Introduction
Commodore CBM, Sharp MZ-80B, and NEC PC-8001 series are some of the most popular home computers from the late 1970s and early 1980s. These computers featured unique keyboards, including the RVS key and linked LED keyboards, similar to the Caps Lock key in modern keyboards. This article will compare and contrast the keyboards of these computers, focusing on the key concepts and features that made them stand out.
Commodore CBM Keyboards
The Commodore CBM series of computers, including the Commodore 64 and Commodore 128, featured a distinctive keyboard with a variety of function keys and a unique RVS key. The RVS key, also known as the Reverse Video key, allowed users to toggle the display between normal and reverse video modes. This key was located on the lower left corner of the keyboard, making it easily accessible.
Linked LED Keyboards
Another notable feature of the Commodore CBM keyboards was the use of linked LED keyboards. These keyboards featured a series of LEDs that lit up when a key was pressed. The LEDs were linked together, so that when one LED lit up, the corresponding LED on the opposite side of the keyboard also lit up. This feature was similar to the Caps Lock key on modern keyboards, where the LED indicates whether the Caps Lock is on or off.
Sharp MZ-80B Keyboards
The Sharp MZ-80B computer, released in 1981, featured a unique keyboard with a variety of function keys and a linked LED keyboard similar to the Commodore CBM series. The keyboard was designed to be ergonomic, with a curved shape that fit the user's hands. The function keys were located on the top row of the keyboard, making them easily accessible.
RVS Key
The Sharp MZ-80B keyboard also featured an RVS key, similar to the Commodore CBM series. The RVS key allowed users to toggle the display between normal and reverse video modes. This key was located on the lower left corner of the keyboard, making it easily accessible.
NEC PC-8001 Keyboards
The NEC PC-8001 series of computers, released in 1981, featured a unique keyboard with a variety of function keys and a linked LED keyboard similar to the Commodore CBM series. The keyboard was designed to be ergonomic, with a curved shape that fit the user's hands. The function keys were located on the top row of the keyboard, making them easily accessible.
RVS Key
The NEC PC-8001 keyboard also featured an RVS key, similar to the Commodore CBM series and Sharp MZ-80B. The RVS key allowed users to toggle the display between normal and reverse video modes. This key was located on the lower left corner of the keyboard, making it easily accessible.
Comparison
All three keyboards, Commodore CBM, Sharp MZ-80B, and NEC PC-8001, featured unique designs and features that made them stand out. The Commodore CBM keyboards featured a distinctive RVS key and linked LED keyboards. The Sharp MZ-80B keyboard featured an ergonomic design and a linked LED keyboard. The NEC PC-8001 keyboard featured a similar design to the Sharp MZ-80B, with a curved shape and linked LED keyboard.
RVS Key
The RVS key was a common feature in all three keyboards. This key allowed users to toggle the display between normal and reverse video modes, making it easier to view text and graphics on the screen. The RVS key was located on the lower left corner of the keyboard, making it easily accessible.
Linked LED Keyboards
The linked LED keyboards were another common feature in all three keyboards. These keyboards featured a series of LEDs that lit up when a key was pressed. The LEDs were linked together, so that when one LED lit up, the corresponding LED on the opposite side of the keyboard also lit up. This feature was similar to the Caps Lock key on modern keyboards, where the LED indicates whether the Caps Lock is on or off.
The Commodore CBM, Sharp MZ-80B, and NEC PC-8001 keyboards were unique and innovative for their time. These keyboards featured a variety of function keys and unique features, such as the RVS key and linked LED keyboards. These features made it easier for users to navigate and interact with the computers, and they remain popular among retro computing enthusiasts today.
References
- Commodore CBM Keyboard. (n.d.). Retrieved from
- Sharp MZ-80B Keyboard. (n.d.). Retrieved from
- NEC PC-8001 Keyboard. (n.d.). Retrieved from