Retrocomputing Stack Exchange
Retrocomputing Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [keyboards]

For questions about the maintenance, usage, or history of retro keyboards.

Use this tag to ask specific questions about retrocomputing keyboard hardware.

Sample questions:

  • Why do some keyboards have just a few wires and others many more?
  • Some PC keyboards allow for swapping the connector cable between DIN, PS/2 and even USB - how is that possible?
122 questions
148
votes
6 answers

Why is the keyboard and cellphone / telephone numbers in a different order?

Cellphone / Telephone have the seven bottom-left and the one top-left. While the keyboard has the seven top-left and the one bottom-left How did this come to be? Is there an interesting computing anecdote that gave rise to this?
Neil Meyer
  • 6,275
  • 9
  • 29
  • 44
28
votes
3 answers

Why does PAUSE key have a long make code and no break code?

On IBM keyboards, scan code sets 1 and 2 have a long make code and lack a break code for the Pause/Break key. Moreover, when Ctrl is pressed, the make code is different, although break code still doesn't exist.* In scan code set 3 there does appear…
Ruslan
  • 1,444
  • 14
  • 18
17
votes
1 answer

Why are older Shift keys shaped the way they are?

On today's keyboards, the two Shift keys are somewhat elongated horizontally, but otherwise look much the same as any other key on the keyboard. However, in times past it was not altogether unusual for Shift keys to have quite a different profile:…
Psychonaut
  • 7,133
  • 2
  • 24
  • 54
8
votes
2 answers

Use of E,S,D and X for cursor movement

The standard cursor movement keys on the TI-99/4, /4A and apparently /8 were Function + E (for up), S (for left), D (for right), and X (for down). These keys were also often used (without needing the function key) for games. WordStar on CP/M used…
Jules
  • 12,898
  • 2
  • 42
  • 65
8
votes
6 answers

Why do keyboards with a NumPad repeat the numbers?

This question is related to this one. I realise not all keyboards have the NumPad, but why do those who do have a NumPad have two sets of keys for numbers ( the numbers above the letters and below the F keys and then the NumPad numbers.) My logic…
Neil Meyer
  • 6,275
  • 9
  • 29
  • 44
6
votes
2 answers

When did the tilde first start to appear on standard keyboards?

Someone at work made a joke, "He's so old that keyboards didn't have that key". When would the ~ have first appeared on keyboards?
Freiheit
  • 220
  • 1
  • 6
5
votes
1 answer

What is the general term for keyboard overlays that show special commands or hotkeys?

I was reminded of the plastic keyboard overlays that I remember from the 1990s. They showed key combinations, hotkeys, and command keys for certain applications. The most common one was just an overlay that sat over the function keys and showed what…
Freiheit
  • 220
  • 1
  • 6
5
votes
1 answer

Trying to use IBM model F (5 pin DIN) with modern Windows PC

I have a vintage IBM Model F which I just bought from eBay, that I am trying to connect to my new Windows Pc. I ordered a DIN to Ps/2 converter from Newegg, because I my pc has a combined ps/2 port, so I assumed it was just going to be an easy plug…
Jbasralian
  • 51
  • 3
4
votes
1 answer

Anyone know the specific differences between a Northgate Omnikey 101 and 102?

Quick background-- I really love old school springy/mechanical keyboards. I haven't used one in years but it's been on my "to purchase" list for years to get an IBM Model-M for my work. After doing a bit of research, I might be interested in giving…
RLH
  • 143
  • 5
2
votes
3 answers

What are some notable historic keyboard designs with unusual colours?

I remember that many older computer or terminal keyboards were quite colorful, and apart from grey and white, often featured some orange, red, green or blue keys. I have seen some in computing centers and probably other places; they were already old…
h22
  • 413
  • 2
  • 10
0
votes
1 answer

Keys on Omnikey Inverted T Ultra

On my Inverted T ultra keyboard, the SF9 key and the number pad asterisk (*) keys perform the same function; the num pad equal (=) key and the F7 keys are similarly tied together. I don't know if this is accomplished by hard wire, or by program. Is…
Patricia Penner
  • 21
-1
votes
1 answer

What was the first keyboard to have browser forward/back keys?

I know they have been around for a long time, for example this 2003 commit has support for them. What was the first...?
chx
  • 931
  • 1
  • 8
  • 21