Disassembly

We saw on the previous page that the keyboard's case is composed of two wooden pieces screwed together to enclose the internals. To separate them, remove not only the six screws on the bottom, but the two "case feet" pin screws as well. Once done, push down slightly on one end of the bottom piece to raise the other, which can then help with pulling it out and separating the two pieces. There is an L-shaped cutout in the side coming in contact with the PCB, presumably to prevent direct contact and help make space for the components jutting upward from the PCB. This piece comes in at an average of 5.04 mm thick, which adds to the good build quality on the keyboard and results in no flex anywhere under even high torque.


The PCB is the usual green in color, and the side facing the bottom of the keyboard is mostly devoid of components, aside from that dip switch set and the internal USB connector that is glued in place. Solder quality is not very good, with solder peaks pressed down in all directions and some coming closer to contact than I would prefer. In order to take the PCB off the case's body, you have to remove every single keycap from the front. Once done, you can also see the inset jewels that go over the indicator LEDs in more detail. The steel plate on the front, which adds to the structural integrity of the keyboard, is given the same coat of paint as the switches.


There is a secondary control PCB above the arrow key cluster on the front. Pry out the PCB and you can see that the keyboard is powered by a Holtek HT82K94E USB-based 8-bit MCU with a 24C02H 32 bit EEPROM memory module. It is plenty enough for the keyboard given the functionality, including that offered by the dip switches. As is the norm these days, both PCBs have multiple layers.

By now I had enough to identify the keyboard's OEM here, and a quick email confirmed that the Datamancer Diviner used a WASD V2. This is a solid keyboard to use as a base, so it is good in terms of reliability. Pricing is another matter entirely, however, but more on that in due time.

Before we take a look at the driver, be advised that disassembly will void the warranty and that TechPowerUp is not liable for any damages incurred if you decide to go ahead and do so anyway.