WTB: HP-46 9830 / Cherry M61-0100 M71-0100 key switch

[Duane Hess]

Thanks Mark. Wanted you to know first in case you needed a switch for your 81.

For everyone's info, in a nutshell, talonix.com has Cherry M61-0120 switches NOS. The 46/81 used the -0100, but that makes no difference. -0100 is a blade stem and the 0120 is a 'T'; either works for the keykaps on the 46 or 81. (pulled the addition key from my 81 keyboard & it had a + "hole" like the 46)

Also an e-Bay seller had genuine Cherry M61-0100 & -0120 switches sold under the Tektronix label; P/N 260-1393-00. Those are probably gone, but its a good P/N cross-reference.

I'll just repost most of the memo sent to Mark:

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Hi:

Wanted to call your attention to:
http://www.talonix.com/shop/item.aspx?itemid=16644
and e-Bay item number 263065008989.

I have ordered 2 from each source. All switches work, have the same exact physical size, have the same key travel length, and solder lugs in the same place as the switches in my 46.

The e-Bay item returned a genuine Cherry M61-0100 and M61-0120. They were bagged with a Tektronix part number (260-1393-00). Good cross reference to keep in mind. One was absolutely brand new; the other looks brand new but the posts appear to have been heated, but no solder applied. Only 1 left! $9.95 + $2.67 ship.

The Talon were both M61-0120, as advertised. Seems to recall they had 14 left. $4.60 each + $6.44 ship for 2. Ship for 1 was $5.83; so guess $0.61 extra per switch.

All keys were obviously different ages of production. i.e.:
- where the word Cherry was located & font
- gloss/texture of plastic
- "collar" around key stem or not; however travel length & "bottom out" location is the same between the 4 switches & match exactly my 46.
- side "clip retainers" had different lengths (up/down) but exactly the same position & seating location as my 46.
- depression pressure seemed to be the same as my 46. Measured with my high-tech fingers!

The -0100 has a flat blade stem and the -0120 is a T. The 46 has a + "hole" for attachment on bottom, so probably the same for a 81.

The 4 different switches varied in side "grip" nubs on the key seating area of the stem. Tried all variances & the keycap from my 46 fit perfectly with each.

Since these are so difficult to find wanted to give you advanced notice . . . .