Datadesk Switchboard
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This article requires additional photographic illustration — need photos of the original Datadesk version and of the Somers EK1 |
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| FCC ID | E98-1100 (1990) |
|---|---|
| Branding | Datadesk |
| Layouts | ANSI |
| Keyswitches | Alps SKCM White |
| Interface | XT, AT, PS/2, Apple M0110A, ADB |
| Price | $239 (1992)<ref name="PCMag-19920225" /> |
Datadesk Switchboard is a modular keyboard from Datadesk, targeted at both PCs and Macintoshes. The keyboard shares the same stylistic design as the fixed-layout Datadesk Mac-101E.
Description[edit | edit source]
The Switchboard supports both modular rearrangement and DIP switch configuration. A cover behind the function keys can be lifted to reveal two banks of DIP switches, with sixteen switches in total.<ref name="LumberJocks" /> In addition, the three main keyboard areas (alphanumeric, navigation, and numeric keypad) are provided as interchangeable modules that slot into edge connectors; these can be rearranged to suit the user, for example to create a left-handed arrangement with the numeric keypad on the left.<ref name="SPARC" /> The function key row (including print screen, scroll lock and pause) is not part of any modules, and remains unchanged.
The DIP switch configuration legend indicates that the following changes can be made:
- Layout and protocol selection: Macintosh SE/II, Macintosh Plus, IBM AT and PS/2, and IBM PC XT
- Reversal of caps lock and control
- "Shifted period" (likely indicating that pressing shift+. still gives .)
Because the Switchboard is a Macintosh keyboard, it features a dedicated power key.
The keyboard has standard exterior ADB ports on the left and right sides, similar to standard Apple Macintosh ADB keyboards, which allowed you to daisy-chain the keyboard to a mouse, as was the custom when ADB was standard. The PC AT cable attaches to an internal port, beneath the DIP switch cover and it uses a non-standard 8-pin Mini-DIN connector. The pinouts for this connector are in a diagram below.
The keycaps are double-shot UKF DS03.
Other versions[edit | edit source]
The Switchboard was also marketed by DSI as the DSI Modular Pro, model DSK105 (not to be confused with the DSI Modular Mac); the Modular Pro uses the Datadesk-registered FCC ID. The Modular Pro has been shown to have the same Datadesk-branded PCB.<ref name="SPARC" />
The Somers EK1 Engineering Keyboard from Somers Engineering uses a matrix layout for the alphanumeric area.<ref name="TIFAQ" />
Switches[edit | edit source]
A DSI Modular Mac keyboard (pictured below) has been found with incorrectly-moulded Alps SKCM White switches: most of the mould numbering is missing, along with the Alps logo. The resulting upper shell mould appears to be an exact match for the Simplified Alps Type III switch, strengthening the suggestion that Type III clones were adapted from the rejected moulds of real Alps switches.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
DSI Modular Pro[edit | edit source]
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Top view -
Standard keyboard layout -
Custom module arrangement -
DSI logo -
Left side -
Right side -
Underside -
Rear label -
Two-position foot, in mid position -
Modules and cable removed -
Keyboard backplane card -
Electromagnetic shields in each module -
Navigation cluster module
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Numeric keypad module
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Backplane connector detail
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DIP switch legend -
PCB manufacture dates
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Internal cable connector, under the DIP switch cover -
AT cable -
Double-shot keycaps -
DIP switches and PCB branding -
White Alps switch -
Switch opened, confirming genuine Alps switchplate -
Strange switch shell, with missing mould numbering
PC AT Connector Pinouts[edit | edit source]
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Pinouts for PC AT connector
References[edit | edit source]
<references> <ref name="LumberJocks">LumberJocks — Works in Progress #6: Humidor Test Build - Finished</ref> <ref name="SPARC">Atelier Silencium — alps keyswitch</ref> <ref name="TIFAQ">TIFAQ — Other Keyboards - Alternative Keyboard FAQ</ref> <ref name="PCMag-19920225">Google Books — PC Magazine, February 25, 1992 (The Write Stuff, pp. 303–329)</ref> </references>
