Keyboards
The ZX Spectrum's keyboard is quite adequate for typing in small programs or playing games, but trying to type in a long listing, or a letter on a word processor may leave your fingers aching!
Furthermore, the Spectrum's 'dead flesh' rubber keyboard hides beneath it a membrane that is very similar to that on the ZX81. This membrane is extremely prone to failure after repeated use, so peripheral manufacturers quickly responded to users' needs by producing their own, and in most case more robust keyboards.
Many of these 'third party' keyboards included additional features such as extra SHIFT keys, DELETE key, numeric keypad, function keys, and even sound amplifiers.
What follows is a comprehensive list of as many keyboards ever made for the ZX Spectrum as I could find.
Furthermore, the Spectrum's 'dead flesh' rubber keyboard hides beneath it a membrane that is very similar to that on the ZX81. This membrane is extremely prone to failure after repeated use, so peripheral manufacturers quickly responded to users' needs by producing their own, and in most case more robust keyboards.
Many of these 'third party' keyboards included additional features such as extra SHIFT keys, DELETE key, numeric keypad, function keys, and even sound amplifiers.
What follows is a comprehensive list of as many keyboards ever made for the ZX Spectrum as I could find.
Features
Original Price
Add-On Electronics Ltd
This keyboard has a high-impact black plastic case with typewriter-style keys and comes with fittng instructions.
The Add-On Electronics keyboard bears an uncanny resemblance to the Kayde standard keyboard.
The Add-On Electronics keyboard bears an uncanny resemblance to the Kayde standard keyboard.
£30.00*31
*p&p free
*p&p free
Lo>>Profile by AMS
Extra 'CAPS SHIFT' and 'CAPS LOCK' with numeric keypad. ZX Interface 1 fits outside case.
Originally sold by Advanced Memory Systems, then later Saga Systems Ltd
See also: Saga 2 Profile a redesign of the Lo>>Profile by Saga.
Originally sold by Advanced Memory Systems, then later Saga Systems Ltd
See also: Saga 2 Profile a redesign of the Lo>>Profile by Saga.
£49.951
Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ upgrade kit
Official Sinclair upgrade kit.
58 keys in total with extra 17 keys including 'TRUE VIDEO', 'INVERSE VIDEO', 'GRAPHICS', 'EDIT', 'CAPS LOCK', 'BREAK', full stop, comma, cursor controls, inverted comma, semicolon, 'EXTENDED MODE' and 'DELETE'.
Upgraded space bar is larger.
User guide and companion cassette included.
ZX Interface 1 fits outside case.
Note: ZX Spectrum+ upgrade is not always the same as a factory built ZX Spectrum+ as a 16K version could have been used in an upgrade.
User guide and companion cassette included.
ZX Interface 1 fits outside case.
Note: ZX Spectrum+ upgrade is not always the same as a factory built ZX Spectrum+ as a 16K version could have been used in an upgrade.
£20.00- DIY kit2
£30.00 - 'Send off' upgrade2
£30.00 - 'Send off' upgrade2
MO184 Professional Keyboard by MANCOMP
Extra keys include 'EXTENDED MODE','DELETE' and cursor keys. Also included extra keys for left-handed users, full size space bar, numeric keypad with decimal point and double width 'ENTER' key.
Built in palm rest and pen holder.
ZX Interface 1 and power supply housed without the need to remove from casings.
Built in palm rest and pen holder.
ZX Interface 1 and power supply housed without the need to remove from casings.
£49.953
Stonechip Electronics
ZX Spectrum (complete PCB and keyboard) fits inside case connected by ribbon cable.
Full size space bar. Built-in amplifier with volume and tone dials and SAVE/LOAD switch. Two 'RESET' keys which are placed in positions close to commonly used keys, namely the 'A' and '0' (zero), which could have proved problematic.
As well as the reset keys, extra keys include 'EXTENDED MODE' and 'DELETE'. There is also a larger 'ENTER' key.
Compatible with ZX Interface 1.
Extender cable for ZX Interface 2 was available at £2.50.
Full size space bar. Built-in amplifier with volume and tone dials and SAVE/LOAD switch. Two 'RESET' keys which are placed in positions close to commonly used keys, namely the 'A' and '0' (zero), which could have proved problematic.
As well as the reset keys, extra keys include 'EXTENDED MODE' and 'DELETE'. There is also a larger 'ENTER' key.
Compatible with ZX Interface 1.
Extender cable for ZX Interface 2 was available at £2.50.
£59.95*4
£39.95* (basic keyboard only)4
*VAT and p&p inclusive
£39.95* (basic keyboard only)4
*VAT and p&p inclusive
Cheetah 68FX1 by London Microtech Ltd
Full size with numeric keypad. ZX Interfaces 1 and 2 fit without modification.
