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[FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 19 Aug 2022, 10:32
by Icarium
I don't actually know exactly what this is anymore but I think it it's the keyboard from the title and
I vaguely recall that it should have ALPS buckling spring switches. it has
wiki/Alps_SKCP_series plate spring switches.
Make me an offer! I have been out of this game for too long to know what things are worth.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 19 Aug 2022, 13:08
by AnnoyedWalrus
Damn, that's one pretty thing. Anyone know how hard it is to replace the connector on the cut cable?
I assume it is located in Germany, considering the layout and the location listed in your profile?
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 19 Aug 2022, 13:11
by Icarium
Yes, I'm in Germany and afaik you can easily convert it to USB with a Teensy. Somebody on Discord sent a diagram how to wire it up at some point but I never did it.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 19 Aug 2022, 13:34
by AnnoyedWalrus
You're right, it does look fairly straightforward to convert it. I am interested but I don't know what one is worth and I really don't want to lowball you, so I would be very grateful if anyone could help to give me an approximate value of a keyboard like this.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 20 Aug 2022, 15:42
by dcopellino
They go for 150€+shipping on eBay. At least, so I sold mine (a spare one) in the beginning of the 2021 on eBay.
I love IBM p70 keyboards. The ALPS SKCP series switches feel a little like beamsprings' switches, or at least I think that was the intention of those who designed them, imho. They recall the click of the metal lid of a jar once it has been opened, as others have pointed out. Very satisfying clicky feedback.
It speaks the ps/2 protocol, so you wouldn't even need a teensy, but just an active ps/2 to usb converter to make it work on modern pcs, after wiring its RJ cable up.
The rating of the black variant would deserve a separate speech. Never seen one for sale so far.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 20 Aug 2022, 16:20
by AnnoyedWalrus
dcopellino wrote: 20 Aug 2022, 15:42
They go for 150€+shipping on eBay. At least, so I sold mine (a spare one) in the beginning of the 2021 on eBay.
I love IBM p70 keyboards. The ALPS SKCP series switches feel a little like beamsprings' switches, or at least I think that was the intention of those who designed them, imho. They recall the click of the metal lid of a jar once it has been opened, as others have pointed out. Very satisfying clicky feedback.
It speaks the ps/2 protocol, so you wouldn't even need a teensy, but just an active ps/2 to usb converter to make it work on modern pcs, after wiring its RJ cable up.
The rating of the black variant would deserve a separate speech. Never seen one for sale so far.
Wow, thank you for your help and interesting trivia! I would be happy to pay 150€ if that's acceptable to mr Icarium.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 20 Aug 2022, 16:37
by Muirium
Alps buckling spring: pretty cool.
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 20 Aug 2022, 17:10
by daedalus
These have Alps Plate Spring switches
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 21 Aug 2022, 17:25
by Icarium
daedalus wrote: 20 Aug 2022, 17:10
These have Alps Plate Spring switches
Yes, indeed:
wiki/Alps_SKCP_series
Re: [FS] IBM 8573-031 Portable P70 Laptop Keyboard
Posted: 21 Aug 2022, 20:31
by Icarium
