Love the video. The intro in particular looks great. Thank you so much for the kind words! A few minor details: * When you get a kit, it comes with all surface mount components already soldered on the board, so it's just the switches, a couple of jumper wires, stabilizers and the luminosity pot that you have to solder. * Jesse donated the keyboard to the channel, and also designed the modern key caps (he's XLFreak). * The images shown of Kailh Choc switches are not of Kailh Choc, and the low-profiles are only used for vintage caps. * The 3D-printed console keys are unpainted, unstained nylon. * 65XE is pretty much the same computer with fewer RAM chips, so it works just fine. Also tested on XEGS.
Thanks Rick for another outstanding video! I am Jesse Warford, as he mentioned in the video, and I go by XL Freak on the forums at AtariAge. Cleared that little bit up nicely. Also: he mentioned I was making stock caps. I am not. I am not sure what he's talking about, perhaps he misread something on the forum. I have been helping Bertrand (ScreamingAtTheRadio) for about the last year and have developed the art file used to print the markings on the new caps. Here are some notes about the video: 1. all smd (surface mount) components are now installed on the pcb's when ordered at the factory. 2. keyboards now come with a flexible cable, similar to the mylar of the stock boards, that plugs directly in the stock flat receptacle on the motherboard.
Amazing product love to buy this keyboard but unfortunately living in Canada the exchange, taxes and shipping bring this keyboard improvement to just shy of $500 CDN. So many great A8 upgrades and accessories are painful to buy as a Canadian. The A8 community is probably the best in vintage computing. Keep up the great work!
Cool project. I didn't own one back in the day (I do now) but I knew somebody that did - the Atari 800. Wow! What a keyboard that was, when I eventually got my 130XE (still have it) the keyboard really let it down in comparison as Atari cut costs.
Great job!! There are two variants for XE keyboards but that does not apply here since these new keyboards replace them. Most XE's have rubber domes but a smaller percentage have springs under the keycaps. Both are mylar. They have a mildly different typing experience afaik. Not a big difference. The springs variant has a looser keycap feel iirc while typing. Just like how 600XL/800XL keyboards can be swapped between them all, same with XE. Same also with 800 keyboard variants. Thanks for the informative vid! Would probably go with the original keycaps option.
He's back and in what a way!!! Awesome project! Well I wanna solder them by hand, I love SMD soldering, very relaxing. And I'll probably have to because i don't think the board fits into my toaster oven to reflow solder it :D
@@8bitandmore I bought it from The Brewing Academy. The version I bought is the TK-II Stereo Keyboard Replacement. It's great because I don't have to switch between keyboard styles. All the keys respond like they do on a modern keyboard! I also got a Sophia board which gives me DVI video!
The XEGS Game system's keyboard is also identical, excepting the power LED is moved which can be moved to one of two positions. (there are two XE65/XE130/XE800/XEGS Keyboard types All mine are the same)
I own an XEGS, and I had no trouble fitting the keyboard inside, except the adapter didn't fit in the connector so I had to solder it like Rick did. Works great, looks great.
dont know for sure if the 130XE is absolutely compatible with 65XE since I do own just the 130XE now, but I am 100% sure that 800XE and 65XE share the same keyboard. I owned 800XE in 80s and my keyboard membrane went FUBAR and I know I got a "spare" keyboard from 65XE that worked perfect. When I look at the 130XE keyboard, I think it is the same keyboard, but dont have the way to test it now...
I've never used a 130XE, but, aside from a few small annoyances, I like the keyboards on the 600XL and 800XL. In contrast, I have a hard time using the keyboard on my C64. A large part of that is probably just because I've used it a lot less than the Atari. I never had a C64 as a kid. Just about the only thing I ever typed when visiting friends who had C64's was LOAD"*",8,1 😀
I don't know if the 65xe and 130xe have the exact same keyboard, but I'm guessing they are exactly the same. why would Atari design 2 different keyboards?
That's a sweet keyboard, but at my age (70) the backlighting is kinda pointless without translucent key markings. I got a backlit keyboard for my PC with translucent key markings and I can now use the keyboard in dim lighting while my wife is sleeping. Clicky key mechs probably won't be as well received even though I like them.
Agreed. A pricey keyboard. But to have the teeny-bopper lights on their just to be cool seems kind of silly without backlighting the keys as well (for use in low light). Who knows, maybe the light shines through white keys.
With white caps you can see the key markings in the dark. Caps also come in Beige and Graphite, which resembles the Falcon-030 keyboard. mucho sexy lol
You said it's almost like typing on a modern keyboard. Modern keyboards are crap...the keycaps are too flat like laptop keyboards. I'd rather type on a C64 keyboard than most modern keyboards.
Love the video. The intro in particular looks great. Thank you so much for the kind words!
A few minor details:
* When you get a kit, it comes with all surface mount components already soldered on the board, so it's just the switches, a couple of jumper wires, stabilizers and the luminosity pot that you have to solder.
* Jesse donated the keyboard to the channel, and also designed the modern key caps (he's XLFreak).
* The images shown of Kailh Choc switches are not of Kailh Choc, and the low-profiles are only used for vintage caps.
* The 3D-printed console keys are unpainted, unstained nylon.
* 65XE is pretty much the same computer with fewer RAM chips, so it works just fine. Also tested on XEGS.
