Bertrand Le Roy
If you always wished the Atari 400 had a real keyboard, this is the project for you.
There's been a number of aftermarket keyboards for the Atari 400, but they all faced a big issue: the original membrane "keyboard"'s "keys" are much smaller than standard key caps. There just isn't enough space in the case for a sane layout with full-sized keys. It took a lot of attempts before coming up with the realization that there was an untapped degree of freedom in the design: the spacing of the keys. This is even more true of low-profile key caps, and given how infinitely taller MX switches and caps are compared to the original membrane thing, it made sense to try to build the Decent400 as a low-profile mechanical keyboard. I was finally able in late 2025 to fit the original layout of the computer in its very small space, with modern switches.
There was one final obstacle though, which is that as I'm writing this readme, no company in the world will print custom low-profile key caps. My only option was to somehow find a way to do it myself. When I heard about the Eufymake kickstarter for a UV printer capable of transferring a full-color design onto any material, it was clear it could be the last piece to the puzzle. It was a big investment, but I bet on it and waited and waited and waited. Finally, the printer arrived and check this out:
It even has the relief white outline on each key, a very satisfying detail...
The keyboard can be built with your choice of Kailh Choc v1 switches. I prefer the clicky Robins myself, but perfectly good tactile and linear options do exist if that's your preference.
Joseph DeLazzer
deʃhipu
sduuh
Nick Poole