Wishlist: switches and other parts
I seek the following parts, or at least I did at the time of writing. New old stock (NOS) is generally desired because it allows parts to be photographed (either by myself in typically lousy fashion, or by others) in factory condition instead of used condition with damage from soldering. If used, they must be as close to new condition as possible. Part numbers are not required—most NOS parts are sold without part numbers—but switches in any condition (including broken) are acceptable if they come with an authentic part number.
Switches below marked as acceptable in used condition do not need to look as-new; they are for part number collection and implementation analysis where condition is not important, and even minor damage is not a concern so long as the switch mechanism functions sufficient for understanding.
For other wishlist categories, see the main wishlist page.
Fujitsu
- Fujitsu classic reed types (FES-1, FES-5, FES-8, FES-9)
- Fujitsu Hall effect (FES-8, FES-9)
- FES-360-511 with confirmed part number
- FES-360 switches (except FES-360-511) with part numbers
- FES-370 switches
Futaba
- MR reed switches
ITW
- Linear ITW low-profile ferrite core switches (never observed, but implied to exist)
- Keycaps for the low-profile ferrite core switches for compatibility testing
Jelco
- Any keyboard switches, including used
Maxi-Switch
- Series 3100 mechanical switches
- “Vintage linear” switches, likely Series 6300
- Elastic contact switches (series name as-of-yet not observed)
Mechanical Enterprises
- Mercutronic types (including M-5)
- More T-5 models with part numbers
- Gold V-bar models (LFW and LM series)
- More T-15 switches in NOS condition
- DN series switches
Micro Switch
See wanted list for Micro Switch.
Mitsumi
- Mitsumi clicky miniature mechanical (including used; for destructive disassembly)
- Mitsumi switches with part numbers
Omron
All of the following can be used.
- B3G switches
- “Alps-style” switches
- Hall effect switches, B2A/B2C/B2H
- Tactile and alternate action B2R reed switches
- Low profile reed, if it exists
RAFI
Siemens
- Siemens original STB 11/STB 21 keycaps, for compatibility testing