AMPEX 220

Overview

This keyboard was OEMed for NCD. NCD N-97 keyboard is another version of the MIPS N-97 but instead of tactile switches this keyboard contains linear switches. One of the main differences is that this keyboard has a different colourway and positioning of the legends on the keycaps. One thing top note is the lack of a parallel port like on the MIPS N-97 keyboard.

This keyboard was produced for NCD17c terminal.

Summary

The keyboard’s layout is unique to this keyboard and NCD:

Switches
Keycaps
Upper Case
Mounting Plate
PCB
Back Plate
Cable

Switches

Keycaps

The keycaps are made out of PBT with dye-sublimated legends. These keycaps are unique to this keyboard as they use a different font and unique colorway.

Upper Case

The upper case is made out of a single piece of beige ABS plastic. The plastic is textured due to the molding process that is used to create the upper case. The lock lights in the upper case are unique to both versions of the N-97.

Lower Case

The cases is made out of a single piece of beige ABS plastic. The plastic is textured due to the molding process that is used to create the lower case. The lower case feet are super flimsy and feel like that they are going to break when moved from the retracted to the out position.

Switch Plate

The switch plate is made out of stamped steel. The plate is bent on either so that it can be mounted to the lower case. The plate is painted with a thin layer of black paint. The paint is then protected by a thin layer of oil to prevent rust.

PCB

The PCB is a double-sided PCB with all traces on the backside of the PCB. The controllers found on the PCB are Motorola.

Cable

The cable is a long coiled cable about 2 meters long when fully stretched. The cable terminates on one end with a PS2 connector and the other end with a 6 pin molex connector.