A spare KIM-1 keypad is even rarer than a KIM-1 itself. With this guide you can build a reasonable replica of the keypad. Updated 21 april 2026 with enhanced 3D STL designs.

Parts you need

• PCB as designed by Eduardo
• 19 SMD switches TL3305A
• A slide switch JS102011SCQN
• 2 Keypads, as source of keycaps scavenged from keypads sold as AZ-Delivery 4×4 Matrix Keypad, also available cheap on AliExpress.
• 3D STL of frame, either with ON text embossed or without (see below)
• 3D printer, black PLA filament or balck resin, depending on your 3D printer. Or send it off to a 3d printing service. I have used black PLA, my friend Gerben Voort a professional 3D printing service in resin and sanded.
• At least 3 small self tapping screws
• Several self tapping screws to connect the kaypad to the KIM-1 PCB from underneath
• A label printer like the Dymo Pocket with White on Black tape 9 mm

Step 1. Populate the PCB with switches

Get the PCB as designed by Eduardo Casino. The design is available at his github archive. Sent the gerbers to your favorite PCB factory, I use JLCPCB. Surface mount switches and slide switch. Solder one leg first of all switches. Check if the switches are nicely in line with the others. Move if required. Only when you are satisfied with the position of all switches, solder the other legs. Fine tip, not too much solder. Next solder the two wires (A to A, B to B) on top of the PCB.

Step 2. Print the frame and the slide switch button

Depending on your printer and wish to be close to the original a choice of two 3D designs has to be made:

1. The 3D design by Pete (peo2000 on forum64.org) You can print his one with the front on the bottom. No supports required, use fine resolution. That delivered on my 3 printer a quite smooth end result.
2. The design enhanced by me with the embossed text ‘ON’ like the original keypad of the KIM. And a small cutout, and ribbles on the SST switch This one needs to be printed with the front of the frame on top due to the embossed text. So it needs supports. This means quite some afterwork to remove the artefacts and the top is not as smooth.
The slide switch button is quite small, print in highest quality with a brim.

My friend Gerben Voort uses a 3D printing service. In resin black a near perfect result is achieved.

Step 3 Add the keys

The printed frame is meant to be used with keys scavenged from 4×4 keypads. Break the 4×4 keypad open and take the keys out. As you can see, keys 0,,9 and A..D can be used right away. The other keys (E, F, AD, DA, ST, RS, PC, +, GO) need a label. I print those with a cheap Dymo Pocket printer with white on Black 9 mm tape. The ‘E’ and ‘F’ are printed ‘wide’, the other in normal width. Cut the label to the right size and put them on the keys. I wish the color white was a bit more white, and the font more like the the other keys, but it is the best I can do with this label printer. Insert the keys in the frame with the frame top on the table. Put the slide switch button on the slide switch.

Step 4 Combine PCB and frame

You now have a PCB with switches and a frame with keys. Put the PCB on the frame and screw some small self tapping screws in the PCB into the frame.

The last step

Check if all keys ‘click’, as in this video.

Now you can mount the keypad on your KIM-1 with some self tapping screws from the backside of the KIM-1 into the keypad. Do not forget the wires on top of the PCB (A to A, B to B).