Posts: 301
Threads: 28
Joined: Jan 2005
For my experiences with voyagers:
1) gold-plated dual face PCB with circles and a dot inside for each key
2) steel domes (strips with 5 connected in line, 4 strips on the left half, 4 on the right half - I don't know if they are plated inside)
3) adhesive tape
4) thin rubber layer (removable)
5) articulated keys with a center "pin" that presses the rubber/steel dome
6) plastic case
I noticed when the keyboard is very used the rubber layer develop holes when the key "pins" touch it, creating a "lower" and a little loose key.
I can provide high-resolution scans from my 15C and 11C if you want.
This information is from the mid-aged voyagers, with a single PCB with the keyboards and chips, serial <= 27xxxXxxxxx.
Best regards,
Nelson
Edited: 20 May 2004, 12:41 p.m.
Posts: 31
Threads: 5
Joined: Jan 1970
The important parts (mechanically) are that the keys were hinged at the back and rested against stainless steel domes which provide both contact and positive tactile feedback. Heat stakes holding the keyboard PCB in place created further rigidity, contributing to the solid feel of keypresses.
Steel domes are the main part of the "feel" over time and will age with use. Most are rated for >1,000,000 presses. There are some good voyager series dissections online if you search around a bit.
Best Regards,
Hugh Evans