deskthority

Finally got around to restoring a well beaten Omnikey 101 with a switch transplant from an AEK. The Omnikey was in horrific condition - came with pine white Alps but scratchy as hell.




After desoldering the switches from both boards, I can tell you that whoever put the switches into the Omnikey never ever wanted them to come out - about 3 or 4 on each row had the pins bent so incredibly tightly into the PCB that I managed to lift several pads. The AEK on the other hand was much easier to work with.

Orange Alps in, SGI key caps on (except stepped caps lock which doesn't fit)




The oranges from the AEK were in fantastic condition, and having used both boards, they are far nicer in the Omnikey. I'm not sure if this is because of the construction of the board or the different keycaps.

Finished




Comparison with Packard Bell board (where the stepped caps lock from the SGI Granite does fit..)

Noice. Orange Alps are delectable and bodacious.

Nice job! I also have an Omnikey Ultra-T that needs rejuvenation.

Very nice! I do like the Omnikey boards, need to get me some

Very nice.

I have an AEK1 with almost mint oranges in work and its fantastic , orange alps are now my favorite alps.

But you should paint the plate .

andrewjoy wrote: Very nice.

I have an AEK1 with almost mint oranges in work and its fantastic , orange alps are now my favorite alps.

But you should paint the plate .

I like them more than blues atm. I think it's the lighter weight.

I had intended to refurbish the plate too but the good people at Northgate soldered the heads of the screws which attach the plate to the PCB.