ZXpand Specific Keyboard Membranes

[sirmorris]

Yep, no difference in keys.
C

[yerzmyey]

I have received a quote for making these as replacement keyboard membranes and the suggestion is to move from a 0.2mm top layer to 0.15mm which should make for a slightly more responsive keyboard.

Yo,
after several days of having a chance to test this new keyboard, I'd even more insist to make them more responsive. Much more. If possible of course.

[RWAP]

New membranes are on order and should be with me in a few weeks

They will be sold for the same price as the normal ZX81 membranes - £10 plus postage.

[Paul]

Did you order the thinner ones?

[RWAP]

Yes

[XorA]

Gah this means I need to restore yet another of my zx81s

[RWAP]

I have a spreadsheet I use to monitor stock levels of keyboard membranes and surprised myself when I realised just how much I have spent on keyboard membranes in the past 18 months !!

It really is surprising how much investment is needed to keep these little machines running (although at least I have just about broken even with 40% of my stock remaining)

[yerzmyey]

A question for the future.

My friend MONO, lately interested in ZX81 computers, being originally an Atari 8bit fan, asked me, if the company making new keyboards for ZX81 could add one more freature, if people would be interested.

What he means is kind of "outline" around every key, that would be tangible. With fingers, You know.

Atari 400 also had a touch-sense keyboard - with those "outlines" around keys - and that's what he meant.


Well, just a thought - interesting 'though - and just for the future.

[RWAP]

What do people think about having a raised border to the keys?

There are two options:
1) Standard rim emboss each switch. The price difference for this is £0.10 per part & an additional tooling cost of £250 for the emboss tool.

2) Surface print the rim emboss. This is an additonal print on the top of the graphic which you can feel & simulates proper rim embossing. The price difference here is £0.07 per part & an additonal tooling cost of £40 for design & photography.

I will get a sample of each, but is this something people would think worthwhile?

[sirmorris]

I think as a novelty they may be quite fun, but people tend to want the more authentic feeling. Just my £0.02. That's not to say I won't be happy to be a beta tester for a sample...

The original membranes were slightly more textured/matte. Is that an option from anyone?

C