A suprisingly simple restoration.
I frequently browse online surplus auction sites (shopgoodwill.com, govdeals.com, publicsurplus.com) looking for interesting projects. I recently found a soft-touch (non-clicky) Keytronic XT/AT switchable keyboard at my local Goodwill. It appeared to be from around 1990 (ICs were dated 1989 and 9030-the 30th week of 1990). This turned out to be a hidden gem.
It appeared to have normal grime and discoloration from average use. Not only was the keyboard fairly clean and intact with no missing key caps, but it was fully functional too!
Yes, it was full of dust bunnies, hair (ick), and frito crumbs, but all that cleaned up very easily.
It also turned out to be one of the easiest to disassemble, most well engineered keyboards I’ve seen. Being XT/AT switchable, it actually contained separate key matrix membranes for each layout. A single Intel branded IC controlled the interface and it neatly clipped onto the back of the (heavy) metal backing plate.
The key switches used a single silicone membrane which provided reasonable, but not great tactile feedback. But the key mechs for the large keys were an excellent, modular design. The space bar clipped onto a single hefty hinge attached to the back of the main key frame. The other large keys used a simple U-shaped metal bar that slid into posts that fit neatly with a friction fit into slots in the key cap. The bar self-aligned and clipped into placed when the key cap was pressed back onto the frame.
A light retrobright treatment quickly removed and evened out the mild discoloration from the top of the keyboard. Some smudges on the cord were easily wiped off with some IPA (isopropyl alcohol).
I’m thrilled to add this keyboard to my collection and can easily see this being a daily driver for many years to come!
Total Restoration Cost: $225