haitchfiveBrian Swetland's mechanical keyboard for the ZX81
https://github.com/swetland/zx81-keyboard/
Silicon Underground (Dave F)@haitchfive I've seen Timex Sinclair 1000s (the US version of the ZX81) with various other keyboards hanging off the side. I always wondered if something like this was feasible.
Very much so. Numerous such projects exist for the ZX Spectrum too, and the membrane keyboard design of the original Spectrum is not vastly different.
I own a couple of Timex Sinclair 2068 units, I'm thinking of doing something of the sort with one of them.
Take for example this project:
https://www.ginger-electronic.com/en/retro-computer/26-46-48p-kdlx-keyboard-for-sinclair-zx-spectrum-plus-128k.html#/31-kit-kit_need_soldering
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OmG91I-cjM
(This is just a project specific to the Spectrum 128 that I'm familiar with, but I'm sure there are many others out there)
48P-KDLX keyboard for Sinclair ZX Spectrum plus (+) / 128k Kit Kit (need soldering)
This pcb keyboard with 58 tactile switches replaces the membrane in the Sinclair Models ZX Spectrum Plus (+) and ZX Spectrum 128k ("toastrack") and gives a comfortable type feeling with perceptible and audible click. Please take note, this keyboard was completely revised with a new form factor and all keys are placed now very properly, which makes it much easier to install this keyboard in your spectrum. The rails from production must be broken with small tongs and the cables need to be soldered to the pcb and the small keyboard adapters, which will fit perfectly in the membrane connectors. This keyboard can be ordered also mounted ready for install with a little extra fee. Assembly kit refers to soldering the cables only and remove the rails.Feedback to 48P-KDLX on sellmyretro
This is the ZX Mechtrum
https://leesmithsworkshop.co.uk/products/the-mechtrum-mechanical-keyboard-zx-spectrum-case
And that's how it emerged this derivative little monster, the MechZX81.
https://www.printables.com/model/439773-mechzx8138-case
But a number of other projects with various degrees of technical involvement exist, with different degrees of originality and cross-breeding with other projects powering each other. It's an exciting time for retrocomputing! Probably the most exciting of times since I remember having used the term.
The ZX81 Keyboard We've all Been Waiting For?
@haitchfive I agree completely, there are great projects out there for very nearly every platform, so we can fix or enhance almost any retro machine.