The Amiga Keyboard Layout: A Keymap for the Ages

When it comes to the Amiga keyboard layout, there are several key concepts to grasp in order to understand how this unique input method works. At its core, a keymap is a file that describes what character or string is generated by a specific key on an Amiga keyboard.

The Amiga uses the ECMA-94 Latin1 International 8-bit character set, which allows national keyboards to be supported using a single keymap. This means that users can switch between different languages and keyboard layouts without having to worry about reconfiguring their setup.

One of the most important aspects of the Amiga keyboard layout is the raw key code. This is the low-level input data generated by a physical key on the keyboard, and it is not internationally compatible. For example, the Y and Z keys are swapped on German keyboards compared to US keyboards, which means that the same raw key code can produce different results depending on the country.

Despite these differences, the Amiga keyboard layout is designed to be flexible and adaptable. The physical position of a key determines its raw key code, which can then be mapped to any desired ANSI character value, string, or escape sequence. This allows users to define their own custom keymaps and layouts, making it easy to adapt to different languages and cultures.

In addition to its flexibility, the Amiga keyboard layout is also designed with international compatibility in mind. The standard Amiga keymap is designed to work on any Amiga computer sold internationally, regardless of the local keyboard layout. This means that users can switch between different keyboards and layouts without having to worry about reconfiguring their setup.

Overall, the Amiga keyboard layout is a powerful tool for anyone who uses an Amiga computer or wants to customize their keyboard input. With its flexibility, adaptability, and international compatibility, it's no wonder why this unique input method has remained popular among Amiga enthusiasts over the years.

In conclusion, the Amiga keyboard layout is a keymap that describes what character or string is generated by a specific key on an Amiga keyboard. It uses the ECMA-94 Latin1 International 8-bit character set and allows national keyboards to be supported using a single keymap. The raw key code is not internationally compatible, but the physical position of a key determines its raw key code, which can then be mapped to any desired ANSI character value, string, or escape sequence.