Digit

Sinclair User

John Lambert

DIGIT CUSHIONS THE BLOW Hands up everyone who thinks that the Spectrum Plus or QL keyboard could do with some improvement - one, two... one million and one, one million and two... Digit, from Frel Ltd, is a new approach to the age old problem, what to do with your Sinclair keyboard? While Spectrum users can always upgrade to a third party keyboard, QL users have, until now, been stuck. In essence, Digit consists of a number of small metal springs that replace the rubber mat which lurks in the depths of the Sinclair keyboard. Getting to the mat involves a major job of dismantling the computer which, needless to say, blows any warranty you may have. First, the top half of the computer is removed, then the back of the keyboard, and finally the rubber mat. Now each key in turn has to be removed, a plastic plunger fitted into the existing plunger, a felt washer added - so that the top of the key's travel is cushioned - and the key fitted back into the case. A second felt pad is positioned on the membrane to cushion the bottom of the key's travel. Once the keys have been cushioned the springs are added, the back of the keyboard screwed back into place and the whole thing put back together. It shouldn't take you more than a couple of hours. The instructions for all this are very thorough, as is the kit itself, even down to providing guide rods for the most difficult part, refitting the back of the keyboard. Having used Sinclair machines for so long I have got used to pounding on the keyboard amid a loud rattling. With Digit fitted there is far less rattle and the keys require very little pressure. Just press down gently to the bottom of their travel and then give a slight additional pressure to make the key register. Not like the usual sudden rush when you press the normal Sinclair keys. On balance, I think Digit is an improvement; I would have preferred slightly stronger springs but I tend to pound the keys too much anyway. Not bad for £9.95. Frel Ltd, 1 [redacted].