Thank you for correcting me lol. I really love the keyboard it's of real good quality. Thanks to you and Jesse again
Thanks Rick for another outstanding video! I am Jesse Warford, as he mentioned in the video, and I go by XL Freak on the forums at AtariAge. Cleared that little bit up nicely. Also: he mentioned I was making stock caps. I am not. I am not sure what he's talking about, perhaps he misread something on the forum. I have been helping Bertrand (ScreamingAtTheRadio) for about the last year and have developed the art file used to print the markings on the new caps. Here are some notes about the video: 1. all smd (surface mount) components are now installed on the pcb's when ordered at the factory. 2. keyboards now come with a flexible cable, similar to the mylar of the stock boards, that plugs directly in the stock flat receptacle on the motherboard.
Thanks Jesse for clearing that up, sorry for the misinformation folks. I must have mis-read something on Atari Age but in any event great work!
Same keyboard on 65xe and 130xe. I have worked on and owned both.
thanks
My very first computer!
At last, other Ataris can enjoy the full-sized Backspace key that us 1200XL owners have had for 40 years 😈
GOD I'M OLLLLD
I never owned a 1200XL and did not even know they had a full sized backspace key
I also never knew the keyboards were different. So I just looked, and saw an enormous right shift key as well lol
Amazing product love to buy this keyboard but unfortunately living in Canada the exchange, taxes and shipping bring this keyboard improvement to just shy of $500 CDN. So many great A8 upgrades and accessories are painful to buy as a Canadian. The A8 community is probably the best in vintage computing. Keep up the great work!
I liked the original key board on the 130 XE. It was a great comp.
Cool project. I didn't own one back in the day (I do now) but I knew somebody that did - the Atari 800. Wow! What a keyboard that was, when I eventually got my 130XE (still have it) the keyboard really let it down in comparison as Atari cut costs.
Great job!! There are two variants for XE keyboards but that does not apply here since these new keyboards replace them. Most XE's have rubber domes but a smaller percentage have springs under the keycaps. Both are mylar. They have a mildly different typing experience afaik. Not a big difference. The springs variant has a looser keycap feel iirc while typing. Just like how 600XL/800XL keyboards can be swapped between them all, same with XE. Same also with 800 keyboard variants.
Thanks for the informative vid! Would probably go with the original keycaps option.
Awesome thanks for the info.
Wow this looooks amazing !!!!
He's back and in what a way!!! Awesome project! Well I wanna solder them by hand, I love SMD soldering, very relaxing. And I'll probably have to because i don't think the board fits into my toaster oven to reflow solder it :D
The new pcb's going forward have all the smd components already soldered on at the factory.
I have the dual pokey chip upgrade installed in my XL. That allows me to use a PS2 keyboard. I'm so stoked your doing more videos again!
That's cool, I did not know you could use a PS2 keyboard with it
@@8bitandmore I bought it from The Brewing Academy. The version I bought is the TK-II Stereo Keyboard Replacement. It's great because I don't have to switch between keyboard styles. All the keys respond like they do on a modern keyboard! I also got a Sophia board which gives me DVI video!
The XEGS Game system's keyboard is also identical, excepting the power LED is moved which can be moved to one of two positions. (there are two XE65/XE130/XE800/XEGS Keyboard types All mine are the same)
I own an XEGS, and I had no trouble fitting the keyboard inside, except the adapter didn't fit in the connector so I had to solder it like Rick did. Works great, looks great.
Really like the new keys, a little pricey.... looking forward to see the key set for the 800xl version. 👍
Wish I could find a 130 XE in good shape that wasn't like $400.
dont know for sure if the 130XE is absolutely compatible with 65XE since I do own just the 130XE now, but I am 100% sure that 800XE and 65XE share the same keyboard. I owned 800XE in 80s and my keyboard membrane went FUBAR and I know I got a "spare" keyboard from 65XE that worked perfect. When I look at the 130XE keyboard, I think it is the same keyboard, but dont have the way to test it now...
I WANT THIS !
I've never used a 130XE, but, aside from a few small annoyances, I like the keyboards on the 600XL and 800XL.
In contrast, I have a hard time using the keyboard on my C64.
A large part of that is probably just because I've used it a lot less than the Atari. I never had a C64 as a kid. Just about the only thing I ever typed when visiting friends who had C64's was LOAD"*",8,1 😀
Yes most of these early machines had different tech for the keyboards some good some bad
omg, i want it :)
I don't know if the 65xe and 130xe have the exact same keyboard, but I'm guessing they are exactly the same. why would Atari design 2 different keyboards?
That's a sweet keyboard, but at my age (70) the backlighting is kinda pointless without translucent key markings. I got a backlit keyboard for my PC with translucent key markings and I can now use the keyboard in dim lighting while my wife is sleeping. Clicky key mechs probably won't be as well received even though I like them.
Agreed. A pricey keyboard. But to have the teeny-bopper lights on their just to be cool seems kind of silly without backlighting the keys as well (for use in low light). Who knows, maybe the light shines through white keys.
With white caps you can see the key markings in the dark. Caps also come in Beige and Graphite, which resembles the Falcon-030 keyboard. mucho sexy lol
@@XL-Freak That's a definite plus then. The price still is a bit steep.
You said it's almost like typing on a modern keyboard. Modern keyboards are crap...the keycaps are too flat like laptop keyboards. I'd rather type on a C64 keyboard than most modern keyboards.
Is there a way to turn the LED off entirely and never have it come on at all?
'PromoSM' 🙈