IBM PC Non-Stepped Cap Replacements

[snuci]

I recently acquired an IBM PC XT keyboard that had some strange key caps. I thought they might actually be remolded key complete key caps to replace most of the stepped keys. I imagine these were made because some people just didn't love the stepped key caps!

The key tops were made by Applied Dynamics and it turns out that they are just stuck to the top of the existing key tops. What I am more impressed is is not the actual key tops themselves but the sticky residue used that is STILL sticky! Amazing after 30 years. The legends on these key tops are engraved and you can see the Return key, being heavily used, has worn some but it's an interesting fix to something that was clearly a problem for some.

Thought this might be interesting with the attached one page document (with extra insert).

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops applied

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops applied.JPG (246.83 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops applied

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops profile.JPG (246.67 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops removed

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - key tops removed.JPG (267.82 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - top

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - top.JPG (169.21 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - bottom with sticky substance

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - bottom with sticky substance.JPG (190.03 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - documentation front

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - documentation front.JPG (276.82 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - documentation back

IBM PC Applied Dynamics key tops - documentation back.JPG (355.52 KiB) Viewed 3499 times

[dzhoou]

I knew it is this ad brochure just by looking at the thread title. Basically it's for those who hate the stepped keys everywhere on the XT keyboard ;P

[alienman82]

removed.

[seebart]

I want some too snuci! But matching IBM gray please.

[Engicoder]

I almost bought this!! I hesitated and it was gone. Glad is went to a good home! I didn't realize they were just glued on top of the existing keys. That's one way to make replacement keycaps:)

[livingspeedbump]

whoa! I've seen these before but never with the documentation. Fantastic find.

[modology]

perhaps someone should 3D printing a non-stepped keycaps for model M.

[emdude]

Doesn't Unicomp make non-stepped Caps Lock keys? Sure you'd have to put up with Unicomp legends, but still..

[ideus]

What was the "hot stamped"' method to print the legends on those tops?

I suppose the stepped keys help to cover wider areas than one unit while still did not require a stabilizers, but make the modifiers a bit harder to type on than contemporary full touch keys.