Commander X16

@Perifractic I keep "almost" ordering the Commander X16 keyboard from WASD, but I really want a 104-key keyboard, because it's going to get used as a general purpose computing keyboard until the X16 finally releases. 

What are the chances of being able to get this keyboard in a 104-key version? Is that possible, or is it just a flat "no", since the CX16 doesn't read the numeric keypad scan codes?

 

 

Hi Tom, the answer is a flat but polite no. It just isn't on the roadmap and we're pretty locked in on what we'll be releasing over the next year or so. Sorry.

5 hours ago, Perifractic said:

Hi Tom, the answer is a flat but polite no. It just isn't on the roadmap and we're pretty locked in on what we'll be releasing over the next year or so. Sorry.

Thanks. It's no problem, but I wanted to know one way or the other. I was either going to order a 104-key Commander keyboard or design my own using the Commodore glyphs. Now that I have a definitive answer, I can get to work finishing up my Commodore 128 VICE keyboard layout.

 

Is it really $195? That seems a bit contradictory to the "ever-increasing costs, auction site price gouging/sniping affordable" philosophy. I suppose I could see $50-$100 but $200.... 

5 minutes ago, Scott Todd said:

Is it really $195? That seems a bit contradictory to the "ever-increasing costs, auction site price gouging/sniping affordable" philosophy. I suppose I could see $50-$100 but $200.... 

You've confused a few things:

1) The deluxe keyboard is made by WASD and the price is set by them not us. We only produced it because a number of people asked for a high quality microswitch keyboard. WASD sell thousands of keyboards at that price. The other option is we did not offer one at all and ignored user requests.

2) You're quoting our FAQ out of context relating to the core machine.

Ultimately we are trying to give the community what they want. A good value modern retro computer using readily available parts, rather than one you have to fight over on eBay. And, the option for a deluxe keyboard thanks to WASD instead of the mini keyboard that will come with the stock X16. If the result of that is we get complaints from users trying to use the FAQ against us and complaining about an option for a deluxe keyboard which they could just ignore, then perhaps we should revisit having that option at all and remove it from the site. What do you think?

What do I think? First, I think you, David, the other Fractics, and the rest of the gang are awesome!

I guess I was in such a hurry to post the question, I glazed over the first sentence about it being offered by someone else but read the second one where it mentions the philosophy of reliable and inexpensive. I was a bit shocked with the term 'inexpensive' used along with the $195 price tag. 

So what do I really think..Its super cool! People can certainly scrounge a PS2 keyboard but I'll probably end up 'needing' the WASD one. Its just going to be a bit tough to swallow when I hit the Buy button. You should leave the link there. Maybe my question will keep others from asking.

Stay the course, Stay Safe, and THANK YOU to the whole team for this awesome development!

Edit: Reviewing their website, they make some really nice stuff. In the end, its going to be worth it. Its getting easier to hit that Buy button ?

Scott

Thanks for your understanding ??

1 hour ago, Scott Todd said:

... People can certainly scrounge a PS2 keyboard but I'll probably end up 'needing' the WASD one. ...

I'm going to be going with the butterfly switch one that will be bundled with the CX16c. No matter how much I would like the mechanical keyboard, at the price there will always be something ELSE I would rank higher on the wish list.

That is, fingers crossed that I can afford the CX16c.

I'm also going to remember to look at a plastic button on membrane keyboard I see at another project and be thankful that at least there are butterfly switches.

$200 is a fair price for a mechanical switch keyboard with that quality of switches and with all customized keycaps, it's just that I am highly unlikely to ever be able to afford a fair price.

the butterfly switch one that will be bundled with the CX16c

Will x16c have keyboard different from x16p?

2 hours ago, Cyber said:

Will x16c have keyboard different from x16p?

No, the compact one with the butterfly switches that we've mostly seen in the rendering is going to be the standard keyboard to be bundled with the system across the board. The distinction between the CX16p and the CX16c there is not between keyboards but between customers ... there's no way I can afford to get the CX16p with eight grandkids to get gifts for.

The mechanical switch one is the same deluxe premium option across the board whichever version you get ... there are no price points announced as of yet, but I would not be surprised if the CX16e with the standard keyboard included was a lot cheaper than the deluxe keyboard on its own.