ZX Spectrum Rubber Key: Break / Space

The beautiful rubber-keyed ZX Spectrum had a BREAK SPACE key, situated over the iconic slanted 4-colour band.

If you press CAPS SHIFT with the SPACE key, you can BREAK a BASIC program to stop it running – handy to stop those infinite ‘I am cool’ GOTO 10 loops you might have set running on the display model in WHSmith in the 80s!

Aside from that, it always seemed to me like there was some further meaning with this key. It suggested rather more existentially that taking a break provides some space. It’s that implication that inspired me to create this design, which seems particularly appropriate on t-shirts and cushions. I’m looking forward to my young kids learning to read and taking the hint!

If you’re looking for a classic design celebrating the rubber keyboard and band that’s a little different from the standard ZX Spectrum logo, this may hit the spot!