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Raytheon

United States

Contents

Overview

During their long history, Raytheon are so far only known to have made one model of keyboard. Likely other models exist, that have yet to be discovered, which would fit with there being a variety of keyboard switch models.

Products

Keyboard switches

Tactile keycaps

In January 1973, Raytheon filed a patent (granted in 1974 as US patent 3822776 “Tactile keycap”) for a tactile mechanism placed inside the keycap itself. This mechanism appears to be designed to provide overtravel as well as operator feedback. Both click feedback and silent options were proposed.

Elastomer-contact keypads

In November 1971, Raytheon advertised “elastomer-contact keyboards” in Electronic Design magazine. The units depicted are what we would now describe as keypads, in 3×4 arrangement. These 12 and 16-key units use a “unique and patented” silver-filled silicone elastomer, and they offer a snap-action feel.

Documentation