key switches in Apple Extended Keyboard II

[beachycove]

I have one of the famously wonderful Apple Extended Keyboard IIs, but with three or four faulty key switches. These were Alps switches, which I gather can be de-soldered and replaced, with just a little tlc.

Where might it be possible to find replacement switches? Do other Apple keyboards produced c. 1990-92 use these switches, so that one could be cannabalised, or can they be purchased new still?

 

[register]

I confess to have cannibalised one of this great Alps keyboards a few days ago. I have "liberated" enough supply of this wonderful make for the rest of my life. Yellowed but reliable. Once a year I take an unused platinum grey one out of the box and smile

In exchange for the shipping charge I could de-solder a few operational Alps keyswitches and send them to you. The whole keyboard would be pretty expensive to send overseas. But you probably do better and catch a new or good used one at ebay for around 10 USD + shipping. As you most likely will use the QWERTY US-layout, you might like to look for the beautiful MacAlly Mk96, in shape as the small Apple Keyboard II, but with an extra row of small function keys. But the MacAlly keyboard has no discrete Keyswitches, I assume, and I can not tell how reliable it is in everyday use.

BTW: If anyone discards an irreparable Extended Keyboard do not forget to dismount the special capitals lock key and keep it in a save place.

--this message is written on a AEKII from 1995 … <

P.S.: Probably the keyboard has collected some dirt over the years. How about cleaning and testing it again before you heat up the soldering iron? In case you wash it with water and soap, make absolutely sure to dry it well before reassembling. Otherwise you could damage the keyboard as well as the computer. Preferably rinse with deionised water. Put the PCB with electronics and switches in a container with drying agent (exsiccator) or keep it for several days in dry air.

 

[beachycove]

Just noticed your post. Thanks for the advice/ offer. Actually, I found another used but good keyboard locally. Click, click.