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Epson Q103a

Epson Q103a
q103a_1.jpg
Switch Alps SKCL Cream
Alps SKCL Green
Sense method Metal contact
Protocol AT
Keycaps Double-Shot ABS, ABS Pad-print

Description

The Epson Q103a was the keyboard made for the Epson Equity III computer system 1) and uses an AT layout and protocol. It features an assembly by Alps Electric and the sticker on the back shows its FCC ID was filed by Kyocera.

Construction

Case and Internals

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

Top case

The top case is constructed of ABS plastic and externally features a rather unique 'forehead' with an Epson logo in its top right. Internally, it has plastic screw screw standoffs and a cutout for the DIN-5 cable.

Bottom case

The bottom case is constructed of ABS Plastic.
Externally, it has a sticker detailing the keyboard's model number, serial number, FCC ID and country of origin.
It has five feet in total: two flip out feet for adjusting the keyboard's angle and three non-slip feet.
The bottom has four screw holes that fasten into the top case securing both the internal assembly and the two case pieces.
Internally, the bottom has a small central standoff for supporting the internal assembly and a cutout for the DIN-5 cable.

Assembly

The assembly was manufactured by Alps Electric, as evidenced by Alps part numbers on the PCB and plate.
It has a painted steel switch plate and the back includes a metal RF shield.

Keycaps

The keycaps are ABS doubleshots made by Alps Electric in their OEM profile.
The shine-through keycaps use the first shot for the transparent window and as a result pad printing is used for the legends on those keys.
Notably, these keycaps use a non-standard color scheme. The pictured example is a bit yellowed but the bottom of the keycaps reveal the color is a darker tone beige compared to standard alps keycaps, and uses brown legends instead of the standard black.

Note for pictures: Stabilizers were modified with lubricant.

1)
InfoWorld Magazine, Volume 8, Issue 23, Jun 9, 1986. https://books.google.com/books?id=Ty8EAAAAMBAJ&lpg=PA43&pg=PA43