Summary:

• Two types of Talk Keys (backlit Blue or Yellow depending on state) have been used for Encore devices.

• Keycaps are not compatible between the two vintages of Talk Keys

• Lost or broken Keycap on an older Encore device may require a repair to replace the underlying Talk Key

Background:
In the autumn of 2019 the Talk Key on all Encore products was replaced with a newer model due to obsolescence of the previously used talk key.

To the user the new Talk Key mostly looks and and feels the same and the user can still remove the clear top of the Keycap to install a label should he choose to. The new Talk Key is backwards compatible with the PCB of all Encore devices and can be used for repairs as needed. However, the new Talk Key is mechanically different as the base of the Keycap now permanently snaps onto the Talk Key and cannot be removed, making the Keycap incompatible between the to two generations of Talk Keys.

This means that in order to replace a Keycap on an older Encore device the obsolete Keycap must be obtained or the entire Talk Key must be replaced with the new models, requiring repair to the device.

How do I determine which one I have?

Option A - By serial number;

• All Encore devices manufactured before August 2019 (serial numbers in the range 01M..… through 31X..... or older with numerical serial numbers) were manufactured with the old Talk Key and Keycap.

• Encore devices manufactured between August 2019 and November 2019 (serial numbers in the range 32X..… through 48X.....) can have either the old or new Talk Key and Keycap.

• Encore devices manufactured in December 2019 or later (serial numbers 49X and onward) have the new Talk Key and Keycap.

Option B - With a physical inspection;

• If the Keycap - consisting of the clear Cap Cover, Film and Cap - can be removed off the device as an assembly it is the old Talk Key / Keycap.

• If only the clear Cap Cover of the Keycap can be removed it is the new Talk Key / Keycap.

Open

Open

Which products are these components used in?

CS-702, MS-702, MS-802-IM, MS-704, SB-704, RM-702, RM-802-IM, RM-704, KB-701, KB-702, KB-702GM, KB-802GM-IM, HB-702, HB-704, MA-704, AX-704

What are the part numbers for the Talk Key and Keycap and are they available?

Part number for the Talk Key:
New: 672G091
Old and discontinued: 510157Z

Part number Keycap:
New: 659G042  
Old and discontinued: 240165Z

2020Q1 Update: Unfortunately very limited supply remain of the older / obsolete components.