Commodore 64 shift lock

[Daniel Beardsmore]

The shift lock switch on a Commodore 64 keyboard is a latching switch, but it's not the normal [wiki]Mitsumi standard mechanical lock[/wiki], nor is it [wiki]Mitsumi membrane lock[/wiki].

It's a whole new switch I've never seen before. The following pictures are preliminary, as the keyboard is absolutely filthy. The keycaps are double-shot.

C64 01 switches.jpg (604.52 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

I assume the regular switches are a form of [wiki]Mitsumi hybrid switch[/wiki], but I've yet to check.

Shift lock has a non-keyboard mount, suggesting it's not meant for keyboards at all. An adapter provides the cruciform mount used by the rest of the keyboard:

C64 02 shift lock switch and slider adapter.jpg (923.66 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

Released and latched states:

C64 03 shift lock released.jpg (678.86 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

C64 04 shift lock latched.jpg (714.48 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

It's a plate mount switch that is plate-mounted into the PCB; you can see the Mitsumi branding in the corner:

C64 05 switch rear.jpg (493.45 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

(I should have cleaned it for that shot, as I cannot re-take it, having snipped the leads!! I'll have to remove all the filth in Photoshop later.)

An aside into the awesome wiring by Mitsumi on the keyboard PCB:

C64 06 awesome wiring.jpg (597.35 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

The switch:

C64 07 switch.jpg (169.45 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

C64 08 switch side.jpg (171.56 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

C64 09 partially open.jpg (115.5 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

C64 10 open.jpg (94.94 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

C64 11 opened some more.jpg (164.87 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

I can't achieve 100% dismantled state without a soldering iron, as the mini PCB inside won't slide out without removing all the solder and the lame-o wiring:

C64 12 almost fully disassembled.jpg (263.49 KiB) Viewed 4473 times

[mr_a500]

That "circle with nub" slider reminds me of the switches in this thread.



Not the same, obviously, but similar slider.

[Findecanor]

I've seen similar sliders on typewriters also.

It's been a long long time since I used a C=64, but I remember the Shift Lock as being wonderfully tactile. Cherry MX Lock or Alps Lock are boring in comparison.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

mr_a500: Now that's interesting. That bottom picture, from TacticalCoder, is exactly the same as the C64's switches except for the lack of spring, and most of the rest match the keycap mount of the shift lock switch.

It wouldn't surprise me if a lot of the keyboards in that topic are all Mitsumi; they made cheap keyboards for a lot of brands.

Findecanor: Yes, the C64 shift lock is exceptionally smooth. It's probably the best latching switch I've used to date. It's a strange design, though, with bits of PCB sticking out the bottom!

[Ascaii]

Ive had several boards with that switch...I think i have one here, ill search for it. One went to Haata for sure.

[Daniel Beardsmore]

Any luck, ascaii?

[Daniel Beardsmore]

By the way, what should I call this switch? I don't know what it was intended for, but certainly not to be soldered onto a PCB. I should eventually clean it and re-shoot the pictures.

It's not the same design as the [wiki]Mitsumi standard mechanical lock[/wiki], which is completely different inside.