Amiga 600 mechanical keyboard kits available

A few months ago I made an A1200 keyboard, and some people said "A600?" so here it is. This is a similar project using one circuit board, one 32-way socket, one ribbon cable, 78 Gateron Brown MX keyswitches, three stabilisers and one LED. I also designed 3D-printed parts to mount the keyboard and to make the available spacebar fit. Then I made some custom keycaps* where required using a cheap laser engraver and keys dipped in laser toner.
https://i.imgur.com/9pguT6m.jpg

Update, May 2020: While we're all stuck inside waiting for this virus to stop bothering us, I have been using my Amiga a lot more and I guess you lot have too. A couple of people asked me if these keyboards were available so I am producing more. At the moment consider them available, possibly with a two to three week lead time if you ask when I am out of stock of any parts. Of course you can order parts yourself without any involvement from me - just check my Github repo (https://github.com/aeberbach/A600KB) where you can find PCB fabrication files, STL files for the 3D printed parts, and part numbers for the connector and ribbon cable also needed.

A1200 keyboards (https://github.com/aeberbach/A1200KB) are a very similar proposition, and if not for doing the A1200 keyboard I would not have got the A600 one basically right first time. A1200 is slightly more expensive since it is larger, uses more key switches and is heavier to ship. I use one full time and it's great!

Base Option: Amiga 600 PCB with 3D printed mounting parts

https://i.imgur.com/43RKsqC.jpg
This includes the PCB, double-sided on 3.2mm substrate, and three pieces of attached "rail" that makes the keyboard snap neatly into the A600's top case.
$40


Addition: 7U spacebar stabiliser assembly + two other stabilisers (for Tab and Enter keys)
https://i.imgur.com/0XTR8F0.jpg
I designed a unit to fit in the 8U spacebar position of the A600. It has stabilisers and correct wire 'U' for the 7U spacebar, as an 8U spacebar is very hard to get. To make it fit with no gaps it has 1/2U blank platforms either side of the bar.
$12


Addition: Molex 32-way socket and ribbon cable to connect the PCB to your A600.
https://i.imgur.com/gfiSFbr.jpg
The keyboard uses a 32-way socket with only circuits 1-30 in use. The ribbon cable has two conductors trimmed from one end so that it is a 30-way connector at the Amiga end and fits in exactly the same as the green membrane connector of the original.
$10


Addition: 78 Gateron Brown PCB-mount MX keyswitches

https://i.imgur.com/lVZ7RUl.jpg
Soldered to the PCB for you. These are tactile but not clicky, you only feel the click. I only have this type and only enough for a few keyboards. Caps Lock LED fitted too.
$35


TL;DR: a fully assembled keyboard ready to plug in and attach keycaps to is AU$97.


Cost of shipping to places within Australia is AU$20. Cost of shipping elsewhere in the world is AU$38. Sorry the prices went up - I just got back from posting one and that's what it is costing!


To order please express interest in this thread before sending a PM. I'll acknowledge here. Payment to be Paypal (friends & family) or you can add the fees.

*I am not supplying keycaps. There is too much choice! You can get a big set of caps from AliExpress for about US$35 that will fill all the spaces on your keyboard, but they won't have all the correct Amiga legends. Maybe you will need to buy some blanks in addition to a set that has the ISO Enter key. You can't buy a full Cherry MX Amiga set of keys anywhere right now as far as I know. If you must have a perfect keyboard that looks just like the ones Commodore made you should buy the Kipper2K keyboard from Amiga on the Lake.

I'm interested in a fully assembled keyboard.

Replied to mattymuc.

I have to withdraw my interest because of missunderstanding a few text parts.

Declaring interest in a fully assembled keyboard

Hello again,

I'm interested in fully assembled keyboard.

Regards

That looks cool, have you made the gerbers open source ?

Open on github with 3D print files too, as soon as I get an opportunity to review and tidy it up a bit.

Payment sent, I have been waiting years for a project like this! Thank you so much for sharing your work Aeberbach!

Thanks karloch!

BTW, PCB and STL files are now available on GitHub: https://github.com/aeberbach/A600KB (MIT license)

I have one last A600 keyboard to sell - this is my last PCB, and also my last set of Gateron Brown key switches.

Interested

Finally I was able to assemble the keyboard and I have no words to say how much IT ROCKS! The torture days of A600 keyboard failure and new membranes are now gone. I couldn't be happier.

I would like to take the chance of this thread to take recommendations of fitting keycaps for it.

