even though both have moving parts.
Some Key Tronic switches are branded on the top, but most are unbranded.
Variants
- Linear
- Marketed as the "Butterfly™ switch";[1] external return spring placed under the keycap
- Tactile
- Uses a buckling rubber sleeve
Keyboards
- Apple Lisa (linear)[3]
- Compaq Deskpro 286 AT keyboard (tactile)[4]
- Compaq Enhanced Keyboard (unbranded; tactile)
- Key Tronic Model F clone series (linear and tactile)
- Wang 723T/KBD-UST (unbranded; tactile)
- Franklin Ace 1000/1100/1200 (linear)
- SOL-20 (linear)
- Tandberg Data TDV 2115L and TDV 2115C (presumed linear)[5]
- Unisys F420800 (Unbranded; Linear)
Gallery
Presumed to be linear foam and foil switches; unbranded
Branded linear switch from a 1983 keyboard
Unbranded tactile switches from a Key Tronic E03091007 keyboard
Switch housings, rubber sleeves and sliders with foam discs.
Tall stem switch from Jan. 1983 board
Tall stem switch from Jan. 1983 board
Tall stem switch from Jan. 1983 board
Short stem switch from June 1983 board
Short stem switch from June 1983 board
Short stem switch from June 1983 board (spring glued in place)
Still working vs. decayed foam and foil from 1978/1979.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Geekhack — Old Keytronic advert sounds new by engicoder. Posted 2014-04-15. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ Deskthority — Potential new name for the linear Key Tronic F&F switch by bhtooefr. Posted 2014-04-16. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ OneTrueKeyboard — Keyboard on the Apple Lisa (Wayback Machine) by compu 85. Posted 2006-05-16. Archived 2014-09-22.
- ↑ Geekhack — Compaq Deskpro 286 AT Keyboard Posted 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
- ↑ Deskthority — Is this board mechanical? Posted 2013-04-05. Retrieved 2024-05-29.
