Editing Ortek MCK-101

{{About|the flat MCK-101 series with FCC ID GM8MCK101SX|curved series|Ortek MCK-101 (curved)}}
{{TODO photo|more=true|reason=not all variants are depicted with photos}}
{{infobox dkeyboard
| image name   = Ortek MCK-101FX.jpg
| pn           = 
| fcc          = GM8MCK101SX
| branding     = None, various
| family       = 
| manufacturer = [[Ortek]]
| switch       = [[Alps SKCM White]]<br>[[alps.tw Type T5]]<br>[[alps.tw Type T8]]<br>unknown [[four-tab clone]]
| layouts      = [[Asian 101]]
| features     = Multiple function key legends
| interface    = [[XT/AT switchable]], [[AT]] (5-pin DIN)
| weight       = 
| years        = 1990–1993 found to date
| price        = 
| dimensions   = 
| keycaps      = Cylindrical; double-shot and pad printed
}}

'''MCK-101''' describes multiple models of full-size XT/AT and AT keyboards produced by [[Ortek]]. There is also a [[Ortek MCK-101 (curved)|curved design]] that strongly resembles the [[Chicony KB-5161]] with a separate FCC ID.

==Description==
The MCK-101 series was produced in a number of variations. Model "MCK-101SX" (also "MCK-101 SX") came with [[Alps SKCL/SKCM series]] switches, while model MCK-101FX (or "MCK-101 FX") used a variety of [[four-tab clone]] types. The PCB and mouldings are marked "SX" regardless of which switch type was used.

All versions share a characteristic flat case. The most common design has space for [[function keys|function key]] legends under a flip-up cover that contains the brand badge, but keyboards were also produced without this feature. Multiple integrated function key legend cards are stored under the cover, allowing the user to choose the appropriate legend for the application in use; multiple cards were provided as standard, for applications including WordPerfect, dBase IV and Lotus 1-2-3. The other sides of these cards had blank spaces for creating custom cards for other applications, which curiously also included spaces to label Print Screen, Scroll Lock and Pause.

In most instances, the keycaps are double-shot, with different colours for the modifier keys; these colours correspond to the legends on the function key cards. Thick ink pad printing has also been found.

One of the weaknesses of this keyboard is that the plastic housing comes without any UV protectant coat and yellows faster and easier than many other keyboards from that time while the keycaps preserve/retain their colour very well over time.

The case makes space for an XT/AT switch, marked "8088" (XT) and "80286, 80386" (AT). This switch is not always present; when fitted, it faces sideways away from the access hole.

There's a model called MCK-201, that has no function key legends under a flip-up cover, but otherwise shares the same FCC ID, board, and possibly switches.

==Variants==
The following entries are presented in chronological order.

===MCK-101SX, Alps SKCM White===
This example uses pine [[Alps SKCM White]] switches. The rear label and controller chip are both dated 1990.<ref name="F-SX" /> The function key legend cover is still present, but the brand badge and legend strips are all missing. In addition, this version uncharacteristically uses pad-printed legends.

This keyboard has also been found in its original box, with double-shot keycaps. None of the photos show the controller date. The XT/AT switch is absent.<ref name="SMZDM-SX" />

===MCK-101FX, unknown four-tab clone===
This example uses unknown [[four-tab clone]] switches. The controller chip is dated 1991.

<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
File:Ortek MCK-101FX rear.jpg          | Rear, with label and cable channels
File:MCK-101FX inside.jpg              | Markings on inside of base (note how it says "SX" and not "FX")
File:MCK-101FX PCB.jpg                 | Markings on PCB (again "SX")
File:MCK-101FX switch.jpg              | Switch and keycaps
File:MCK-101FX IC.jpg                  | Controller IC (Intel 8049)
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX front left.jpeg  | Front left
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX front right.jpeg | Front right
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX front.jpeg       | Front/top view
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX sideview 1.jpeg  | Sideview top view
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX sideview 2.jpeg  | Sideview low angle view
</gallery>

===MCK-101FX, alps.tw Type T5===
This example uses [[alps.tw Type T5]] switches, variant A, clicky. The controller chip is dated 1993. The function key legends and the legend cover are all missing. This is reported to be MCK-101FX, although no picture depicting this was ever provided.<ref name="KBT-FX" /> This example uses [[Tai-Hao TI series]] keycaps.

<gallery widths="250" heights="187">
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX (T5 A) -- top.jpg           | Top, without legends or legend cover
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX (T5 A) -- cover removed.jpg | Top cover removed
File:Alps.tw Type T5 (A) -- components.jpg        | Switch components
File:Ortek MCK-101 FX (T5 A) -- components.jpg    | Keyboard components
</gallery>

===CMI MO-1101C, alps.tw Type T8===
This example uses grey, clicky [[alps.tw Type T8]] switches. The XT/AT switch is absent.<ref name="rzwv-MO-1101C" /> As it has an OEM model number, the specific variant (SX or FX) is not recorded. This particular keyboard lacks the function key legend feature.

==References==
<references>
<ref name="KBT-FX">KBtalKing — [http://kbtalking.cool3c.com/article/6026 <nowiki>★★ALPS ???軸~~~18年老鍵盤欣賞★★</nowiki>]</ref>
<ref name="F-SX">Flickr — [https://www.flickr.com/photos/triplehaata/sets/72157662211763062/ Ortek MCK-101SX]</ref>
<ref name="rzwv-MO-1101C">ちゃたりたいね — [http://kbd.rzw.jp/mechanical/cmi_mo-1101c_gm8mck101sx/ CMI MO-1101C GM8MCK101SX Ortek灰軸 クリック]</ref>
<ref name="SMZDM-SX">什么值得买 — [http://post.smzdm.com/p/483315/ 杂谈键盘史 篇四十二：Ortek MCK-101SX Alps 原生轴 键盘]</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Ortek OEM keyboards]]
[[Category:Keyboards with Alps clone switches]]
[[Category:Keyboards with Alps SKCL/SKCM switches]]
[[Category:Protocol switchable keyboards]]
[[Category:Vintage keyboards]]
[[Category:List of all keyboards]]