First prototype mini keyboard

Perifractic · Post by **Perifractic** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 6:49 pm

Very small update for you guys. First prototype PS/2 mini keyboard is in.

Note: This is not representative of our colour scheme or keycap artwork. They used a default artwork but we'll be able to get more specific once the crowdfunding starts.

But the goal of this prototype is to test the new more ergonomic raised up keycaps and overall feel and design. You may remember our early prototype keys were flatter, more laptop like, and less nice to type on.

This feels REALLY good to type on, especially for a good value non-microswitch keyboard. Can't wait for you guys to be able to hold it in your hands. Well... under your fingers... You know what I mean.

(And of course the deluxe microswitch keyboard made and sold by WASD remains an option for the most selective of keyboard connoisseurs: http://commanderx16.com/deluxekeyboard )

More updates soon!

Your friend in retro, Perifractic

EMwhite · Post by **EMwhite** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:30 pm

I just sprung for the WASK Keyboards $205'er (brown). Hoping to team it up with a C=Key kit I just received to use with my 128 project; maybe this will be the kick in the arse I need to do something useful with the Commander x16 virtual environment instead of watching this forum incessantly for news of the HW actually being released.

Regardless, it's beautiful looking. Also bought two CBM logo keys which hopefully will fit.

Exabyte · Post by **Exabyte** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 8:39 pm

Once I have disposable income for more than hours in my day I'd love to buy this! Keep up the good work, lads.

Keiyentai · Post by **Keiyentai** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 9:23 pm

Thay is awesome looking. I can't wait for this project.

Perifractic · Post by **Perifractic** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:05 pm

1 hour ago, Exabyte said:

Once I have disposable income for more than hours in my day I'd love to buy this! Keep up the good work, lads.

Well, this is the keyboard that will be included with the X16P, so technically you won't have to buy this keyboard ?

John Chow Seymour · Post by **John Chow Seymour** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 10:35 pm

Oooh, nice. Those "half-height" keys are often my favorites. It's going to look great with the color and PETSCII symbols.

EDIT: Please consider making blue, rather than grey, the secondary keycap color. But honestly it looks good even with the grey (in that render in the last pic).

Perifractic · Post by **Perifractic** » Wed Dec 02, 2020 11:59 pm

1 hour ago, John Chow Seymour said:

Oooh, nice. Those "half-height" keys are often my favorites. It's going to look great with the color and PETSCII symbols.

EDIT: Please consider making blue, rather than grey, the secondary keycap color. But honestly it looks good even with the grey (in that render in the last pic).

Yeah that's a factory cost limitation. How much more would you pay for a blue key? The way they mould these it would require a separate mould. The top keys don't look good all blue IMHO. The aim here is beauty and value. ?

troj · Post by **troj** » Thu Dec 03, 2020 12:50 am

Awesome to see things continuing to move forward !

The keyboard looks great, though I love my clicky keys. ?

Geehaf · Post by **Geehaf** » Thu Dec 03, 2020 9:32 am

Looking good. Loving your work. ?

AndyMt · Post by **AndyMt** » Thu Dec 03, 2020 9:50 am

Looking really good, the new key caps are a plus! Regarding the colour-scheme: I'm fine with grey. Although the pattern on the rendering with only the arrow and function keys +X16 in grey appeals more to me. Maybe add Pg Up/Dn Home/End to be grey, too.

It looks very "wild" or "messy" on the prototype now. But as you said: that might change.

I will like it in any case, can't wait for the real hardware. I even found a 14" CRT VGA monitor I will use with the X16 ?.