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  • Shredshred@troet.cafe
    Nov 8, 2026, 11:53 AM

    I pledged for the model in the transparent magenta case. Only 2,429 backers chose this limited edition.

    I already own a Next KS1, so I wasn't sure if I should back the third Kickstarter. This case instantly won me. 😀

    And wow... It's a beauty. 😍 I don't regret my decision at all.

    Inside the box is a ZX Spectrum Next in a transparent magenta case. The white main PCB and RasPi Zero is clearly visible inside. The key caps are standard black though. The creators tested transparent key caps, but said they were hard to read. Above the ZX Spectrum is another box. It contains the PSU and an inline power switch.
    💬 1🔄 1⭐ 3

Replies

  • Shredshred@troet.cafe
    Nov 8, 2026, 12:00 PM

    Close-ups of the case and keyboard.

    Sinclair computers were notorious for their poor keyboards. This one is excellent. It feels like a modern chiclet keyboard. Short key travel, with a pleasant, definite actuation point.

    I wasn't sure if I should do a "CW: Retro Computer Porn" for the close-ups. 😂 Enjoy!

    Close-up of the keyboard. The key "3" is focussed, which also happens to be the "Magenta" key. The other keys are blurred. Above the key, the magenta casing is visible, with a part of the keyboard membrane below.
    Not so close-up, a broader segment of the keyboard and the case is visible.
    Close-up of the red power LED at the top of the case, near the power connector. The actual LED is on the mainboard, and visible through the transparent case.
    💬 1🔄 0⭐ 2
  • Shredshred@troet.cafe
    Nov 8, 2026, 12:05 PM

    Meeting of the generations. 🙂

    On the top, my old Next KS1. Below, the new Next KS3. The casing was designed by Rick Dickinson, who also designed the cases of the original ZX-81, ZX Spectrum and QL.

    I skipped the KS2 edition, but regretted it later. In hindsight, though, I'm glad I waited for KS3.

    An all-black ZX Spectrum Next KS1, and the magenta transparent ZX Spectrum Next KS3 below.
    💬 1🔄 0⭐ 1
  • Shredshred@troet.cafe
    Nov 8, 2026, 12:13 PM

    The Next runs on a Z80N processor with up to 28MHz, and 4MB RAM. It has new video modes, 9 channel AY-3-8912 synthesizer + two DAC audio channels. It provides up to 128 sprites, a copper and (with the latest firmware) a blitter. So it's almost an "Amiga Light". 😀

    It's FPGA based, no emulation. It provides different "personalities", like ZX-80, ZX-81, all ZX Spectrum models, Sinclair QL, C64, Sam Coupé. It is said to provide a CPC personality as well, but you have to bring your own ROMs there. (I haven't tried it yet.)

    💬 0🔄 0⭐ 2