Philips MSX external USB keyboard interface

The MSX platform has a wide variety in form factor, where brands like Philips and Sony manufactured systems with an external keyboard. While the connections of such keyboards are proprietary and divers in layout, a Dutch MSX hardware developer managed to get the Philips NMS series to work with a modern USB keyboard. The interface is now available.

Most MSX models are a uni-formed, or compact systems where every piece of hardware is included in one big chunk of computer galore. A system as a whole, without extensions. While the Philips VG series of MSX computers adheres solely to that format, some NMS (New Media System) series have external keyboards. These keyboards are connected using a typical Philips 26 pins connector. Shopping for a replacement of that keyboard might end in disappointment. Fear not, there's a solution.

Recently MRC user Jeroen Taverne developed a USB keyboard interface for Philips NMS8250, NMS8255, and NMS8280 MSX machines. The interface plugs right into the Philips NMS keyboard connector with an USB connector in front for any USB keyboard to connect. It comes with extra function-keys, a build-in help page, and debug features. The firmware is upgradable on PC, MAC, and Linux. It currently supports Dutch (US layout), German, and French machines and keyboards. Italian, Spanish, and perhaps Russian will follow soon.

Jeroen mentioned that he is looking into the Sony external keyboard connections too, you know the ones that came with the famous HB-F700 series.

If you are interested in a copy, send Jeroen a PM at his Facebook page or drop an e-mail at him. The interface will cost you 40 euros ex shipping costs.

Now, go and plug your favorite mechanical board to you favorite system. Type on, bro!

relevant link: MSX keyboard USB interface
relevant link: More information on our forum

20220306 update: Jeroen now has the USB keyboard interface for Sony machines available too.

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Комментарии (29)

By aoineko

Paragon (1138)

28-12-2021, 16:17

Nice interface! Very interesting (as a 8250 owner).

What about the key ghosting problem that often occur on PC?
Does this interface solve the problem?
Does it depend on the keyboards?

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

28-12-2021, 17:26

Key ghosting depends on the used keyboard. The space button often gives issues with the cursor keys while gaming. A gaming keyboard does not have this problem as there are extra diodes in the keyboard matrix. I actually fixed the problem for all keyboards with my interface when version 1.09 or higher is installed. The window keys can be used as space button as well which do not have the ghosting problem.

By ray2day

Paladin (754)

28-12-2021, 20:59

Good work! Mail sent.

By aoineko

Paragon (1138)

29-12-2021, 00:25

JeroenTaverne wrote:

Thanks for the explanations.

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

29-12-2021, 13:27

I have now had the pleasure of testing the adapter for a while.
As Jeroen mentions, not every USB keyboard works without glitches with it.
Only high-quality gaming keyboards could pass the Nemesis test for me. Razor and Cooler Master did not cause any problems. It is a real pleasure to use these keyboards for MSX.
Special keyboards, such as my Anne and my Leopold unfortunately do not work; also my corded Apple keyboards cannot be persuaded to cooperate.
For the typical, cheap keyboards on offer, Jeroen has come up with a solution: the window key can function as a fire button here.
Setting up and updating the software is also completely easy and problem-free. US-American, French and German layout is supported.
The adapter is not only recommended for people who miss a Philips keyboard or have a defective, worn-out one.
You will be thrilled by the new typing experience on a high-quality keyboard!
Thanks for this great effort Jeroen!

By enribar

Paragon (1224)

29-12-2021, 14:51

Is it possibile to compile one step at a time a list of "more-or-less good working" keyboards?

By TheKid

Paragon (1238)

29-12-2021, 15:07

Maybe it is an idea to make some keys programmable. So that you could determine for your self what F6 up to 12 will do.

By hamlet

Scribe (4106)

03-01-2022, 14:15

I will update this list with any messages you send, but note that Jerome will continue to add improvements to the driver and changes may occur.
Sooner or later we can implement this list to the wiki.
This list does not claim to be complete:

Work:

Razor Black Widow
CoolerMaster MASTERKEYS MK750
Motospeed mechanical RGB keyboard (no ghosting)
Battletron mechanical RGB keyboard (no ghosting) (sold by Action)
Logitech G105 gaming keyboard (no ghosting)
Logitech wireless keyboard with Unifying receiver
Lenovo EKB-536A
Logitech K120
Microsoft wired keyboard 400
Sweex KB060US
DELL SK-8115
Dell KB216
Konig CSKMCU100US
Crossair K70 LUX RGB
Rapoo (X)1800

Don't work at all:

Leopold FC660M
ANNE PRO 2
Apple Pro Keyboard
- M2452
- M7803
- A1048
- A1243
Logitech k400+ with a Unifying receiver

Don't passed the Nemesis test but works; need to press Windows key instead of space to shoot.

Dell nameless generic cheapy

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

30-12-2021, 12:01

Keyboards which have a USB hub built in will not work at the moment. Most Apple keyboards have a USB hub to connect the mouse to the keyboard, so don't please be alarmed by large lists of non working Apple keyboards. Most keyboards will work fine. If someone can supply me temporary with a Leopold or Anne keyboard, then I can see if I can fix it.

