Mechanical keyboard?

[okto]

Has anyone ever tried to build a mechanical replacement keyboard for the Z88?

[Jbizzel]

It would be cool, and very possible.

The z88 isn't that dissimilar from a spectrum to my mind.

I think the keyboard is good already though. I mean, I used it to type on in anger, and it is perfectly reasonable.

[Fecn]

There is always the other route to a mechanical keyboard... using the emulator on a PC.

Personally I love the Z88's keyboard, but I can understand the need to have a path avaiable for an alternative replacement. One of my Z88 keyboards has gone soft around the enter and cursor keys which causes accidental key presses more often than I'd like. Getting two presses of 'Enter' when you only wanted one becomes annoying very quickly.

[Chris_68]

Hi,

This is for ZX81 and not Z88, could still be useful though if someone like to design for Z88
https://www.zx81keyboardadventure.com/2 ... s-and.html

[Jbizzel]

I think the case design would make it easy for a PCB to be made. You would need the 6 screw hole mounts that connects the keyboard to the case.

On the z88 the keyboard is basically also the front of the case.

[okto]

Thanks for the replies!

To be fair, I haven't typed on one personally--my Z88 is still on its way to me--but I have a Toughbook with a rubber keyboard and it's an absolute nightmare to type on, so I assumed similar from the Z88. Sounds like that may not be the case, but I think a mechanical keybed would be a fun DIY project all the same, and more options is always better, right?

[Jbizzel]

https://cambridgez88.jira.com/wiki/x/p4AZB

Keyboard matrix diagram here...

[g7mmj]

Remembering the dreadful Spectrum rubber keyboard, I was very surprised by how good my Z88 keyboard is. In fact, I'd say it is one of the best keyboards I've ever used (Nobody was more surprised by that than me. )

Steve

[okto]

I was very surprised by how good my Z88 keyboard is.

Same! Since writing this I’ve acquired two Z88s, and minus the collapsed Enter keys*, they’re surprisingly nice to type on!

As I’ve cycled back to vintage computing in my rotation of hobbies, I may revisit the mechanical (or at least, replacement) keyboard idea. Restoring my surplus-to-requirement TRS-80s and selling them off is my priority at the moment, but I am really enjoying my 88 again.

*First, though, I have an idea how to fix collapsed keys that I’m going to prototype. I think a thin donut of very squishy foam under the key will give it enough lift above the membrane to keep it from actuating when you rest your finger on the key, or a particularly stiff breeze hits it.

I may also look into making a new key sheet (not sure what to call it exactly), although that is likely to be not commercially viable and require a good bit of skill and equipment for anyone to reproduce. It’s going to have to be either cast (lots of work) or injection molded (lots of money), so it may not be feasible, but I can at very least develop and share CAD files for the mold.

So many projects, so little time.