Epson AP1003A

The Epson AP1003A was an AT-layout keyboard, presumably manufactured by Gold Star Alps for the 1987 Epson Apex 100 XT-compatible PC.¹⁾

The case bears a visually strong resemblance to other Alps AT-layout keyboards of the time, such as the Packard Bell KCLEA907L and KCLEA916A. The top half features the Epson logo at the top left. Oddly, the lock light sticker lacks a Scroll Lock indicator despite the presence of a Scroll Lock key.

The bottom case features standard-sized adjustable flip out feet and two non-slip square feet, along with six screw sockets and four visible snaps. Four additional round holes are present, however, they do not appear to serve any structural purpose as no screw sockets are visible inside of them. The coiled, non-removable 5P DIN cable runs out from the right side of the bottom case. The grey label features a S/N, model number, and explicitly states that the board was made in Korea. No FCC ID is disclosed on this label.

As of writing, this keyboard has been documented with SKCL Green and SKCL Brown switches. At least one example possesses a switch with a “lipstick” characteristic on its slider.

The keycaps are standard Alps Electric Doubleshot ABS. All legends appear to possess a grey-ish “charcoal” color, as opposed to the pure black legends on other Alps keycaps. Homing bumps are absent from both the alphanumeric cluster and the keypad. The blank key on the numpad is doubleshot even though it has no legend on it.