To start I think the Next is great and a big
![gracias :gracias!:](./images/smilies/-gracias.png)
to everyone involved (including SKY for allowing the licensing of Sinclair property instead of just saying "'No!").
One thing I don't understand is not having 'F' or Function Keys (F1, F2, F. etc). This will reduce the convenience of running other systems or Cores on the Next (I know it is a Spectrum (just like the Uno originally was
![Wink ;-)](./images/smilies/icon_e_wink.gif)
). The Next team are hackers so they must know other Cores will come.
I tried to have a discussion on the Facebook Group, but I was getting rude comments directed at me so I deleted the conversation.
The Next is an evolution. 'F' keys are on the QL and most other computers, so I see them as an evolution. If the lovely Next keyboard renders showed 'F' keys at the start, either in a QL style or normal style above the number keys people would have still thought the keyboard still looked excellent.
The Spectrum was not designed as a Games Machine. Software evolved to use 'F' keys, so the Spectrum would have gained them.
I find it strange as the Next/TBBlue Firmware currently uses the 'F' keys for quick toggling various features, but without them on the Next the process will be slower. For example to quickly toggle on/off 7MHz mode or scanlines is good. - but if 95% of Next backers have not experienced the current Next/TBBlue then they don't know what they will be missing.
From a hardware point of view I also find it strange (not confirmed by Next team) that the new keyboard will use membrane connectors. I understand that they are on the Next PCB for placement into original Spectrum cases (supporting legacy hardware), but as the Next has a PS/2 connector/databus I would have thought that a more robust and longer lasting method would be to use wires going into a small plastic plug like inside modern keyboards (USB lead to keyboard's PCB).
I would have thought that the keyboard manufacturer would prefer this method as it is more 'normal' and therefore cheaper.
My discussion on adding 'F' keys relies on the fact that the keyboard is connected via a PS/2 communication line on the PCB and not the membrane connectors. Because adding additional keys to the membrane means additional pins on the membrane connector etc etc. If the current keyboard is connected via PS/2 it does not matter that the 'F' keys are not currently present, they just don't work.
Regarding the current keyboard design, for cheapness/ease of integration I think they would need to go above the number keys, just like a normal PC keyboard. The case will probably not need to be made bigger, just a bigger hole to fit the additional row of keys.
It feels a little like potentially owning a Ferrari but only being able to use 2nd gear. I really don't want to have an additional PS/2 keyboard plugged in to access 'F' keys for all the other Cores which will get ported across.
Very early days i know, but what are people thinking to get over the lack of extra keyboard buttons. To run Sam Coupe, C64 we will have to plug in an additional keyboard or use multiple keyboard presses/combinations?