I recently picked up a DEC VT420 terminal but it didn't include a keyboard. What are my options? I didn't think it'd be too hard to find a cheap keyboard but from what I can tell the LK201 and LK401 that are meant to be used with this terminal will cost me more than I paid for the terminal itself. Are keyboards from other terminals of its day compatible? The Wyse keyboards seem to run a little cheaper.
I've also read that they're not exactly the nicest keyboards to type on. How bad are they?
Keyboard(s) for DEC VT420 terminal
-
developstopfix
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: WASD v2
- Favorite switch: MX Clear
- DT Pro Member: -
-
elecplus
- Location: Kerrville, TX, USA
- DT Pro Member: 0082
- Contact:
Don't use a Wyse! It will not work. LK401 or LK411 is what you need. An LK201 will also work. The LK201 is Fujitsu Peerless. The LK401 and LK411 are rubber domes.
-
daedalus
- Buckler Of Springs
- Location: Ireland
- Main keyboard: Model M SSK (home) HHKB Pro 2 (work)
- Main mouse: CST Lasertrack, Logitech MX Master
- Favorite switch: Buckling Spring, Beam Spring
- DT Pro Member: 0087
The Wyse keyboards have the same connector, but the voltage levels are different versus the DEC keyboards - the DEC terminal supplies 12V to the keyboard, which is converted to 5V in the keyboard. The Wyse keyboards expect 5V, so if you plug one into a DEC, then you'll fry it.
The best thing for a DEC terminal is a Cherry G80-1306 with vintage Cherry switches and double shot keycaps. I use one with my VT320, and it's a wonderful keyboard.
I have heard claims that some may have been made with rubber domes, but I haven't seen anything to prove these claims.
The best thing for a DEC terminal is a Cherry G80-1306 with vintage Cherry switches and double shot keycaps. I use one with my VT320, and it's a wonderful keyboard.
The LK201s (at least any which I've seen, and I've seen/typed on a number of them) are not Fujitsu Peerless. They're more like a Cherry MY, except instead of being individual switches, they're constructed a bit like a Model M on the inside (even down to the use of plastic rivets).
I have heard claims that some may have been made with rubber domes, but I haven't seen anything to prove these claims.
-
developstopfix
- Location: United States
- Main keyboard: WASD v2
- Favorite switch: MX Clear
- DT Pro Member: -
daedalus wrote: The Wyse keyboards have the same connector, but the voltage levels are different versus the DEC keyboards - the DEC terminal supplies 12V to the keyboard, which is converted to 5V in the keyboard. The Wyse keyboards expect 5V, so if you plug one into a DEC, then you'll fry it.
The best thing for a DEC terminal is a Cherry G80-1306 with vintage Cherry switches and double shot keycaps. I use one with my VT320, and it's a wonderful keyboard.
Thanks for the info. I read about the Cherry board on the wiki but it doesn't seem like something that comes up for sale all that often. Where'd you find yours?