Gold key (DEC)

VT180 Robin WPS keyboard with Gold key in the upper left of its numeric keypad (alternate functions written in gold on the fronts of other keys)

The Gold key is a computer keyboard key used as a prefix to invoke a variety of single-key editing and formatting functions. Usually located in the top-left position of the numeric keypad on platforms such as the VT100, it is the signature element of a consistent user interface implemented by Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC) across multiple product lines.

It is used within WPS, EDT, and many other common VAX programs.[1] The key, typically located as the upper leftmost key on the numeric keypad on different terminals,[2] was not necessarily colored gold. Some DEC terminals would include keyboards where the gold key was labeled PF1, as on the VT100 and VT200, or was colored blue, as on the VT52.[3] On some keyboards, the normal function of a key would be labeled on the lower portion of the key, while its alternate function activated with the GOLD key would be labeled above it.[2]

  1. ^ Sandler, Corey; Badgett, Tom (1990). VAX to VAX: a practical guide to connecting VAXs and their peripherals. Wiley. p. 243. ISBN 978-0-471-51506-7. Gold key: A special key on a VAX terminal keyboard enabling alternate key functions. Used within WPS, EDT, and many other programs.
  2. ^ a b Hume, J. N. P.; Holt, Richard C. (1984). VAX Pascal. Reston Publishing Co. p. 54. Gold key — the key at the top left corner of the keypad which serves to act like a shift key to change each of the other keys from its normal function to its alternate function. The normal function appears above the alternate on a key label.
  3. ^ Kapps, Charles A.; Stafford, Robert L. (1987). Assembly Language for the PDP-11: RT-RSX-UNIX. PWS Computer Science. p. 424. ISBN 978-0-87150-072-4. To get the secondary function of the 2 key, you must first type a special key called the gold key. On the VT100/VT200, the gold key is the key marked PF1, and on the VT52 it is the key that is colored blue. In either case, it is the key in the upper left-hand corner of the numeric keypad. Figures E.4 and E.5 show the keypad layouts on the VT52 and VT100/VT200. It is even possible to purchase replacement keytops that have the KED or EDT functions embossed on them.