Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ Casing Color Scheme

This article details the specific color scheme used for the Sinclair ZX Spectrum+ computer casing. It examines the continuity of the black chassis and rainbow branding from the original model while highlighting the subtle design refinements introduced in the 1984 update. Readers will gain a clear understanding of the aesthetic choices that defined this iconic home computer.

The Sinclair ZX Spectrum+, released in 1984 as an upgrade to the original ZX Spectrum, maintained the manufacturer’s signature aesthetic identity. The primary color of the casing was a deep, matte black plastic. This choice preserved the brand recognition established by the 1982 original, ensuring that the machine was instantly identifiable on a shelf or desk. The black housing served as a neutral background that allowed the colorful branding to stand out prominently without visual competition.

Adorning the left-hand side of the black casing was the iconic rainbow stripe logo. This multi-colored decal featured the standard spectrum of colors, including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. While the overall color scheme remained consistent with the predecessor, the placement and finish of the rainbow stripe were slightly adjusted to accommodate the new case mold. The vibrant colors against the dark background remained the defining visual characteristic of the hardware.

In addition to the main casing colors, the ZX Spectrum+ introduced minor functional color accents. The most notable addition was the reset button, which was typically red, providing a distinct visual cue against the black keyboard area. The keys themselves were changed from the original rubber pads to hard plastic travel keys, but they retained the black coloration of the original model. This consistency ensured that despite internal improvements and keyboard fixes, the external color scheme remained a unified black and rainbow design.