Description
Digital Equipment LK201BA DEC VT220 VT320 Terminal Keyboard RJ11 Curly Cable
The Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) LK201BA is the classic terminal keyboard designed for use with DEC VT220 and VT320 video terminals. It connects via a coiled RJ11 cable using DEC's LK201 serial keyboard protocol, delivering the full complement of keys — including a dedicated numeric keypad, function key row, and the editing/arrow key cluster — that VT220 and VT320 terminal users depended on. This example retains its original curly coiled cable with the RJ11 connector intact.
Specifications & What's Included
- Manufacturer: Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC)
- Model: LK201BA
- Interface/Connector: RJ11 (LK201 serial keyboard protocol)
- Cable: Original coiled/curly RJ11 cable, attached
- Layout: Full-size — alphanumeric field, F1–F20 function keys, dedicated editing keys, numeric keypad
- Key switch type: LK201 series mechanical keys (DEC's own design)
- Color: Beige/cream (shows age-related yellowing)
- Certifications visible on label: CSA, UL
- Country of manufacture: United States
- Included: Keyboard with attached RJ11 curly cable only — no terminal, no adapter
Applications
The LK201 keyboard family was introduced by DEC in the early 1980s and became the standard input device for the VT220 and VT320 terminal lines — some of the most widely deployed video display terminals of the 1980s and early 1990s. VT220 and VT320 terminals were used extensively in universities, government agencies, financial institutions, and engineering environments connected to VAX, PDP, and DECsystem minicomputer hosts. The LK201 protocol is distinct from PC keyboard interfaces: the keyboard communicates serially over the RJ11 cable at 4800 baud, so it is not electrically compatible with PS/2 or USB ports without a dedicated protocol converter. Today these keyboards are sought by legacy system maintainers keeping DEC VT terminals in service, as well as collectors of vintage DEC hardware. The LK201BA variant was built for the North American market and features the standard QWERTY layout with DEC's distinctive key legends.
This Digital Equipment LK201BA DEC VT220/VT320 terminal keyboard has been inspected and appears to be in good used condition. The keycaps and case show age-related yellowing and general surface soiling consistent with years of use, as visible in the photos. All keys are present and the coiled RJ11 cable is intact with a clean connector. It has not been powered up or tested at our facility, but comes from a previously operational environment. Please view our photo set and contact us if you have any questions.
Warranty Information
Additional Information
Brand: |
Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) |
Model: |
LK201BA |
MPN: |
LK201BA |
Type: |
Terminal Keyboard |
SKU: |
7471 |
Compatible With: |
DEC VT220, VT320 terminals |
Connector Type: |
RJ11 |
Cable Type: |
Curly/Coiled RJ11 |
Interface: |
RJ11 (LK201 serial protocol) |
Layout: |
Full-size with numeric keypad and function keys |
Color: |
Beige/Cream |
Country/Region of Manufacture: |
United States |
Form Factor: |
Desktop |
Seller Notes: |
Includes attached RJ11 curly coiled cable. Keyboard only — no terminal. |
Condition Notes: |
This Digital Equipment LK201BA DEC VT220/VT320 terminal keyboard is in good used condition with age-related yellowing and surface soiling. All keys present, RJ11 curly cable intact. Not tested at our facility; pulled from a working environment. |
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 |