Description
Digital Equipment LK201 Terminal Keyboard DEC VT220 VT320 RJ11 70-23983-AA
The Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) LK201 is the original keyboard designed for DEC's VT-series video terminals, most notably the VT220 and VT320. It connects via a coiled cable with an RJ11 modular plug and features the distinctive DEC layout including an extended row of F1–F20 function keys across the top, a full alphanumeric section, a dedicated editing keypad (Find, Insert Here, Remove, Select, Prev Screen, Next Screen), arrow keys, and a numeric keypad with PF1–PF4 keys. The LK201 uses mechanical key switches and was a significant upgrade from the earlier LK201-style keyboards of the VT100 era.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
- Model: LK201
- Part Number: 70-23983-AA
- FCC ID: A0994Q-LK201
- Interface: RJ11 modular connector (coiled cable attached)
- Key layout: DEC LK201 — F1–F20 function row, full QWERTY alphanumeric, editing keypad, PF1–PF4 numeric keypad
- Special keys: Hold Screen, Print Screen, Set-Up, Data/Talk, Break, Compose Character, Do, Help, Lock
- Country of Manufacture: United States (per label)
- Includes: keyboard with attached coiled RJ11 cable only — no adapter
Applications
The LK201 was the standard keyboard for DEC's VT200-series and VT300-series terminals, including the VT220, VT240, VT320, and VT340, and was also used with certain VAX and PDP-11 workstation terminals. DEC terminals were widely deployed in universities, government agencies, financial institutions, and engineering environments from the early 1980s through the mid-1990s. The VT220 and VT320 terminals — and by extension the LK201 keyboard — became reference implementations for ANSI terminal emulation, which is why VT220 and VT320 emulation modes remain standard in terminal software (SSH clients, serial consoles) to this day. Original LK201 keyboards are sought by collectors of vintage DEC hardware and by organizations that still maintain legacy VAX/VMS or PDP systems requiring physical DEC terminals.
This Digital Equipment LK201 DEC Terminal Keyboard is being sold AS-IS due to its age. The casing shows noticeable yellowing typical of vintage plastics from this era, and the coiled RJ11 cable and connector show grime and age-related discoloration as well. The keyboard has not been tested at our facility. We have multiple units in stock and the unit you receive may vary slightly from the one photographed, though it will be the same model. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) |
Model: |
LK201 |
MPN: |
70-23983-AA |
Type: |
Terminal Keyboard |
SKU: |
52672 |
Compatible With: |
DEC VT220, VT320 terminals |
Compatible With 2: |
DEC VAX, PDP systems with VT-series terminals |
Interface: |
RJ11 (modular telephone-style connector) |
Cable Type: |
Coiled/curled cable with RJ11 plug |
Key Layout: |
DEC LK201 layout with F1-F20 function keys, numeric keypad, arrow keys |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
FCC ID: |
A0994Q-LK201 |
Seller Notes: |
Keyboard only with attached coiled RJ11 cable. No adapter included. |
Condition Notes: |
This Digital Equipment LK201 terminal keyboard is sold AS-IS due to its age. Casing shows yellowing and the RJ11 cable shows grime. Not tested. Unit received may vary from photo. Please contact us with questions. |
California Prop 65 Warning: |
WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including lead and lead compounds, and DEHP (a phthalate), which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Go to P65Warnings.ca.gov |