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£59.955
Fox 68FX2
Full size space-bar. Individual gold=plated key switches. Single entry keys include: Full stop, SHIFT-LOCK, edit, delete, break, minus, *, RUN, divide and cursor keys.
¼" thick plastic casing.
¼" thick plastic casing.
£39.95 inclusive22
Transform Keyboard
Extra 60 keys including full stop, comma, semi-colon, colon, 'DELETE', 'EXTENDED MODE' and 'EDIT'. Full size space bar and large 'ENTER' key. Case will contain ZX Interface 1 and power supply. On/off witch with LED.
£69.95*6
* plus £2 p&p
* plus £2 p&p
dk'tronics Mk.1
52 keys including 12 for numeric keypad. Keypad keys include 0 to 9 plus full stop and SHIFT. Connections at rear for MIC, EAR, TV, power and edge connector
Fits both ZX81 and ZX Spectrum.
Fits both ZX81 and ZX Spectrum.
£45.00*10
*inclusive of p&p and VAT
*inclusive of p&p and VAT
dk'tronics Mk.2
52 keys including numeric keypad plus a full size space bar. Numeric pad has 'DELETE' key and decimal point/full stop.
P.C.B's of Spectrum, Interface 1 and ZX power supply are contained within case[note]
Case measures 15" x 9" x 3". Connection accesible at rear are TV, MIC, EAR, power, RS232, ZX-NET.
[note] ZX Interface 1 does not fit case perfectly and some trimming of case may have been required.
P.C.B's of Spectrum, Interface 1 and ZX power supply are contained within case[note]
Case measures 15" x 9" x 3". Connection accesible at rear are TV, MIC, EAR, power, RS232, ZX-NET.
[note] ZX Interface 1 does not fit case perfectly and some trimming of case may have been required.
£45.00*14
* plus £1.25 p&p
* plus £1.25 p&p
Eider Systems Professional series
67 keys including repeat shifts, on/off switch with LED indicator, fully built-in, compatible with all add-on.
Optional extras
Built-in composite video interface / TV switchable
Built-in light pen inerface.
Special interference filter (no need to remove MIC leads)
Extra MIC socket.
Save/Load LED indicators.
Optional extras
Built-in composite video interface / TV switchable
Built-in light pen inerface.
Special interference filter (no need to remove MIC leads)
Extra MIC socket.
Save/Load LED indicators.
from £65.00*28
*+VAT & £5 postage
*+VAT & £5 postage
Maplin Keyboard
47 keys including 'GRAPHICS', shift and 'CAPS LOCK', 'DELETE' and 'EXTENDED MODE'.
This keyboard is unusual in the fact that it has two small space bars instead of the usual one long space bar.
Also features unused key for user wiring.
This keyboard is unusual in the fact that it has two small space bars instead of the usual one long space bar.
Also features unused key for user wiring.
£28.50 (kit)7
£6.50 (adaptor for kit)7
£44.95 (ready built)7
£6.50 (adaptor for kit)7
£44.95 (ready built)7
Fuller Micro Systems FDS Keyboard
42 keys. Spectrum PCB must be removed from original keyboard and enclosed in FD42. Case also holds power supply.
Note: Also fits ZX81
Note: Also fits ZX81
£29.00*9
*VAT and p&p inclusive
*VAT and p&p inclusive
FDS Keyboard
ZX81/ZX Spectrum
With space bar and double sized 'SHIFT' and 'ENTER' keys. Also fits ZX81.
£39.95*9
*+VAT and p&p inclusive
*+VAT and p&p inclusive
FDS Keyboard
(ZX Spectrum only)
Four cursor control keys, 'DELETE' key, full-stop, comma, full length space bar, 2 'SYMBOL SHIFT' and 2 '(CAPS) SHIFT' keys.
Two function keys allow direct entry into green and red extended modes.
P.C.B. fits inside or buffer available for cased Spectrum to fit inside.
Buffer - £8.75 + 80p p&p
Two function keys allow direct entry into green and red extended modes.
P.C.B. fits inside or buffer available for cased Spectrum to fit inside.
Buffer - £8.75 + 80p p&p
£49.95*8
*+£2.50 p&p
*+£2.50 p&p
Protos 83S
With left hand Symbol Shift key and audio amplifier. Keyboard switch turns amplifier on and off.
A ZX81 version, the Protos 83, was also produced.
The image on the left is that of the Protos 83 version.
A ZX81 version, the Protos 83, was also produced.
The image on the left is that of the Protos 83 version.
