VOGONS


First post, by Nexxen

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Hi all!

I have some old AT/XT keyboards I need to clean and do some repairs.
Most I got years ago but as it is sooo much fun I delayed until today.

I'll post as I take pictures and progress in the job, advice is welcome as I don't really know nothin' about old switches.

I have a tool to remove keys, a copper wire tailored for the chore, and some good will.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 1 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #1

While prying out the space key the switch's "head" broke.
Most of the pads are in good shape but a few were already glued back together.
Probably there is a way to replace them, I'd guess any kitchen sponge?

The keyboard has a metal back plate, making it not so light.
https://deskauthority.saberkeebs.com/wiki.the … _53_series.html

Last edited by Nexxen on 2026-03-27, 16:15. Edited 3 times in total.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 2 of 13, by Nexxen

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Part2

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 3 of 13, by Nexxen

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Part3

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 4 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #2

This one is a heavy model, and big too.

Key switches are soldered to the PCB, making it difficult taking it apart.

I have 2 options:

1. wash it with soap, rince and dry
2. clean it with general purpose towels

Switches are "Alps", easy to take out.

Looks like a IBM 6150 knockoff.
https://wiki.themk.org/index.php/Category:NTC_keyboards

Last edited by Nexxen on 2026-03-27, 16:46. Edited 5 times in total.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 5 of 13, by Nexxen

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Part2 K#2

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 6 of 13, by akimmet

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If you do not want to make your own, texelec.com sells new foam backed keyboard contacts.

Reply 7 of 13, by Nexxen

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akimmet wrote on 2026-03-27, 21:01:

If you do not want to make your own, texelec.com sells new foam backed keyboard contacts.

Watched both 8bit guy and Adrian Black 😀
I'll end up repairing them by myself, I can always buy new one once customs and shipping go back to normal.
---

Keyboard #2 update:

2 keys broke in sockets while removing, probably already damaged (I tell quietly to myself 🤣)

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 8 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #4

Model: BITS6001
Rubber over membrane, no spring.

After cleaning lost a lot of keys, probably needs membranes to be cleaned + connector contacts worked (some corrosion maybe?)

I thought I took pictures in the works but it was another keyboard.

Not really interesting or of value, keys have cheap rubber domes.

Last edited by Nexxen on 2026-04-01, 17:12. Edited 1 time in total.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 9 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #5

Chicony 5162
https://wiki.themk.org/index.php/Chicony_KB-5161

The foot was inside the case, I have to rebuild the two lateral holders (can't remember the name).
At least the keys came off pretty easily compared to Keyboard #1.

The case is cracked and broken in some spots, will need to repair that as well.

If anyone knows what material is this leave a comment.

Last edited by Nexxen on 2026-04-01, 17:24. Edited 1 time in total.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 10 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #6

Same as #1

Removing keys was a bit of a chore again.

Dirty + some corroded spots.
Switches are without spring, rubber instead.

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 11 of 13, by momaka

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Most keyboards... and beige PC plastics in general... are made of ABS plastic (or ABS + PS and possibly HB for flamability-compliance.)
So in regards to that (or more specifically keyboard #5) any PVC or ABS plastics glue should work fine to glue the broken parts.
I usually use PVC pipe glue because I always have some and it always works great. Just put it on both broken pieces, wait for the plastic to soften up a little from the glue, and then put the parts together. Leave to dry for minimum of 24 hours without disturbance and 1 week for full strength.

In regards to the rubber dome keyboard (#4?): did you wash it without removing the plastic trace sheets? These usually don't deal well with moisture or water, so I never wash these. If very dirty, I might wipe them with 90% IPA, but that's it. Now, if this keyboard uses a design where the rubber domes also integrate the carbon contacts, you'll probably want to wash these too with water+dish soap (do NOT use any other aggressive cleaning agents.)
I know it's just a rubber dome keyboard, but honestly I prefer those over the other "mechanicals", especially any modern stuff (which I call "fake mechanicals" for reasons I'd rather not rant about here.)

As for keyboard #1: I imagine the broken keys can be glued back with some hot glue. Same for keyboard #2... unless those keycap parts happen to be made from ABS or PS plastic as well - in which case, use PVC glue as mentioned above. (Note: if unsure about a plastic type, you can use PVC glue to tell. Apply a small drop onto an inconspicuous area and see if the plastics becomes "melty" or "goo-ey" when scratched with a small screwdriver after a minute of the glue sitting on it. If yes, it's probably ABS, PS, or other similar plastic that reacts to solvent glues. If not, then solvent-based glues won't work very well with it.)

Reply 12 of 13, by Nexxen

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momaka wrote on 2026-04-01, 22:15:
Most keyboards... and beige PC plastics in general... are made of ABS plastic (or ABS + PS and possibly HB for flamability-compl […]
Show full quote

Most keyboards... and beige PC plastics in general... are made of ABS plastic (or ABS + PS and possibly HB for flamability-compliance.)
So in regards to that (or more specifically keyboard #5) any PVC or ABS plastics glue should work fine to glue the broken parts.
I usually use PVC pipe glue because I always have some and it always works great. Just put it on both broken pieces, wait for the plastic to soften up a little from the glue, and then put the parts together. Leave to dry for minimum of 24 hours without disturbance and 1 week for full strength.

In regards to the rubber dome keyboard (#4?): did you wash it without removing the plastic trace sheets? These usually don't deal well with moisture or water, so I never wash these. If very dirty, I might wipe them with 90% IPA, but that's it. Now, if this keyboard uses a design where the rubber domes also integrate the carbon contacts, you'll probably want to wash these too with water+dish soap (do NOT use any other aggressive cleaning agents.)
I know it's just a rubber dome keyboard, but honestly I prefer those over the other "mechanicals", especially any modern stuff (which I call "fake mechanicals" for reasons I'd rather not rant about here.)

As for keyboard #1: I imagine the broken keys can be glued back with some hot glue. Same for keyboard #2... unless those keycap parts happen to be made from ABS or PS plastic as well - in which case, use PVC glue as mentioned above. (Note: if unsure about a plastic type, you can use PVC glue to tell. Apply a small drop onto an inconspicuous area and see if the plastics becomes "melty" or "goo-ey" when scratched with a small screwdriver after a minute of the glue sitting on it. If yes, it's probably ABS, PS, or other similar plastic that reacts to solvent glues. If not, then solvent-based glues won't work very well with it.)

Nope, I didn't wash the traces sheets. I'll use IPA and see. I'm not too bummed if anything happens, but the Windows 95 logo is cute.

I'll try what you suggest to glue parts back. I'll add something in the part inside to give it some structure, like a patch.

I'll report back when done. Cleaning keyboards is boring as frack, I decided not to retrobrite. I'm not that good at it and I want this project done asap.

Thanks for your answer!

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.

Reply 13 of 13, by Nexxen

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Keyboard #7

This one has foam+foil pads with a metal clip on a side that makes a "clicking sound" when the key is pressed down.
🤣

I'll make a video and post it because it is funny. Why do that?
Anyone knows the name of this kind of foam & foil?
Imagine removing all foams and all clips and put them back together after washing everything. 🤣 🤣

Word Perfect ready 😉

PC#1 Pentium 233 MMX - 98SE
PC#2 PIII-1Ghz - 98SE/W2K

- "One hates the specialty unobtainium parts, the other laughs in greed listing them under a ridiculous price" - kotel studios
- Bare metal ist krieg.