DIVID Technology Riffraff & Whatnot

Meet Peerless

This model is the FKB-4725 in an AT layout with no super keys, with the usual leds embedded in certain keys. Recently I gave it a DIN5 to USB conversion internally, because there’s no n-key rollover on this series. Mine was made sometime between 88 and 94 according to some clues inside the case. I didn’t take to the warm grey look so it’s got a few coats of drab and black. Not bad for $12. See below what’s replaced this.

Svelte AEKII

A friend gave me a 20 year old Apple Extended II in the box. This is a really nice keyboard. Much faster to type on, quieter but more satisfying mechanism and looks much better. Also, I don’t have to do any key remapping like I do with the AT keyboards. This is a keeper.

Latest: Datadesk

This one is an ergo model, probably the first of it’s kind, called the SmartBoard. Uses clicky white Alps switches, which are more expressive as my son’s similar Littlefingers keyboard. Seems to be a good layout with the exception of the += key.