I’m talking to a few manufacturers about keycaps. I would like to get someone to produce a kit that fits any Amiga, so for example would include both 1.25U (A600) and 1U (others) Esc keys, as well as accents etc. for non-US keycaps. It is early days yet but if it’s going to happen would probably be a crowdfunding campaign.

Keyboard arrived, all is OK.
Positive feedback left.
Thanks

Awesome keyboard arrived!

It is very difficult to find suitable keycaps for it. Has anyone already equipped the keyboard and can post links to matching keys?

Interested next in line, pending some questions:
- would i get a keyboard that is a direct replacement of my failing A600 keyboard (green membrane), with all keys ready?
- can it be set up as french AZERTY keyboard?
- if there is no key, can i just plug the keys from my amiga A600 keyboard?
- do i need to build or solder anything?
Thanks.

Keyboard received, working great!

- - - Updated - - -

Hi,

In order to save some time for Adam I will answer some of your questions based on my experience.

- the membrane is included you just plug in the flex connector to your mobo and are good to go
- sorry, no idea about AZERTY, but I would guess this is a matter of software and keycaps so I cannot see why it shouldn't be possible
- no, the original A600 keyboard has different construction (no mechanical switches AFAIK), so you will have to source keycaps that are compatible with Cherry MX switches
- no soldering required, fully plug n play solution (minus the keycaps)

I hope this helps.

Sorry to say I have no more PCBs or keyboards to sell Xanxi - but you can get all you need to have them made from my GitHub page: https://github.com/aeberbach/A600KB

However it is not economical to have just one made. I would get together another order if three people prepaid and I would handle buying keyswitches, 3D printing, assembly etc.

Keyboard is a direct replacement. If you can open the case and unplug the membrane you can install this keyboard.

AZERTY would be no problem since it is all just different key labels and software, the keyboard circuit is the same.

Original Amiga keys will not fit. I'm still planning on getting a keycap set together. If I do it will have enough keys for _any_ Amiga variant in any language.

Hi Aeberbach,

Came across this thread on Google on another forum. PM sent, hope that's ok.

Cheers, Ady.

Hey everyone - I am ordering another run of PCBs so A600 keyboards are going to be available. If you would like a PCB, complete keyboard or some combination (see the very first post in this thread) now is the time to express interest. If you do then when I actually have things to sell I'll PM and let you know. PMs to me please.

I'm interested in a kit with everything if you have it. I can assemble and solder it all myself. Could you message me if you are doing this still and a price?

I’d be interested in 2x keyboards fully assembled and ready to be installed, if you still offer that option with the new batch.
Shipping to Australia, happy to pay in advance to help cash flow.
PM now on its way...

PM received and payment sent! For 2x keyboards.
Thanks mate!

PCBs, key switches and stabilisers are ordered!

I'd like an unassembled kit if possible (cos i like putting these together i guess) PM incoming.

Exciting news - I just looked on the pimpmykeyboards.com store for something else and I noticed they now sell DSA keys with any of a large range of legends in ANY SIZE. 1U Caps Lock? Yes. Looks like it is now possible to outfit an Amiga keyboard using Cherry MX switches with the best keycaps around. Sure it isn't cheap, but if cheap was all that mattered I'd have a no-name laptop!:p

Wow, nice. I'd be happy to plumb for the extra. Did anyone help out with a 600 case top or unit?

Yes, I have the A600 on the way now. PCBs are also in shipping, have 3D printed a bunch of keyboard parts, more connectors are shipping from Mouser, it’s all coming together.

Keycaps are going to have to be left to individuals to buy direct I think - the cost is something like US$130 for the Signature Plastics perfect setup, and that’s not going to be for everyone when you can quite reasonably do it for much less if you can tolerate ABS plastic and a few blank keycaps. Maybe you just want to buy the 1.25U Amiga keys there, which they have for $3 each. Still once I have it all together I will certainly send pics back to Signature Plastics and suggest they get a kit together for Amiga, I am sure they could get it under $100. Something like 28 keys at $3 each really pushes up the price.

Hi.
Expressing interest for one fully assembled keyboard please. Next in line. Thanks.

Hi all, a quick update on parts status. The PCBs have arrived and so have connectors. I am still waiting on stabilisers and keyswitches so that is the holdup. I did order another batch of PCBs so that is also on the way and I will be able to make a keyboard for myself (I realised I would have none left after sending out the ones promised :blink:)

Anyway thanks for your patience and I'll keep updating as things arrive.

