Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer substitute keyboard

The pictures below depict a substitute keyboard for the Radio Shack TRS-80 Color Computer. The keyboard uses Elec-Trol Datakeys reed switches, model KA1004-0001. The blue substrates look like blank PCBs, with solder mask but no tracks; the entire matrix is point-to-point wired to match that of the CoCo.

The keyboard is not an aftermarket design; it will be a surplus part repurposed for the job. The CoCo was introduced in 1980, while Elec-Trol Datakeys date back to 1970 and are seldom encountered. A few keys retain their original legends but most of them have home-made legends applied. The original legends are just about visible, as though all the keys have been repainted, although the original legends should not show through paint in this manner. For example, look closely at the “9” key and you will see what appears to be “6” facing left. The “S” key appears to be attached upside down.

The computer itself has clearly been modified in other ways besides the keyboard.

The photos are courtesy of Frederic Stark / Arthur Dauzat and are placed into the public domain.