The problem with space and cursor keys are caused by the keyboard itself. The problem is shown in MSX emulators as well. See https://www.msx.org/forum/semi-msx-talk/emulation/bluemsx-24.... By pressing CTRL+ALT+M when connected to the interface a keyboard matrix monitor is started which shows exactly which keys can be pressed together or not.

The interface works with all the keyboards I have here:

- Motospeed mechanical RGB keyboard (no ghosting)
- Battletron mechanical RGB keyboard (no ghosting) (sold by Action)
- Logitech G105 gaming keyboard (no ghosting)
- Logitech wireless keyboard with Unifying receiver
- Lenovo EKB-536A
- Logitech K120
- Microsoft wired keyboard 400
- Sweex KB060US
- DELL SK-8115
- Konig CSKMCU100US

By SkalTura

Champion (404)

31-12-2021, 08:28

I had this idea too for a while and did some tests, but never got around to completing it...
Seems that someone else did ;-)
Great work

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

01-01-2022, 01:28

Thanks. I heard it is also working with a MSX running at 7MHz. So the matrix simulation speed is fast enough.

By AxelF

Champion (398)

01-01-2022, 02:59

The USB keyboard interface works very nice… (v1.10)

Does Work:
- Dell KB216

Doesn't work:
- Logitech k400+ with a Unifying receiver

More keyboards later...

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

02-01-2022, 11:48

Also working:
- Crossair K70 LUX RGB
- Rapoo (X)1800

By Haze

Master (152)

05-01-2022, 00:08

Received the interface today and it's working like a charm! As I've only tested it with (another) DELL SK-8115, I don't have any data to add. But I'll test it with some more keyboards when I get the chance!

By poke-1,170

Paragon (1783)

18-01-2022, 20:21

this looks like a nice solution indeed. Can individual keys be reconfigured? Usually the ctrl and shift keys have switched positions on modern pc keyboards.

By Samor

Prophet (2223)

22-01-2022, 19:52

Nice; the Logitech k120 is one of the cheapest keyboards I know that passes the nemesis test

By tfh

Prophet (3430)

22-01-2022, 22:24

Ordered one!

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

24-01-2022, 15:57

I could add reconfiguration, but not really sure if more people would like it.
There is currently a fixed translation:
Left CTRL key : CTRL key
Left ALT key : GRAPH key
Right ALT key : CODE key
Right CTRL key : “DEAD” key before or after right shift key
Windows keys : SPACE key for shooting/jumping in games

By tfh

Prophet (3430)

02-02-2022, 20:47

I've received mine last Monday and I must admit... It's very nice, using a Logitech keyboard on my NMS-8280.
Thanks Jeroen!

By jbikker

Resident (45)

04-02-2022, 09:07

JeroenTaverne wrote:

Thanks. I heard it is also working with a MSX running at 7MHz. So the matrix simulation speed is fast enough.

I should have asked that before I ordered, glad it will not be a problem.

Still waiting for my msx2+ / 7mhz upgraded 8250 from Repair Bas, will report back when I receive it!

By tfh

Prophet (3430)

04-02-2022, 20:06

The Logitech K120 doesn't pass the Nemesis test btw, space + down & right causes a problem ;-)

By Samor

Prophet (2223)

04-02-2022, 22:59

huh, really? I'll check that (but I only can on an emulator).

By tfh

Prophet (3430)

04-02-2022, 23:08

Samor wrote:

huh, really? I'll check that (but I only can on an emulator).

Well, I didn't try it on Nemesis, but on Zanac-EX on my NMS-8280
Did have a nice run though. I hooked up my Arcade Pro and came to level 6 without loosing a life

By Samor

Prophet (2223)

04-02-2022, 23:58

mine is perfect on both nemesis and zanac-ex (tested on bluemsx).
Perhaps not all K120's are born equal.
Ah well, all should be fine if you use the windows key instead.

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

05-02-2022, 07:17

Good to hear you are all happy. If you need improvements, let me know. I am currently working on a version for the Sony HB-Fxxx with a 13 pin DIN connector on the front.

By alexito

Paladin (761)

13-02-2022, 20:39

Thanks, JeroenTaverne. I have received it today. I can confirm the USB Keyboard Adapter for my NMS-8280 is working great with my USB Logitech K120

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

24-02-2022, 21:24

There are some issues with differences in the Spanish keyboard layout. Does someone have a Spanish MSX2 ROM for me? Then I can temporary modify a NMS8250 and do some debugging.

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

05-03-2022, 19:39

I have an USB keyboard interface now also available for the Sony machines!!!

By JeroenTaverne

Resident (48)

06-04-2022, 15:13

New v2.02 firmware is available with USB hub support (Apple keyboard now also works!)
https://github.com/jeroentaverne/msx_keyboard_interface

Philips MSX external USB keyboard interface

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