£64.95*30
*+£2.95 p&p
*+£2.95 p&p
Harris & Lockyer Associates
4 Shift keys - one for each level. All keywords etc. are in 4 colours 14 under clear caps. Full size keyswitches.
Image shown is the ZX81 model.
Image shown is the ZX81 model.
26.95*29
*p&p inclusive (overseas £2)
*p&p inclusive (overseas £2)
SSL Saga 1 Emporer
67 keys including dedicated 'LIST', 'LOAD', 'RUN', 'SAVE'. Extra punctuation keys include semi-colon, hash, colon, comma, equal sign, full-stop, dollar, asterisk.
Four 'SYMBOL SHIFT' keys, 2 'CAP SHIFT', 'CAPS LOCK', 'EDIT', 'DELETE' and cursors keys. Also has a full size space bar.
Four 'SYMBOL SHIFT' keys, 2 'CAP SHIFT', 'CAPS LOCK', 'EDIT', 'DELETE' and cursors keys. Also has a full size space bar.
£54.95*†‡11
*VAT include p&p £1.25 (UK)
†p&p £4.00 (Europe)
‡p&p £15.00 (U.A.E.)
*VAT include p&p £1.25 (UK)
†p&p £4.00 (Europe)
‡p&p £15.00 (U.A.E.)
Saga 2+
Not much is known about this keyboard other than it appears to be a cut-down version of the Saga 3 Elite.
£54.95*20
* includes V.A.T., p&p £1.50
* includes V.A.T., p&p £1.50
Saga 2 Crusader
Extra 22 single function. ZX Interface 1 and Microdrive Compatible. Full size space bar.
£59.95*18
* VAT included, p&p £1.15
* VAT included, p&p £1.15
Saga 3 Elite
87 keys, 27 of which are auto-shifted.
£79.95*17
* VAT included, p&p £1.85
* VAT included, p&p £1.85
Saga 2 Profile
Redesign of the Lo>>Profile keyboard. 52 keys, numeric keypad.
£49.95*17
* VAT included, p&p £1.50
* VAT included, p&p £1.50
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Saga 2001
The Saga 2001 connects to the ZX Spectrum via an interface which plug into the edge connector. The interface receives an infra-red signal from the Saga 2001 making this keyboard completely cordless.
Many of the Spectrum's extended mode functions have been made into single entry keys.
At £119.95 this was the most expensive keyboard for the ZX Spectrum for it's time.
Many of the Spectrum's extended mode functions have been made into single entry keys.
At £119.95 this was the most expensive keyboard for the ZX Spectrum for it's time.
£119.9519
RIKB1 by Ricoll Electronics
Metal case with 41 keys plus a full space bar.
Adjustable fixings for P.C.B.
Also fits ZX81.
Adjustable fixings for P.C.B.
Also fits ZX81.
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£37.9512
£37.95*13
*plus £2 p&p, includes V.A.T.
£37.95*13
*plus £2 p&p, includes V.A.T.
Kayde Standard
Computer does not fit inside case but is connected via a ribbon cable. Also fits ZX81.
£37.95*15
* plus £2.00 p&p
* plus £2.00 p&p
Kayde Deluxe
Computer fits inside case. Full length space bar. Also fits ZX81.
£45.00*15
* plus £2.00 p&p
* plus £2.00 p&p
Kayde Super Plug-In
Computer fits inside case (no disassembly of computer required). Plugs into user port. Full length space bar. Also fits ZX81.
£49.95*15
* plus £2.00 p&p
* plus £2.00 p&p
Fox Electronics
42 key full travel keyboard. Circuit board fits inside case (no soldering required).
£29.95*21
* plus £2.00 p&p
* plus £2.00 p&p
Lazer 62
by Microboard
(Shown with ZX Microdrive attached)
62 full travel gold contact keys. Keys laid out to 'QWERTY' standard. 22 keys are auto-shifted including EDIT and DELETE.
Case houses Spectrum PCB. Includes ON/OFF switch.
Compatible with ZX Interface 1 and ZX Microdrive. No soldering required.
Case houses Spectrum PCB. Includes ON/OFF switch.
Compatible with ZX Interface 1 and ZX Microdrive. No soldering required.
£59.95*23
* includes VAT @ 15%, plus postage of £2.25 (UK), £6.75 (Europe), £12.00 (World)
* includes VAT @ 15%, plus postage of £2.25 (UK), £6.75 (Europe), £12.00 (World)
Indescomp
With adjustable sound.
£59.95*24
* exclusive to Spectrum Computer Centres, sold in-store only.
* exclusive to Spectrum Computer Centres, sold in-store only.
H & K Supplies
46 keys plus full length space bar plus 6 user keys. Keyboard can be used independently of housing if required.
