Sony M35 Laptop - Omron key switches

snuci · 13 Feb 2016, 19:01

This one was an interesting find. It is a Sony M35 laptop with no screen. Of course, I didn't know this and got it along with a Sony word processor but I can certainly get this to work as it has a CGA port (to hook up to a monitor). Anyway, the interesting part is that this has two distinct keyboards with two distinct Omron switches that make up a single keyboard mechanism when connected together.

The other cool part spring/membrane portion of the keyboard that has unique springs that reminds me of a vase.

Here are some pics:

: Sony M35 - Computer; Sony M35 - Computer.JPG (219.75 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron keyboard top; Sony M35 - Omron keyboard top.JPG (274.4 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron keyboard bottom; Sony M35 - Omron keyboard bottom.JPG (263.37 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron keyboard markings; Sony M35 - Omron keyboard markings.JPG (365.57 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - key stem; Sony M35 - key stem.JPG (224.59 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - key stem removed; Sony M35 - key stem removed.JPG (219.78 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - vase-like spring; Sony M35 - vase-like spring.JPG (186.81 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - membrane; Sony M35 - membrane.JPG (212.51 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron mini function keyboard top; Sony M35 - Omron mini function keyboard top.JPG (276.87 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron mini function keyboard bottom; Sony M35 - Omron mini function keyboard bottom.JPG (297.35 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

: Sony M35 - Omron function keys - B3G-S; Sony M35 - Omron function keys - B3G-S.JPG (460.85 KiB) Viewed 3174 times

ohaimark · 13 Feb 2016, 19:03

That keyswitch must feel exceptionally springy. I can definitely see where it could feel good though...

A spring that convoluted must have a fascinating force curve.

Edit: my initial guess about it being spring over membrane was right... Just weirdly and unexpectedly so.

Touch_It · 13 Feb 2016, 22:40

How does it feel? Those springs look awesome.

snuci · 13 Feb 2016, 23:10

They actually feel pretty good. I actually thought they might be a lighter Topre than 45G until I took it apart. It actually feels similar.

The bottom half spring collapses easier than the top half spring so when the bottom collapses, it makes contact with the membrane but the key travel is only part way down. The key can continue to travel down but it's a little stiffer. Once the key is fully depressed, both halves of the spring act as one and raises up the key cap. It's actually a pretty cool key switch mechanism. I was looking for the patent but haven't found it yet.

terrycherry · 15 Feb 2016, 04:12

Strange! One keyboard both owns the membrane and the mechanical switch!
And I never seen the Omron made the slider over the membrane keyboard.
Is that "double" spring tactile?