Mechanical Keyboard PCB
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Mechanical Keyboard PCB
I've been getting into the TS 1000 over the past year and one the things that I absolutely wanted was a mechanical keyboard for the system. Looking around I couldn't really find any available PCBs for building such a keyboard (ZX-Key is nice but isn't available). Thus, I figured I'd work out a design for one.
This is the result of my work. The keyboard consists of three PCBs (top plate, bottom plate, and the actual matrix). Sitting next to my hand-wired prototype (also a different set of caps I was trying out). Right now the keyboard is connected directly the lines on the board, however I am planning on building a simple expansion card so that it doesn't require any modification to the system.
I'm still working on some minor revisions, but once that's all done I will be releasing the Gerber files along with design files to the public so anyone can produce it and/or modify it to their liking. At some point I'll probably sell them too as the minimum order is 5 when getting them manufactured (by JLCPCB).
This is the result of my work. The keyboard consists of three PCBs (top plate, bottom plate, and the actual matrix). Sitting next to my hand-wired prototype (also a different set of caps I was trying out). Right now the keyboard is connected directly the lines on the board, however I am planning on building a simple expansion card so that it doesn't require any modification to the system.
I'm still working on some minor revisions, but once that's all done I will be releasing the Gerber files along with design files to the public so anyone can produce it and/or modify it to their liking. At some point I'll probably sell them too as the minimum order is 5 when getting them manufactured (by JLCPCB).
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Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Welcome to our forum
Your keyboard looks great
Thanks for posting.
Mark

Your keyboard looks great

Thanks for posting.
Mark
ZX81 Variations
ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp
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ZX81 Chip Pin-outs
ZX81 Video Transistor Buffer Amp


We are now rapidly approaching the Autumn system

Step up to red alert. Sir, are you absolutely sure? It does mean changing the bulb.
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Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Welcome on board.
The keyboard looks really nice!
The keyboard looks really nice!
ZX80
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
ZX81 iss 1 (bugged ROM, kludge fix, normal, rebuilt)
TS 1000 iss 3, ZXPand AY and +, ZX8-CCB, ZX-KDLX & ChromaSCART
Tatung 81 + Wespi
TS 1500 & 2000
Spectrum 16k (iss 1 s/n 862)
Spectrum 48ks plus a DIVMMC future and SPECTRA
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Beautiful!!
I like the transparent keycaps with the black labels on it. How did you print and attached them?
I like the transparent keycaps with the black labels on it. How did you print and attached them?
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Are you planning to release the files into the public?benthepoet wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:57 pm I'm still working on some minor revisions, but once that's all done I will be releasing the Gerber files along with design files to the public so anyone can produce it and/or modify it to their liking. At some point I'll probably sell them too as the minimum order is 5 when getting them manufactured (by JLCPCB).
Or the possibility to order batches at JLCPCB?
I might be interested to make a ZX81 Laptop Kit with a Cherry keyboard
Nowadays postage is so expensive that paying it twice seems outdated
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
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Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Thanks, this is the set of stickers I used for the keycaps.
https://www.4keyboard.com/commodore-key ... olor-black
Eventually I'd like to figure out a means of printing the legends directly on the keycap but that'll take some time and experimentation.
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- Posts: 4
- Joined: Tue Aug 02, 2022 10:50 pm
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Yes, I am planning on releasing the files to the public. Right now I'm working on a revision to the main PCB, but once I'm happy with that I'll make them available.Paul wrote: ↑Wed Sep 28, 2022 2:29 pmAre you planning to release the files into the public?benthepoet wrote: ↑Sat Sep 10, 2022 7:57 pm I'm still working on some minor revisions, but once that's all done I will be releasing the Gerber files along with design files to the public so anyone can produce it and/or modify it to their liking. At some point I'll probably sell them too as the minimum order is 5 when getting them manufactured (by JLCPCB).
Or the possibility to order batches at JLCPCB?
I might be interested to make a ZX81 Laptop Kit with a Cherry keyboard
Nowadays postage is so expensive that paying it twice seems outdated
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
That's great news!benthepoet wrote: ↑Sat Oct 08, 2022 9:14 pm Yes, I am planning on releasing the files to the public. Right now I'm working on a revision to the main PCB, but once I'm happy with that I'll make them available.
In theory, there is no difference between theory and practice. But, in practice, there is.
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
If you look at this post, you can paint on the key caps with laser printer toner, and a low power laser.
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4824
viewtopic.php?f=7&t=4824
Re: Mechanical Keyboard PCB
Here a very nice video on how to build the perfect keyboard for the ZX81!
It will be better than anything else you have and you'll start to write on ZX81 and then copy the text to the PC LOL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1G5rX_YvCA
PS: this is the third part of a video building the entire system starting from the ZX81+38
It will be better than anything else you have and you'll start to write on ZX81 and then copy the text to the PC LOL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1G5rX_YvCA
PS: this is the third part of a video building the entire system starting from the ZX81+38