Jan Beta recently took a look at a new mechanical keyboard designed as a full drop-in replacement for the Amiga 1200. Sold by AmigaStore.eu and designed by Sergiusz, this keyboard is now commercially available after originating as a small-scale hobby project. The handmade prototype gained significant interest, prompting collaboration with AmigaStore.eu to bring it to a wider audience.
Bringing a product like this to market wasn’t a simple process. European regulations for consumer electronics meant some adjustments were necessary before it could be produced at scale. Despite these hurdles, the core design remains largely the same as the original handmade version. The final product comes with improvements, including a dedicated metal backplate, which wasn’t part of the earlier handmade versions.
Inspecting the Production Model
This keyboard is a fully mechanical alternative to the Amiga 1200’s original membrane-based keyboard. It features a sturdy metal chassis available in black or silver, and the switches are soldered onto a dual-PCB construction. The build quality is solid, giving it a much more substantial feel compared to the original.
The keyboard is designed to fit seamlessly into an Amiga 1200. It uses a proper flat-flex cable that connects directly to the Amiga’s PCB, replacing the original membrane connector. The tactile response is a big step up from the stock Amiga keyboard, which was typical of early 1990s home computers but feels outdated by modern standards.
The switches used are Kailh mechanical switches, with three options available: red (linear), blue (clicky), and brown (tactile, non-clicky). The clicky blue switches are installed by default, offering a distinct typing feel that contrasts sharply with the mushy original Amiga keys.
Customization Options
Customization is a notable feature of this keyboard. A secondary control key is included, which can be configured using jumpers to serve a different function. There’s also an LED under the caps lock key that can be relocated depending on preference. The spacebar is designed to support multiple switches for added stability, and all larger keys have proper stabilizers to ensure smooth operation.
The keycaps use the XDA profile with MX-style stems, making them easy to replace if needed. Currently, AmigaStore.eu only offers them in white, but third-party keycap sets can be used to match personal preferences. While the keyboard layout is primarily US-International, it was designed with customization in mind, allowing users to adapt it as needed.
Installation and Testing
Jan installed the keyboard into a well-used Amiga 1200 that had undergone some restoration. The installation process was straightforward, as it was designed to be a direct replacement for the original. The only minor difference was the slightly shorter spacebar to accommodate the extra control key.
Once installed, the keyboard powered on and functioned without any issues. The caps lock LED lit up correctly, and every key responded as expected. The typing experience was noticeably improved, making the Amiga feel much more modern while still retaining its retro charm.
Price and Availability
At €185, the Mechanical Keyboard Amiga 1200 isn’t the cheapest upgrade, but considering the rising costs of vintage computer hardware and the limited production scale, it’s competitively priced. Compared to buying a used original Amiga 1200 keyboard from auction sites, which can often be in poor condition, this new replacement is a worthwhile investment for those wanting a long-lasting and reliable solution.
Final Thoughts
Mechanical keyboards for vintage computers have been gaining popularity, and this one stands out as a solid option for Amiga enthusiasts. It brings a much-needed improvement to the Amiga 1200’s typing experience while remaining faithful to the original form factor. With its durability, customization options, and availability, it’s a welcome addition to the growing ecosystem of Amiga upgrades.
