Re: Apple //e keyboard problem

[Rubywand <rubywand@swbell.net>]

Dave Althoff wrote:
> 
> Tac1138 (tac1138@aol.com) wrote:
> :      Having to replace my //e Keyboard twice I have found that there are
> : atleast 3 types of keyswitch used for the system.  I was told that at the time
> : apple was outsourcing (sp?) its keyboards to a number of different mfgs.  How
> : many are types of KBs there are?  I havent a clue.
> 
> I don't know about different manufacturers, but Apple has definately used
> different keyswitches.
> 
> All of the ][es I have (all beige) have the Alps long-stem keyswitches.
> 
> I know that many of the earlier ][e's have the Alps short stem keyswitches
> with extensions, ....
> 
> There have also been revisions in the way keyboards are mounted in the
> ][e's.  The older ones (like mine) have support posts for the keyboard
> attached to the base pan, and the keys just sort of stick through the
> opening in the top of the case.  Newer //e's, including all of the
> platinum ones (as nearly as I can tell) and some of the beige ones, have
> the keyboard attached to the underside of the upper case, which eliminates
> the alignment problem I have experienced with the older design.
> 
> Anyone else have any insights?
>


     ][+ KB's are mounted to the case top, too. (Good thing; installing
replacements would be a lot more hassle otherwise.)

     Unfortunately, A2 KB keyswitches do not seem to be good for more
than 7-10 years of regular use. This can be a real problem when you're
talking about a computer that's supposed to last forever. Unless a user
does not mind replacing keyswitches every few months, it's probably best
to replace the whole KB switch matrix with one that uses magnetic reed
switches.

  
Rubywand