£59.95* (Keyboard with housing)25
£39.95† (Keyboard only)25
* +£2 p&p
† +£1 p&p
£39.95† (Keyboard only)25
* +£2 p&p
† +£1 p&p
MUKBUS Keyboard
by Microtext (UK) Ltd
Full sized space bar, colour coded key caps, shift-lock with LED, cursor pad, fire button and automatic delete key.
Compatible with MUKBUS motherboard.
Comes as a bare keyboard without a case, case is an optional extra.
Compatible with MUKBUS motherboard.
Comes as a bare keyboard without a case, case is an optional extra.
Keyboard with typical optional case
£39.95 (Keyboard only)26
£9.50 (extra for case)26
£9.50 (extra for case)26
Keyboards (overlay type)
Features
Original Price
Kelwood K-Board
Requires removal of original metal plate, rubber key mat and keyboard matrix. 40 moving key switches increases height of Spectrum.
Image: K-Board P.C.B. and keycaps Credit: Your Spectrum, August 1984, p.9
Note: Will not work with ZX Spectrum+ as new keyboard still requires original Spectrum plastic case to work.
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Note: Will not work with ZX Spectrum+ as new keyboard still requires original Spectrum plastic case to work.
£28.5016
Kappa Keyboards
56 full-size keys with full colour legends. Two keyboard connectors and two joystick connectors. Replaces top part of ZX Spectrum so will not work with ZX Spectrum+.
£48.00*27
*price fully inclusive
*price fully inclusive
References
1. Scott, A., author, The Spectrum Add-on Guide, 1983, p.?2. "New - the official Spectrum Upgrade! - Sinclair advert", Your Spectrum, June 1985 p.21
3. "The O184 for SPECTRUM users - MANCOMP advert", Your Spectrum, June 1985 p.31
4. "The Key to Success! - Stonechip advert", Sinclair User, December 1984 p.217
5. "Keyboard has class - Hardware World article", Sinclair User, December 1984 p.59
6. "TRANSFORM LTD - advert", Sinclair User, November 1984 p.156
7. "Maplin into keyboard act", Personal Computer News, 15-21 December 1983 p.2
8. "Transform your Spectrum now! - Fuller FDS advert", Personal Computer News, No. 48, 11 February 1984 p.74
9. "AFDEC ELECTRONICS LTD - advert", Your Computer, June 1983 p.82
10. "Keyed up? - Hardware News", ZX Computing, August/September 1983 p.67
11. "SAGA EMPEROR 1 - advert", Sinclair User, December 1984 p.186
12. "Shop Window - Keyboards", ZX Computing, December/January 1985 p.90
13. "Introducing the new Ricoll compatibles - advert", Your Computer, December 1983 p.194
14. "dk'tronics The Spectrum Connection - advert", Sinclair User, November 1984 p.47
15. "KAYDE Keyboards - for the ZX81 and Spectrum - advert", Sinclair User, May 1983 p.42
16. "Hardware World - Keyboards", Sinclair User Annual, 1985 p.18
17. "Advance with Saga - advert", Sinclair User Annual, 1986 p.131
18. "SAGA 2 CRUSADER - advert", Your Spectrum, June 1984 p.59
19. "HARDWARE - 2001 - KEYBOARD OF THE FUTURE?", ZX Computing, August 1986 p.22/23
20. "OUT OF THIS WORLD - advert", ZX Computing, September 1986, p.91
21. "FOX ELECTRONICS - advert", Personal Computer News, March 18th 1983, p.65
22. "FOX ELECTRONICS - advert", Sinclair User Annual, 1986, p.10
23. "THE LAZER 62 - advert", Personal Computer News, March 9th 1985, p.31
24. "Everything you've ever wanted for your ZX SPECTRUM. Superb ZX add-on's from your local Spectrum dealer - advert", Personal Computer News, November 24th-30th 1983, p.15
25. "NEW - Spectrum Keyboard - advert", Your Spectrum No.5, July 1984, p.61
26. "SPECTRUM & ZX81 USER - advert", Sinclair User No.16, July 1983, p.94
27. "The Kappa Keyboard £48 - advert", Your Spectrum No.7, September 1984, p.34
28. "GETTING SERIOUS? - Eidersoft advert", Your Spectrum No.9, November 1984, p.63
29. "SPECTRUM & ZX-81 KEYBOARDS - advert", Sinclair User No.7, October 1982, p.56
30. Protos Computer Systems - advert, ZX Computing, December 1982/January 1983, p.115
31. Add-On Electronics - advert, Sinclair User, November 1983, p.39
Last Revised : 31/08/2024