Final keyboard samples ordered

Perifractic · Post by **Perifractic** » Wed May 26, 2021 5:02 am

In this recent video

I showed a first prototype of the X16's mini keyboard. As we edge closer to crowdfunding later this year, today we ordered final keyboard prototype samples with the PETSCII layout and X16 logo on. Can't wait to try them out and show you guys more!

TomXP411 · Post by **TomXP411** » Wed May 26, 2021 6:47 am

BruceMcF · Post by **BruceMcF** » Wed May 26, 2021 8:43 am

Man, oh man, going to be some people sitting on their hands on this one.

19 hours ago, Perifractic said:

... As we edge closer to closed invite-only beta (no requests please ?) ...

(Looks at country of residence)

(Looks at alpha software last updated in September)

... can't wait for the crowdfunding to open!!!

10 PRINT "10 PRINT" · Post by **10 PRINT "10 PRINT"** » Wed May 26, 2021 2:35 pm

Hi,

Is it linked to WASD keyboard here [https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/commander16-by-the-8-bit-guy.html] ?

Perifractic · Post by **Perifractic** » Wed May 26, 2021 3:47 pm

Hi,
Is it linked to WASD keyboard here [https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/commander16-by-the-8-bit-guy.html] ?

This is a different keyboard that will be included with the computer.

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Wed May 26, 2021 4:12 pm

Remember reading about an upcoming computer in your favorite magazine and getting that feeling of anticipation? That desire to get your hands on it and see what it can do?

Yeah... that's me, every time some new milestone is announced. I love having this feeling again!

Nostalgia, my old friend, it's nice to see you again. ?

TomXP411 · Post by **TomXP411** » Wed May 26, 2021 7:08 pm

4 hours ago, 10 PRINT "10 PRINT" said:

Hi,

Is it linked to WASD keyboard here [https://www.wasdkeyboards.com/commander16-by-the-8-bit-guy.html] ?

Right, I think you figured out the answer, but be thorough: The WASD keyboard is an optional purchase. This is a mechanical USB and PS/2 keyboard that will work on any computer with a USB or PS/2 port. So you can use this on a modern PC running the Commander X16 emulator, the Commander X16 itself, or event things like a Raspberry Pi (it's a nice keyboard for using with VICE, for example.)

The keyboard that comes with the CX16 is a membrane keyboard, such as you'd get with a new computer. They are usually perfectly serviceable, and the keyboard pictured above looks like a variant on the Perixx PERIBOARD-409P. I have a USB version in my closet, and it works just fine with the server PC I occasionally plug it into.

A third option is to use any keyboard with Cherry MX style keyswitches and purchase the keycaps separately from WASD. (Once again, thank you Perifractic and the team for making the keycaps an option. Thread here. I use this keyboard every day.)

troj · Post by **troj** » Wed May 26, 2021 10:26 pm

One step closer - looking good! ?

10 PRINT "10 PRINT" · Thu May 27, 2021 10:05 am

That makes sense, tks a lot for helping me in the path to "retro" as I'm a real newby ? ... New in Retro, that's weird ?

Xprime · Post by **Xprime** » Sat May 29, 2021 4:31 pm

If this is indeed a variant of the Perixx PERIBOARD-409P (confirm?) then I have some concern about it’s ps/2 functionality. I have struggled to use the 409P in another project that requires the ps/2 protocol because of the strange behavior discussed here https://www.reddit.com/r/beneater/comments/m836ul/comment/

Basically this keyboard requires a handshake that a truly native ps/2 keyboard does not.

Since you are working directly with the manufacturer, you might inquire about a firmware fix. Or maybe you already did, or have some other work-around in place?

I’d be interested to hear more either way.