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Wireless Mechanical Keyboard from 1984! Cherry KXN3-8451
🕑 Added 2018-06-09 15:24:25 +0000 UTC Now this is a cool keyboard. Not only does it utilize early Cherry MX Black key mechanisms, but it's also an infrared wireless keyboard replacement for the PCjr! As well as the "PC Senior," ha.Been hoping to cover some keyboards like this for a while now, so lemme know if you'd like to see some more classic boards on LGR. Because, well, I have a ton and there's a surprising range when it comes to keyboards.
As an aside, I ended up having an odd amount of trouble getting this episode together. Not due to the keyboard, the keyboard itself works amazingly well. Just due to the hardware I was using to test it on video. Turns out I left my PCjr and XT in a halfway-complete state sometime in the past and forgot to complete the projects. Somewhere along the way I lost my PCjr power supply in my last move and the original ST-225 hard disk in the XT stopped working again. Both are complete machines again and all fixed now, but jeez, two weeks of side quests ended up ensuing all because I wanted to talk about a neat keyboard.
Comments
Sb129
Lolz, PC Sr. I still use an IR keyboard with my Palm Lifedrive when I need to enter lotsa data
LGR
It sure does have a satisfying sound! And well, I figured all the typing in the latter half of the video demonstration would suffice, but I agree that a section with better sound might be nice. Will keep in mind for next time!
Oh my, Planet X3! I have to admit, for as many times as YouTube sends me down dark and dirty paths, the fact that it recommended 8-Bit Guy after I binged on LGR videos for an entire weekend has truly set me on an amazing path. This video is awesome as well, though I was partially opening for a bluetooth wireless mechanical keyboard that looked like that!
Justin O'Conner
As a huge mechanical keyboard guy, but not really a fan of Cherry MX Black, I gotta say: this keyboard sounds really good. Way better than I would have expected. You should give us a small dedicated typing demo when you do keyboard videos so we can really take in the sound.
LGR
Very much so! Compared to a modern one it's a little stiffer than I'd like, but it's still a good board.
LGR
Indeed, I couldn't really tell the difference visually. It was only when putting fingertip to keyswitch that it seemed a little stiffer and perhaps smoother.
LGR
Yeah that bit was recorded a couple weeks ago before I had the latest build! One of the few things that went right putting this together ;)
Zachary Outen
Well I’m not so sure about the internals, but from the outside it doesn’t look like cherry has changed their switch design much at all since the 80s, that looks almost identical to the black switches you can buy today
The 8-Bit Guy
I know the feeling. It's annoying when I want to show some equipment in a video for 15 seconds, but then I find myself spending hours to get that piece of equipment working for that short scene. Oh, and nice seeing Planet X3. Looks like the older version I sent you while back, though.
Sentient Meatbag
Yep, that's definitely what side quests tend to do... 😉
Tony Hutchins
I've got a HyperX with Cherry Mx Blues, myself, and I really like it. *click, clack* Is that 1984 model satisfying to type on? With the blacks?
I gotta say, that's a cool keyboard. As a keyboard lover myself, I gotta say it's definitely interesting
Troy Wilkins
This was fantastic, I'd love to see more content like this please. Also more tech tales, Motorola CPUs would be very much appreciated if at all possible please.
LGR
I can't tell any difference between them, visibly, so I didn't see much need. It's only when using them that you can tell they're a little different!
LGR
Heh, considering I'm totally lost when it comes to this reference, I'd say you might be right
LGR
Back in March! <a href="https://twitter.com/lazygamereviews/status/973335489070751744" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://twitter.com/lazygamereviews/status/973335489070751744</a>
LGR
Glad to hear it! thanks :)
LGR
It was indeed! Viewer of mine makes his own neon signs and put that one together for me :)
LGR
With 5 gram weights! Conveniently, one US nickel weighs a gram, so you can keep stacking them until the key depresses.
Bastien Nocera
I half expected a “whohoho” snippet from “Junior Senior”, but that might be too Eurodance to get to the other side of the pond ;)
1984 was so futuristic!
avfusion
I think glitchwrks still has his EBay shop open both stateside and across the pond. You might try and see if you can source one of his XT-IDE boards or kits there. I have a couple and they're great quality.
JennaKay
Nice floppy disk neon! When did that arrive?
evistre
I've been expanding who i follow for retro tech (Tech Connections, vwestlife, techmoan, etc.) too, but am always glad to see whatever you wanna do, Clint, even when it overlaps with someone else who specializes in that thing. 🦆 Your videos are awesome!
Garoninja
Forget the usual android start up splash screens and noises, we need old computers spinning up as start up sounds and IBM logos. Also was that a neon floppy disk beside the PC XT?
Steve Lovelace
How do you measure how many grams it takes to push down a key?
BastetFurry
Regarding the XT, someone got a supply of XTIDE boards? I most certainly could use one, preferable shipped from Europe because postage from the US to Germany and viceversa is prohibitively expensive, and from what i read Clint could also use one.
Lindsay Michelle
I didn't know much about the older Cherry keyboards, just the more recent ones! My keyboard knowledge has been expanded. I'm glad you fixed your tech problems to finish this video! I do like the PCjr and "PC Senior" designations that this keyboard gave, haha. I find it cute too :)
BastetFurry
Well... i know of one expensive keyboard from the top of my head. 1500$ -> <a href="https://store.artlebedev.com/electronics/optimus-popularis/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">https://store.artlebedev.com/electronics/optimus-popularis/</a>
Terry Lee
can you imagine spending over $300 on a keyboard these days? That price is crazy high! And that was back in the 80s. You put in the top left corner it was the equivalent of 600 something dollars. I've never seen prices that high for a keyboard today!
the keyboard people demand more keyboard video <3
Would enjoy seeing the key switches up close compared to the modern MX Blacks if you have them handy.
Jeremy
Same boat, yours and David are my go-to channels for retro tech, I’d love a keyboard series! No clue why I’m so into them but they were such a neglected/discarded piece of tech for so many years... it’s just cool to see people taking care of them and bringing more obscure models back to life!
LGR
Thank you! I know channels like Chyrosran22 have keyboard reviews pretty locked down (his vids are great too) but I still like to think my own take might be fun :)
Zem Hysong
Dat Planet X3 cameo is great. I love Keyboards too, so this video is great. I think an LGR Reviews Keyboards would be a great series.
