One of my passions in vintage computing has always been unique and/or ugly keyboards, The keyboard/mouse are most often your direct means of interaction. Whether you're inputting data, creating art or heading to youtube to watch JDW! the keyboard and mouse can either make an enjoyable experience or a complete pain.
This, Ladies and Gentlemen is the DataDesk "TrackBoard"! a 105 key unit with trackball built into a space saving layout. The keyboard features 15 rounded F-keys, dual legends for extended functions, and 3 curser buttons (4u thumb click, 1.5u index click&lock, 1.5u pinky click).
The rear casing features two flip out feet for "ergonomics" whilst the 4 cutouts for wall mounting the keyboard would likely negate that idea... I honestly don't know what the intention is for those but maybe I WILL use them as such.
The key switches are genuine Alps brand mechanical "White" clicky switches. Quite pleasing to type but loud!
typical of vintage Alps they may require a thorough cleaning to mitigate binding or other input errors. The keycaps themselves appear to be simple single shot ABS plastics with dye sublimated legends which adds to the LOUD typing. Interestingly manufacturers still produce replacement Alps keycaps so one COULD replace these with PBT or better.
The trackball itself is surprisingly easy to use, measuring just above 35mm in diameter it glides smoothly on the 3 lubricated bearings housed inside a POM? case. The tracking is also decently fast, even on a modern machine using an ADB-USB converter navigating isn't a chore! The 4u thumb click bar is light and accurate with two wire stabilizers, albeit the stabilizers do rattle a bit.
Removal of the assembly is similar to that of a IIGS keyboard, the PCB itself lacks any markings to indicate a third party was involved so one could assume DataDesk produced these in house.
In conclusion, The DataDesk Trackboard is a pleasure to use and look at! the Function keys are reminiscent of Star Trek TNG panels? and the built in trackball gives others the impression that YOU are serious about keyboarding and mousing! Who has time for rolling their mouse around a desk anyway?! This is the future!
This, Ladies and Gentlemen is the DataDesk "TrackBoard"! a 105 key unit with trackball built into a space saving layout. The keyboard features 15 rounded F-keys, dual legends for extended functions, and 3 curser buttons (4u thumb click, 1.5u index click&lock, 1.5u pinky click).
The rear casing features two flip out feet for "ergonomics" whilst the 4 cutouts for wall mounting the keyboard would likely negate that idea... I honestly don't know what the intention is for those but maybe I WILL use them as such.
The key switches are genuine Alps brand mechanical "White" clicky switches. Quite pleasing to type but loud!
typical of vintage Alps they may require a thorough cleaning to mitigate binding or other input errors. The keycaps themselves appear to be simple single shot ABS plastics with dye sublimated legends which adds to the LOUD typing. Interestingly manufacturers still produce replacement Alps keycaps so one COULD replace these with PBT or better.
The trackball itself is surprisingly easy to use, measuring just above 35mm in diameter it glides smoothly on the 3 lubricated bearings housed inside a POM? case. The tracking is also decently fast, even on a modern machine using an ADB-USB converter navigating isn't a chore! The 4u thumb click bar is light and accurate with two wire stabilizers, albeit the stabilizers do rattle a bit.
Removal of the assembly is similar to that of a IIGS keyboard, the PCB itself lacks any markings to indicate a third party was involved so one could assume DataDesk produced these in house.
In conclusion, The DataDesk Trackboard is a pleasure to use and look at! the Function keys are reminiscent of Star Trek TNG panels? and the built in trackball gives others the impression that YOU are serious about keyboarding and mousing! Who has time for rolling their mouse around a desk anyway?! This is the future!
