backlit 101-key mechanical keyboards?

On 10/28/2017 8:05 AM, Flasherly wrote:
On Fri, 27 Oct 2017 16:04:16 -0500, Lynn McGuire
wrote:

I use a Northgate Omni Key/102 GOLD at the office. Best keyboard ever
made. I got mine in 1992 ???

I have used a couple of Focus FK-2001 keyboards at the house. The keys
eventually break off them (I pound hard).

Lynn

Wow, sure didn't expect that. Small world, eh .

I learned my lesson from pounding on the Northgate OmniKey. I was so
ashamed of myself, I took it apart and tried to fix it - resoldering
less-used keys to desoldered keys I'd abusively offended;- a
half-hearted attempt for water already passed under a bridge.

But I have what counts now, the "touch", for the Focus flipping it
over - MODEL: FK 7200 - USB.

That is quite a feat, using an original and dated Northgate, a premier
OnmiKey, especially in an office environment.

The grime and stains on my white Focus keyboard are extraordinary. It
probably would qualify the standard for a world record award the
"Filthiest Keyboard in Existence".

Other than that, FOCUS, shall we say, _should have_ adhered to
engineering precepts when they bought Northgate production materials
and facilities. Unless your model deviated, was redesigned _out_ of
those specifications, to where you can say the Northgate provided
sturdier anchors and/or actual keyswitch-quality procurements. Me, I
really can't tell a difference between this Focus model and my
original OmniKey, not so far as a reasonable and generous allowance
over pressure exerted to engage key tactility;...applying abusive
forces is entirely different, in my experience, to a rugged and
capable capacity the Focus continues to provide, as impeccably built
on Northgate quality.

Might be you're getting "trigger-itch" over multiple lighted (usually
software driver) key schemes, the so-called "gaming" keyboards of
today, across as many as half-a-dozen available grades of
tactile-action switches. Sale prices are good, features options are
wide, and I get it, too.

My Northgate Omni Key/102 GOLD is in great shape. A few food stains.
Some coffee stains. Some blood (I am on blood thinners and my fingers
bleed all the time). The Gold Omni Key/102 sticker is peeling. Other
than that, great shape. It uses the old 1 inch DIN ? plug which I have
a converter cable for. The key characters are all very visible since
they are permanently etched.

I could care less about lit keyboards and such. I write software for a
living and love mechanical keyboards going back to the old mainframe
operator teletype consoles with the 3/4 inch travel keys.

Lynn