Compaq Enhanced Keyboard (AID)
The Compaq Enhanced Keyboard is well-known as a Key Tronic capacitive model. What is not well-known is that, starting with the Deskpro, Compaq selected Advanced Input Devices a second source to Key Tronic (as reported by Advanced Input Systems by the engineer responsible for this keyboard). Pictured below is the AID version of the Enhanced Keyboard. This model is depicted on the cover of the Ergokey Series brochure, and it will be an EKT (Ergokey Truncated) model: conductive rubber domes in the form of an elastomer mat, over a PCB.
Compaq registered both the Key Tronic and AID types with the FCC directly, so both have Compaq’s FCC ID grantee code of “CNT”. However, the CSA file number of LR53966 on this version indicates Advanced Input Devices. The FCC ID of CNT5P2106288 is also different to that of the Key Tronic version. There is also a subtle difference in the keycap legends; while the typeface is virtually identical to Key Tronic’s, AID centre-aligned the number row legends, while Key Tronic left-aligned them. This can be seen clearly for example in “(” over “9” and “)” over “0”, as well as “%” over “5”.
The keyboard end of the connector appears to be SDL, a practice found across this series of keyboards.
These photographs have been archived from the Lake Michigan Computers surplus listing for Compaq Enhanced Keyboard Foam and Foil Key Switch Tactile Black Keyboard (already sold out at the time of discovery), with their kind permission. (The description of the listing is erronous, on account of this model having only just been rediscovered.)