Hello Aeberbach.
Im currently exploring the website pimpmykeyboard.com.
However, I struggle between all options.
If you have a chance, could you please show us how to select a kit, what key characteristics we need to look at, and how to customise it a bit? That’s help.
Im not after something fancy: as close as possible to original colors, AZERTY layout (French), and Amiga keys if I can find them....
Thank you again. No rush.

I can help with that:

A600 keyboard layout showing sizes required: A600 English (sorry I have no French layout details - but from this you can probably work it out)

To populate the keyboard I have ordered:

DSA "Granite" Keyset (DSA Granite Keyset: Common Kit (63 keys))	SKU-21612743	1
DSA "Granite" Keyset (DSA Granite Keyset: Individual Keys)	SKU-A43C207D	4
DSA Individual Keys (Size: ISO Enter Key, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "Enter")	SKU-637FC143	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "ESC")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F1")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F2")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F3")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F4")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F5")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F6")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F7")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F8")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F9")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "F10")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "OS")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.5 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "~ and `")	SKU-152E3424	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "Backspace ICON`" (Hollow left-pointing rectangle with X in centre))	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "DEL")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 2 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "TAB ICON" (Arrow pointing right to vertical bar))	SKU-43718DB3	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: ISO Enter Key, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "ENTER ICON" (Right angled arrow pointing down and to left))	SKU-637FC143	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "CTRL")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "CAPS LOCK")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.75 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "SHIFT")	SKU-185C4E41	2
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1.25 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "ALT")	SKU-30065600	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "ALT")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "LEFT ICON")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "DOWN ICON")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "RIGHT ICON")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GKK))	SKU-8CB73528	2
DSA Individual Keys (Size: 1 space, DSA Sublimated Colors: Gray (GDE), DSA Individual Sublimated Keys: "UP ICON")	SKU-8CB73528	1
DCS Spacebars (pack of 1) (DCS Spacebars (Pack of 1): 8 SPACE GRAY (GAL))	SKU-638f8cb3	1
DCS Spacebars (pack of 1) (DCS Spacebars (Pack of 1): 8 SPACE GRAY (GEA))	SKU-b96f18b6	1

Now I haven't received this yet so I don't know yet if I made a mistake. I think it's going to be close to original colours and be very close to a full keyboard, the exception is the "Help" key which doesn't exist, I decided to use an "OS" key for that position. There's also the space bar - you need to oder an 8U space bar in a color close to matching but space bars are usually in ABS and the colors are slightly different.

I also ordered:

DSA Granite individual key from Bonus Pack “left Amiga” 1.25U (outline red italic A)
DSA Granite individual key from Bonus Pack “right Amiga” 1.25U (solid red italic A)

Which space bar is better I will work out when it arrives. Note the Amiga keys, I think maybe WASD makes Amiga keys too but if anything they will be as good as Signature Plastics, they will not be better!

And your prices may vary - at $3 each per key this is going to add up to US$100+ pretty quickly - but look at the bright side, if your hobby was collecting guitars that are 30 years old this wouldn't even get you a tenth of one!

I have played with their Keyboard Layout Editor (LINK), it was great fun!
Their website is fantastic but you need to be a pro to understand everything... Thank you for your list the, I will for sure have a look at it in detail.

Now, here is what I did:

Attachment 157686

This is an AZERTY layout but I noticed that the QWERTY ones exactly have same layout, same shape of keys, and same numbers and locations. This is good because the A1000, for example, doesn't have the same number of keys in those 2 configurations. I have in front of me all those original keyboards.

In regard to dimensions, I have found:

- Row1 (top): Escape key, Help key and all functions keys 1.25U (4 groups are spaced by 0.5U)
- Row 2: ~ key 1.5U
- Row 3: Tab key 2U and Return key is ISO (1.5U at the top and 1.25U at the bottom)
- Row 4: Control key 1.25U
- Row 5: Shift keys 1.75U
- Row 6: Alt key and Amiga keys 1.25U, which leaves 8.25U for the Space bar.... which is weird because you say it is 8U.

In order to check the sizes of the keys, I have made an Excel and found out that all rows are 16.5U, except rows 3, 4 and 5 because of the A600 LED (one 1U key less).
I probably made a rookie mistake somewhere but I can't see where... :)

Anyway, thanks for your list!

