68kMLA Classic Interface
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| Apple IIGS keyboard with bad key switch | |
| Posted by: lowlytech on 2019-02-16 08:50:38 I recently picked up a IIGS and the keyboard it came with had alps orange switches. Well several of the keys didn't respond well (maybe about 6 keys) sprayed the switches out with deoxit and finally after several dozen pushes they started responding pretty consistantly. However the "4" key would not respond whatsoever. I desoldered the key switch and took it apart. I can't really find anything faulty with this, but granted I know nothing about this switch. If I hook an ohmmeter to the terminals I will get a close circuit when i press the middle plastic part, but trying to get it to work with the switch just seems a lost cause. Didn't know if someone had run into this before or not, or worse case, if someone knew a source for a replacement switch. Thanks.  | |
| Posted by: lowlytech on 2019-02-17 11:59:54 I have done everything I can think of with no results. If I tap the front of the switch area when it is apart I get a close circuit, however when it is together I don't get a single sign that it is closing the path. I tried shimming with cardstock, adding a drop of glue to the area that triggers the circuit, all without any luck. I found this on ebay and went ahead and ordered it. It sure looks promising as a drop in replacement, I will know in a weeks time. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3x-NEW-Matias-ALPS-Keyboard-Switch-Sampler-Pack-Tester-Click-Tactile-Linear/281877644506?hash=item41a13784da:g:YiIAAOSwxN5WZL64:rk:1😛f:0 | |
| Posted by: AwkwardPotato on 2019-02-17 16:12:33 Replacement orange Alps can be had here on eBay for around $6 shipped. The Matias ones will work fine, but they might feel a bit out-of-place compared to the other switches in the keyboard. | |
| Posted by: lowlytech on 2019-02-17 20:24:42 Very nice. I may order a few just in case. Several keys didn't always work 100 percent. | |
| Posted by: lowlytech on 2019-02-25 19:24:13 Thanks AkwardPotato, I got those ALPS switches you had posted in yesterday, and got them installed and they work like a champ. | |
| Posted by: AwkwardPotato on 2019-02-25 20:18:08 Nice to hear you got the keyboard working 😀 | |
| Posted by: julys on 2025-06-18 12:04:35 Can someone please navigate me a to a place where I can buy key switches for the original IIGS keyboard? Photo about my switches attached. Thanks!   | |
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