14 Apr
2001
14 Apr
'01
7:20 a.m.
This is apparently not universally true, as I have one now partially
disassembled/cannibalized keyboard (Microswitch) that has individially removable
switches. Once they're removed and used elsewhere, it doesn't matter what sort
of switches are used. With switches of which the underlying PCB is a component,
you're stuck with using the PCB and associated switch layout, which is a bummer!
Dick
----- Original Message -----
From: "Tony Duell" <ard(a)p850ug1.demon.co.uk>
To: <classiccmp(a)classiccmp.org>
Sent: Saturday, April 14, 2001 12:06 PM
Subject: Re: Kim / Commie keypads
If you want good key action, check out the old XT and AT/ PS/2 REAL IBM
keyboards for the keyswitches :)
Bad idea -- AFAIK none of the IBM keyboards have individual keyswitches.
The PC/XT/Portable keyboards have a strange capacitive mechanism --
pressing a key moves a plastic flap onto the circuit board that increases
the capacitance between 2 traces. The AT and PS/2 keyboards actually
have membrane-type contacts, although with a similar plastic flap
mechanism to operate them.
In either case it's almost impossible to split the keyboard up into
individual keys.
FWIW, I have seen keyboard switches in the electronics catalogues over
here relatively recently. Only problem is, they are _very_ expensive
compared to the price of a PC keyboard. But you can get them.
-tony