Did you account for left the offset in the bottom row? I am pretty sure the space bar is 8U.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aeberbach

Did you account for left the offset in the bottom row? I am pretty sure the space bar is 8U.

---

Yes, 0.5U space.
Well, if you look on a real keyboard, the Left Amiga key ends 0.25U inside the key above, while the right Amiga key starts 0.5U inside the above key. All keys above the space bar are 1U so it is 8.25U...
Anyway, 8U shouldn't make a huge difference when balanced in the middle.

- - - Updated - - -

By the way I haven't found out how you can buy an individual key from a pack and buy the Amiga keys but anyway...

Another thing I'm wondering is if the keyboard layout designer can be sent to their shop for direct purchase, but I can't find how to. Maybe it's not. I'm going to ask them.

Somehow it works out now but with no hardware in front of me I can't put my finger on it. I have made 8U space units, 3D printed, that use a 7U space bar with 0.5U either side - so I am sure it works out.

If you cut and paste lines like I posted they will get back to you and send you a PayPal invoice. I had to put it all in the comments box of the order... don't forget to suggest that this A600 order should be something available as a regular kit!

I got curious so laid out some 1U keys on one of my PCBs. It is definitely an 8U space bar.
Attachment 157779
(I am still waiting for keyswitches, stabilisers and my set of keycaps. I am worried it might take a little time, one order I placed for Amiga bits recently is held because there's some idiocy going on in the postal system - one carrier claims that nothing is being accepted from outside the country that is thicker than 5cm.)

They gave me a price of $850 for my set. Lol

Something must be wrong there, you need to choose the base set then a bunch of individual keys at $2 each - did you specify enough for 6 Amigas?

Anyway, another week has passed and I still have received nothing but the PCBs - shipments are about a month overdue. No keyswitches or stabilisers. Just keeping those who are waiting on me informed.

Signature Plastics is so busy they have suspended taking new orders. My keys haven’t shipped yet, I just had an email saying one space bar colour was out of stock. If that is all I will still be pretty happy...

I was wondering: I saw somewhere in the past someone making CheeryMX—>Amiga 3D printed key adapters.
Beside the fact that it would sit the keys a bit higher wouldn’t it be a good idea??

It’s certainly worth a look - maybe the keys would be higher than ideal? Or maybe the Cherry switch stem fits entirely inside the Amiga square receptacle so that the adapter is just making it fit snugly and there is no height difference, I actually have no Amiga keys to look at.

Anyway I got a nice surprise today - keyswitches delivered. When I get the stabilisers the keyboards will be complete, when the A600 comes I will be able to test them, then I can actually ship some out.

@Rakeim132 Yes, that's exactly what I'm searching for since I bought a1200 keyboard here.
Didn't find any 3d designs for CheryMX to A1200 keys (I searched google).
Do you know of any such designs ready for 3d print?

Hey everyone, another short update. I am still waiting on stabilisers for the keyboards, and also on the A600 that is to be used as a model for fitting the rails that keep the keyboard in the right place. I have now been waiting for around eight weeks...

@medojev: no but I’m pretty sure I saw or heard about that before... I’ll dig into it.

@Aeberbach: do you need an A600 for tests ?

@rakeim132 I do need one... I bought one here on May 18 but tracking shows it is still sitting in France waiting for an international flight!

My Signature Plastics keys arrived! Ordered May 19, arrived today.

Attachment 158711

Here’s a link to full size to experience all the glory... https://i.imgur.com/Q6nS0J4.jpg

Great set of keys!

Only comments:
- The Help key is a bit funny but okay...
- The CAPS lock key has no LED ???

Other than that, wonderful.... If I was going QWERTY that's all I'd need Unfortunately I'm after an AZERTY layout...

PM me for an A600. If it's only for mock-up purpose or if you need a fully working one I might be able to borrow you one. I am not selling, lol.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Aeberbach

@rakeim132 I do need one... I bought one here on May 18 but tracking shows it is still sitting in France waiting for an international flight!

My Signature Plastics keys arrived! Ordered May 19, arrived today.

Attachment 158711

Here’s a link to full size to experience all the glory... https://i.imgur.com/Q6nS0J4.jpg

---

Hi, loving the keyboard and was just wondering how much the full set of caps cost in total? Thanks

The Signature Plastics order was US$180. Expensive but once you start down the road and if the end turns out to be expensive, the regret of giving up would be greater than skipping some other purchase. And damn it feels good to type on! These SP keys are solid and really complement the mechanical keyswitches.