The MechBoard64 - Light Mod Edition is a drop-in replacement mechanical keyboard for your original Commodore 64 home computer. It will work in concordance with all the different versions of motherboards available, including the new motherboards (C64 Reloaded MK1+2 and Ultimate64). The MechBoard64 is based on quality microswitches, a sturdy aluminum bracket, a printed circuit board (PCB) and a multicolored ribbon cable for connecting the keyboard to the C64 hardware. The MechBoard64 also has a small electrical circuit that will add the functionality of the Shift Lock key but without the need for a latching microswitch like the Cherry Locking switch. Whenever the Shift Lock key is pressed, a bright LED will light up underneath the keycap to indicate its current state (on or off).

This version enables installing LEDs into the microswitches. The 3mm LEDs must be able to handle at least 2.0VDC (most LED colors support this). This can be achieved by using 56Ω resistors. By doing so, pretty much any LED, regardless of color, can be installed without worrying too much about LED specs. This will obviously reduce the amount of dissipated light from LEDs which can handle a higher voltage. It should be noted, that if e.g. 0Ω ‘resistors’ are used instead of 56Ω resistors, the forward voltage will increase to about 2.5V and hence increase the strength of the illumination. This will only work safely if the LEDs are rated for at least 2.5VDC. 

The array of LEDs along with the power loss across the resistors draw roughly 3.38 W (1/4W resistors = 739mW & diodes = 2640mW). The circuit draws 660mW from the source. Thus, the original C64 PSU cannot be used anymore! Very important to notice!! The original C64 power supplies only provide about 7.5-8.5W (1.5-1.7A@5VDC) and will most likely make the system unstable if used! However, a modern-day PSU (yielding 3-4A@5VDC) should work without any stability issues.

Please note that this is just the MechBoard64 PCB! To complete the build, the following parts must also be sourced: a keyboard bracket, Cherry mx style microswitches, LEDs, keycap adapters, keyboard stabilizer parts and keycaps.

A detailed description of what specific parts are needed to complete the MechBoard64 - Light Mod Edition can be found here: (link)

Assembly instructions can be found here: (link)

Heaps of images can be found here: (link)