DC‐2014 Keyboard

The Leading Edge DC‐2014 keyboard was a mechanical keyboard that was generally bundled with the Model D computer. Due to it having been bundled with the Model D, it was therefore the most ubiquitous of Leading Edge's keyboards. The keyboard was an XT interface, with blue Alps key‐switches and 83 keys. The overall design of the keyboard was a simple rectangular beige plastic case with adjustable feet on the bottom. Directly above the top row of keys was a pen or pencil holder that extended about 75% of the length of the keyboard starting from the right. Although the DC‐2014 keyboard was bundled with what was often considered a budget computer, the keyboard had such a high‐quality build that in the present, it is often sought after to use with a modern computer or have parts harvested for a custom keyboard.

The DC−2014 offered several features. The coiled cable reached 44" while still coiled, offering just that little extra reach that may be needed. On the bottom of the keyboard, the user could find two angle adjusting feet. These feet were of an unusual design, given their circular, barrel−shaped appearance but were fairly basic in their operational offerings since the feet only presented two positions.

The case of the keyboard was well built that utilized a thick and sturdy ABS plastic case that enveloped the entirety of the keyboard including the sturdy metal back−plate. The rectangular form of the keyboard did not waste any space and was relatively "space−saving" for its time. The key−layout was also rather unusual for its time, the function keys were all to the left−side of the keyboard and there were no bezel spaces between any of the keys save for the small bezel between the function keys and the rest of the keys. The DC−2014 measured 18" wide by 8" deep with about 1" bezel width on each side and the palm−rest. The Leading Edge logo showed up at the typical upper left−hand location like with so many others of Leading Edge's hardware.

Typing on the keyboard was a rather enjoyable experience. Since the keyboard offered blue Alps keys, the tactile feel of the keyboard was easily sensed with immediate push resistance and an audible click once that resistance was overcome.