Table of Contents

Monterey K2AX

Monterey K2AX
k2ax-1.jpg
Switch Alps SKCM Blue
Mitsumi KLT
Sense method Metal contact
Protocol AT / XT
Keycaps Double-Shot ABS

Missing pictures of the Mitsumi model; please provide them if you can!

Description

The Monterey K2AX is a AT layout keyboard produced by Monterey. It's currently been documented to come with ABS doubleshot keycaps and Mitsumi KLT1) or Alps SKCM Blue switches. It's currently been documented to have been rebranded by Suntouch and Jameco Electronics2). It's also been documented as Staff branded, however Staff was a sub-brand of Monterey 3)

Construction

Case and Internals

The keyboard consists of three parts: a ABS top case, painted steel bottom case, and an internal assembly

Top case

Externally, the top case has a pen holder above the top key row and a lock-light sticker in it's top right corner.
Internally, it has the flip-out feet mechanism, standoffs with brass inserts for fastening the assembly to the top case, plastic standoffs for fastening the bottom case to the top and cable routing pegs.

Bottom case

Externally, the bottom has an AT/XT switch cutout, a sticker documenting the keyboard's serial number, country of origin and FCC ID, and four feet in total: two non-slip feet and two flip-out feet for adjusting the keyboard's angle.
Internally, it has a rubber pad to prevent the PCB from shorting on the steel back case.

Assembly

The assembly is made up of a PCB and steel switch mounting plate.
The PCB has a QC sticker and a 'K2-A' model number.

Keycaps

The keycaps are ABS doubleshots typically found in Monterey, some Chicony keyboards and various other vintage keyboards of the time. It's currently unknown if Monterey manufactured these keycaps or if it was done by a third party.

Alps SunTouch Branded Model

Solder (yes I know I need to redo some joints), scroll lock keycap and switches are not original. SKCM Blue top housing and slider were swapped into the switch photo for documentation purposes as that was the switch it originally came with.

Unconfirmed Claims

The K2AX could also come with SMK Vintage Linear switches or one if its many clones.
A listing for one which revealed the switch came up on eBay around 2023,4) although only a preview image of the keyboard survives.
It uses different keycaps, likely the same ones commonly found on Hottek keyboards, so this version should be easily identifiable.

4)
eBay preview image and discussion around it's switcheshttps://imgur.com/a/aKBbvu5