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Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 4:09 am
by David G
Filesixty, a London company, sold different versions of a stick-on keyboard
* Original
*
Improved rubber buttons with neoprene keymat
*
Buttonset with hard-plastic coloured SHIFT and ENTER keys
Reportedly, the products were made by Avocet Limited in Aylesbury
Improved. Not only is this marketed as improved, but all comments indicate it is actually far better to use than the Buttonset
Filesixty Buttonset keyboard
Buttonset: white keys/black letters (with some red & blue keys)
Improved: black keys/white letters
Buttonset: red SHIFT & FUNCT\N/L, blue top row keys
Improved: black SHIFT & FUNCTION\ENTER
Buttonset: Zero key labeled '0 RUB'
Improved: Zero key labeled '0 DELETE'
Further variations are evident with the NEWLINE key:
* FUNCT NEW LINE
* FUNCT ENTER
* FUNCT N/L
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 12:40 pm
by Vorticon
How well did these work?
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 1:15 pm
by Moggy
The version pictured above is made from hard plastic as is the "spring" mechanism under the buttons. I have one of these and quite frankly they are bloody awful to use requiring a very hard keypress, however they improved upon this with a version made out of neoprene ( I believe ) and this version was most excellent for the time although the keys did wobble a bit and like the Jupiter Ace required a full on central keypress.
Under the top decal layer there is a moulded mat rather like the spectrum one.
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:28 pm
by Its1982again
I have a couple of these. I use one on my 32k and the other is spare. Briliant improvement ewpecially for the thumb presses!
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 7:31 pm
by David G
Its1982again wrote: ↑Sun Oct 23, 2022 6:28 pm
I have a couple of these. I use one on my 32k and the other is spare. Briliant improvement ewpecially for the thumb presses!
Whick model do you have that works well, the black-key version or the white-key version?
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Sun Oct 23, 2022 9:40 pm
by Its1982again
Both black key versiins, and both neoprene rather than hard plastic. I've had a few of those and not too good.
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 12:50 am
by David G
This advertisement (different copy here in 1080p resolution) says "improved" and has the black keys. Funny thing is in the ad it looks retro (all black) whereas the ad from 5 months prior had the multi-color keyboard
- Computer Answers Apr 1984 page 155
A NEW, IMPROVED
ZX81 KEYBOARD AT THE SAME
OLD PRICE.£9.95.
There's only one thing wrong with the ZX81. Its keyboard
Or rather its lack of one
Since it's flat your fingers don't feel as if there's any response to the pressure put on the keys
Code: Select all
__________
/ \
-------------------- --------------------
ZX81 KEYS FILESIXTY KEYS
In other words, you're not quite sure which keys you've pressed until the screen actually tells you
Our new, improved push button keyboard changes all that.
It matches the ZX81 perfectly And the keys give a real calculator type feel.
To set it up all you have to do is peel off the adhesive backing and stick it on top of the ZX81 touchpad
Becaus no tampering or soldering is involved the guarantee is not affected And it will last for up to 3-1/2 million operations
But our keyboard doesn't just come loaded with features With it comes a separate overlay and a set of coloured stick-on labels to make game playing easer.
It's yours for the original price of £9.95
Whichever way you look at it, we think you'll agree that it's a keyboard that's quite outstanding
-------
Orders to Filesixty Ltd FREEPOST London W9 2BR
Checques/PO made to Filesixty Ltd
Please send me _____ (qty.) Keyboard at £9.95 each
(including VAT and P&P)
Total £ BLOCK CAPITALS
NAME _____
ADDRESS _____
G1
FILESIXTY
Filesixty Ltd 25 Chippenham Mews, London W9 2AN England Tel 01 289 3059 Telex 268 048 EXTLDN G4087
Is that a residential flat at
25 Chippenham Mews?
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2022 3:46 pm
by Moggy
That's because (as explained in my previous post) one is made of hard plastic and the new "improved" one of neoprene therefore two different types of style/materials but both from the same company.
As for the flat being residential possibly so as much of the cottage industry in software and add-ons that emerged for the Sinclair range were produced by private individuals from their homes rather than a professional factory set up.
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2022 4:14 am
by David G
Moggy wrote: ↑Sun Oct 23, 2022 1:15 pm
The version pictured above is made from hard plastic as is the "spring" mechanism under the buttons. I have one of these and quite frankly they are bloody awful to use requiring a very hard keypress
I've heard it is comprised of chiclet-style keys with a nubbin on the bottom of each key that, being centred over the ZX81 keyboard, will press down on centre of the key. But having a raised key for improved touch feel and it's a (slightly) movable key instead of just the flat membrane
Is it the keys that are made of hard plastic, or the entire framework of the stick-on keyboard?
The above picture mentioned (first post) is the white-key version with (white keys with black letters)
It has a FUNCT N/L key
Here is an ad from November 1983 USA advert: Filesixty Buttonset keyboard
This ad shows a FUNCT NEW LINE key
- Sync magazine Nov 1983 page 23
NOW. A TS1000/ZX81 PUSH-BUTTON KEYBOARD FOR UNDER $20.00.
At last there's a really cheap but efficient way of ironing out the TS1000/ZX81's only real bug: its keyboard. The Filesixty Buttonset offers:
* A full-travel calculator-type moving keyboard for only $19.50.
* Installed in seconds. The peel-off adhesive backing means you just register into position and press.
* No messy labels, dismantling or soldering.
* 3 groups of colour keys to pick out shift, numerals and newline.
* Precision moulded in ABS to match your TS1000/ZX81, with contrasting legends for maximum legibility.
[drawing: wipe the old unit with a cloth]
1. Make sure the original keyboard is clean and check that all the keys function.
[drawing: back of Buttonset keyboard small pads (3 along top and 3 on bottom)]
2. The Buttonset is held in place by self adhesive pads.
[drawing: using fingernail]
3. So all you do is remove the protective backing.
[drawing: center the Buttonset over the original keyboard]
4. And place it centrally on your TS1000/ZX81.
---------------
Checues/money orders made payable to Filesixty Ltd.
Please send me ________ (qty.) Buttonset(s) at $19.50 each (inclusive of postage& packaging).
Total $_________________________BLOCK CAPITALS
(U.S. DOLLARS ONLY)
Name _____________
Address _____________
_____________________
State________________
Zip__________________
USA4SYNC N/D '83
FILESIXTY
---------------
Orders to Filesixty Ltd. P.O. Box 1469 Murray Hill Station, New York, NY 10156
Re: Filesixty Keyboard
Posted: Tue Oct 25, 2022 11:55 am
by Lardo Boffin
Here is the underside of one of the soft rubber type keyboards: