Features

Original Price

Lo>>Profile

The Lo>>Profile is a replacement keyboard for the ZX Spectrum, housed in a full-size, slimline enclosure measuring 440 × 220 × 50 mm. It features a full-size QWERTY layout with 53 keys, compared with the Spectrum's original 40. The sculptured, height-adjusted keytops have three-colour engraved legends and use a rubber-bubble spring mechanism, providing a sensitive, positive-action feel. The keyboard includes a 155 mm space bar with a levelling mechanism, an enlarged ENTER key, and a dedicated numeric and cursor keypad. Additional CAPS SHIFT, CAPS LOCK and full stop keys are also provided, although some of these still require SHIFT to be pressed. ^{1 2 3}

Installation requires the Spectrum motherboard to be removed from its original case and transferred to the base of the Lo>>Profile enclosure, where it is secured using the supplied mountings. The original keyboard ribbon cables are replaced by the AMS keyboard ribbons. The ZX Interface 1 can be connected underneath the keyboard and secured through the base, raising the keyboard to a more comfortable working angle. ^{1 2 3}

Sinclair User noted that the mounting holes on its review sample needed slight enlargement to align correctly with the motherboard. The raised rear of the enclosure also makes connecting some add-ons, including the Kempston printer interface, difficult. ² ZX Computing praised the sensitivity and positive feel of the keys, reporting that the keyboard had performed reliably during extended use. It also noted the absence of single-key E mode, dot and comma functions. ³

AMS advertised the Lo>>Profile as having been tested to 20 million key depressions per key and supplied with a one-year guarantee. The company also claimed compatibility with all Spectrum add-ons. ¹

Originally marketed by Advanced Memory Systems Ltd, the Lo>>Profile was later sold by Saga Systems Ltd. Saga subsequently introduced the Saga 2 Profile, a redesigned version of the keyboard. ⁴

⌨ View keyboard diagram

£49.95 ¹

Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ (upgrade)

The official Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ Upgrade Kit converts an original 48K ZX Spectrum into a Spectrum+ by transferring the complete motherboard into the larger replacement case and fitting the new 58-key keyboard. The keyboard has 17 additional keys, including dedicated TRUE VIDEO, INVERSE VIDEO, GRAPHICS, EDIT, CAPS LOCK, BREAK, DELETE, EXTENDED MODE, punctuation and cursor controls. It features hard, moulded typewriter-style keys with a responsive action, a larger space bar and two separate shift keys for graphics and extended modes. Two retractable legs provide an inclined typing position, while a reset button allows the computer to be reset without disconnecting the power supply.
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Installation requires the original Spectrum motherboard to be removed from its case and transferred into the new Spectrum+ enclosure. The kit includes step-by-step fitting instructions and requires some soldering. Sinclair also offered an alternative upgrade service, whereby owners could send their working 48K Spectrum to Sinclair Research for conversion.⁵

Both upgrade options included the 80-page Spectrum+ User Guide and Companion Cassette. The cassette provides an interactive introduction to the new keyboard and includes three arcade games.⁵

Sinclair stated that the upgraded computer would remain compatible with existing Spectrum software and peripherals, including Interface 1 and Microdrives. The original upgrade offer applied to working 48K Spectrum models in the UK.⁵

⌨ View keyboard diagram

£20.00 ⁵ £30.00 ⁵

Standard Keyboard for Spectrum

The Add-On Electronics Standard Keyboard for the ZX Spectrum is housed in a high-impact black plastic case and features typewriter-style keys. Full fitting instructions were supplied to assist with installation. ⁶

£30.00 (or was included free when £30 worth of software was purchased) ⁶