deskthority

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:

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.

How does it feel? Those springs look awesome.

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.

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?