Welcome back to another odd ball showcase!
Today for your consideration is one of DataDesks rarer products, the "SWITcHBoARD"!
Introduced in 1992 at a whopping $239usd the Switchboard was one of, if not THE first to offer both modular layout customization and protocol compatibility across multiple platforms.
See below for my preferred "Doofus" layout:
Removing a keycap we are pleasantly surprised to find both double shot keycaps (legends are molded into the keycap) and genuine clicky white Alps switches with 3.5mm travel distance (wowee!). I must say that this unit arrived in great condition and not a single key switch needed servicing!
The modules are clipped in with plastic tabs seen below. It's as simple as depressing the tabs and lifting the modules.
The modules plug in with a proprietary connector on a backplane PCB.
There are six positions in total for the modules to connect allowing users to configure the layout for an infinite number of arrangements (kidding... actually more like 3 or 4 arrangements).
Removing the top cover gives users access to the dip switches responsible for changing protocols. The Switchboard has an alarming number of dip switches and ports, with purpose!
You'll notice that not only does the Switchboard speak ADB but also 4p4c M0110/A, PS/2, AT and XT. This means I can be using my Macintosh Plus, switch over to my LC575 THEN my IBM 5150 THEN my 5170 THEN my... whatever machine has PS/2!
Reassembling the modules is just as easy as removing them! Seen below is the "Oops numpad in the middle" layout.
Below is a clipping from PC Magazine in 1992, a comparison of keyboards available at the time, The Switchboard being the most expensive and "out there" in terms of features.
At this point I have a particular fondness for DataDesk and all their crazy, innovative products! Heck, their website is still up! albeit I'm not so sure their customer service is still active: http://www.datadesktech.com/
I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE 90'S!
Today for your consideration is one of DataDesks rarer products, the "SWITcHBoARD"!
Introduced in 1992 at a whopping $239usd the Switchboard was one of, if not THE first to offer both modular layout customization and protocol compatibility across multiple platforms.
See below for my preferred "Doofus" layout:
Removing a keycap we are pleasantly surprised to find both double shot keycaps (legends are molded into the keycap) and genuine clicky white Alps switches with 3.5mm travel distance (wowee!). I must say that this unit arrived in great condition and not a single key switch needed servicing!
The modules are clipped in with plastic tabs seen below. It's as simple as depressing the tabs and lifting the modules.
The modules plug in with a proprietary connector on a backplane PCB.
There are six positions in total for the modules to connect allowing users to configure the layout for an infinite number of arrangements (kidding... actually more like 3 or 4 arrangements).
Removing the top cover gives users access to the dip switches responsible for changing protocols. The Switchboard has an alarming number of dip switches and ports, with purpose!
You'll notice that not only does the Switchboard speak ADB but also 4p4c M0110/A, PS/2, AT and XT. This means I can be using my Macintosh Plus, switch over to my LC575 THEN my IBM 5150 THEN my 5170 THEN my... whatever machine has PS/2!
Reassembling the modules is just as easy as removing them! Seen below is the "Oops numpad in the middle" layout.
Below is a clipping from PC Magazine in 1992, a comparison of keyboards available at the time, The Switchboard being the most expensive and "out there" in terms of features.
At this point I have a particular fondness for DataDesk and all their crazy, innovative products! Heck, their website is still up! albeit I'm not so sure their customer service is still active: http://www.datadesktech.com/
I WANT TO GO BACK TO THE 90'S!
