Nixdorf SM 8890

Nixdorf SM 8890
Manufacturer	Nixdorf
Layouts	Terminal
Keyswitches	Magnetic
Keycaps	Double-shot moulding
Weight	2040g

Description[edit | edit source]

The 8890 series complete systems were introduced by Nixdorf Computer Corp. around 1980 and aimed at the U.S. IBM plug-compatible market, comparitive in perfomance to the IBM 4331 but at 30% less cost. Consisting of three Models 30, 50 and 70, the 8890 systems, including peripherals, range in price from $90,000 for a basic Model 30 to $800,000 for a high-end Model 70.

This keyboard consists of five parts: top and bottom case, large isolation shield, metal plate with switches and lock module, PCB. The switches are snap-on detachable on the fly without any soldering or screws. A ferrite bead that makes the contact is soldered to the PCB in plastic housings, the actual switch itself is not.Rather the switch snaps firmly into holes on the metal plate, the plate sits on top of the PCB which has cutouts for the switches.

The slider shape is unusual because the spring is integrated in the round top white slider plastic achieving a smaller keyswitch housing and hence a thinner keyboard. Also the magnet had to be integrated into the slider base for the mechanism to work. Essentially the keycap mount is only a cross, it is possible to mount the keycaps the wrong way around.

This keyboard features a lock module on the right hand side that can house up to five individual locks.