48K-KDLX - ZX Spectrum 48k keyboard w. smd tactile switches

[PokeMon]

Especially for the Harlequin and due to some member request on the german board I developed a keyboard with a printed cover panel which can be plugged into any ZX Spectrum 16k/48k board as well. The SMD tactile switches give a reasonable keyboard feeling for easy typing and are a longlife solution with specified minimum 500,000 key presses.

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There are 2 versions existing:

48K-KDLXS as standalone with the printed keyboard layout on the cover - for use with the harlequin or any other ZX Spectrum where the rubber mat or faceplate is missing or damaged. The board fits into the plastic top cover from the case.

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48K-KDLXR for use under the original rubber mat and faceplate instead of a standard membrane. This version requires other tactile switches than the version with the printed cover panel.

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The connection to the main board is made with MOLEX jumper cables of type 25001 which will fit into the MOLEX connectors. They cable jumpers have a rigid core which is flexible enough to bend the cable in a sharp curve as needed for the small ZX Spectrum case.

[PokeMon]

Here are some more pics to see ...
The standalone version 48K-KDLXS

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[PokeMon]

The rubber mat version 48K-KDLXR ...

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[PokeMon]

The switches for the rubber mat version have a reduced height of 0.55mm while the keyboard pcb is also smaller with 1.2mm.
The height will be approx. 1 to 1.5 mm more than with the standard membrane.

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[PokeMon]

The standalone version may also be used as replacement for a rubber mat / faceplate combination (if not good anymore):

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[PokeMon]

They are available now at sellmyretro.com as PCB only, assembly kit or as complete soldered/mounted keyboard.
http://www.sellmyretro.com/user/profile/PokeMon/

Have fun.

[fatbob_gb]

I have just recieved my zx81 version & it is very nice indeed, any idea when the zx80 one will be available?

[PokeMon]

Thanks for feedback.
I have the printed covers for ZX80 keyboard layout as well but not sure how it could be used reasonably in a ZX80 as the ZX80 does not have the Molex connectors.
I have the idea to use it with some spring contacts at the main board, not tested yet myself.
So how would you like to use it and with what kind of hardware / connection ?

[fatbob_gb]

I was thinking of using it with a ZX81 motherboard converted to ZX80, either that or buy the kit and then use the switches & membrane on my ZX80 core.

[yerzmyey]

Hmm, there is too much on the profile. I'm totally confuse what is what.

What is better, Pokemon - the mat (along with the normal rubber keyboard) or the standard membrane?
What does work better? What will "live" longer?



PS: Anyway, in some time I might go for this one

just to have one in one of my Spectrums although I wonder too, what is more... "resilient / vital", You know.