ZX81 Mechanical Keyboard

This repository contains the files used in the following blog posts:

ZX81/TIMEX-SINCLAIR 1000 Custom Mechanical Keyboard Prototype - Part 1

ZX81/TIMEX-SINCLAIR 1000 Custom Mechanical Keyboard Prototype - Part 2

Laser Cut Prototype Keyboard Switch Plate

Predesigned Default ZX81 Layout File

Use the zx81-default-plate.dxf file in this repository as is with a laser cutter at your local makerspace, on your own laser cutter, or with a laser cutting service provider.

Make Your Own Custom Laser Cut Switch Plate Layout

If you wish to create your own prototype keyboard switch plate CAD file for laser cutting:

1. Goto Keyboard Layout Editor and design your own layout, or use the ZX81 Default Layout that I created.
2. Click on the "</> Raw data" tab to select & copy the generated JSON layout data to your clipboard.
3. Paste the generated JSON layout data from the above step into the "Plate Layout" input of swillkb's Plate & Case Builder.
4. Select your switch type, stabilizers, case, etc.
5. Click on the "Draw My CAD" button, or you can order the plate from lasergist.
6. If you selected "Draw My CAD", you should get directed to a page with the plate drawing shown as specified along with three buttons to download either an SVG, DXF, or EPS file.
7. Use the downloaded file with a laser cutter at your local makerspace or on your own laser cutter.

Water-Transfer Decal File

Use the zx81-default-layout-single-set.svg file to print onto a "white backed" non-transparent waterslide decal paper. Make sure to use a decal application/treating solution as mentioned in ZX81/TIMEX-SINCLAIR 1000 Custom Mechanical Keyboard Prototype - Part 2