Nabu KBD-2

Nabu KBD-2
Switch	Alps SKCC Cream
Sense method	Contact
Protocol	Serial (RS422)
Keycaps	Doubleshot ABS

The Nabu KBD-2 keyboard was bundled with the Nabu Personal Computer System; a personal home computer system that was capable of downloading software and information content over cable TV.

The keyboard bears a distinctive charcoal colour and “Nabu Personal Computer” sticker in the top right corner next to various function stickers. The series, as far as is known, shares the same construction. The keyboard uses Alps SKCC cream switches, with a latching switch located below the Caps Lock key. A 6 pin DIN connector is used to connect to the Nabu PC, with 2 additional DB9 ports located on the rear of the keyboard for optional joysticks.

The keyboard case is a two piece, injection molded plastic shell that is held together by 6 countersunk screws that screw directly into the plastic of the top housing. Within the housing assembly, a further 4 screws at the distal left and right of the keyboard are used to secure the metal switch mounting plate to the top housing. The PCB consists of 2 parts: the keyboard matrix section which is held in place only by the switches soldered into it, and the interface section bearing the processing components and connection ports. The sections are connected by a ribbon cable. No manufacturer markings are visible on the PCB.

The keycaps are manufactured by Alps Electric in a distinctive spherical sculpt. All keycaps are doubleshot ABS, with the majority being white on black. The “Pause”, “TV” and “Go” keys are red, yellow and blue on black doubleshots, respectively. All keycaps are textured at the top with smooth sides.