Which Atari ST Model Featured a Numeric Keypad?

Among the various computers released by Atari Corporation, the models that included a numeric keypad on their keyboards were primarily the 520STFM, 1040STF, the Mega ST series, and the later STE lineup. While the original 520ST launched with a compact keyboard lacking these number keys, subsequent revisions expanded the layout to accommodate data entry and gaming needs. This article identifies the specific models equipped with the full keypad and explains the hardware evolution that led to this design change.

The original Atari 520ST, released in 1985, featured a detached keyboard with a compact layout that omitted the numeric keypad to save space and manufacturing costs. However, as the product line matured, user feedback drove the inclusion of a full-sized keyboard layout. The Atari 520STFM and 1040STF models integrated the floppy drive into the main chassis and shipped with a revised keyboard that included the numeric keypad on the right-hand side. This layout became standard for the integrated STE models and the high-end Mega ST computers, which utilized a detached keyboard that also boasted the full number pad.

Identifying the correct model is essential for collectors and enthusiasts seeking specific typing experiences or hardware configurations. If a numeric keypad is a requirement for an authentic setup, the 520STFM, 1040STF, any variant of the Mega ST, or the STE series are the correct choices. The absence of this feature remains one of the key visual distinguishers between the earliest 520ST units and the more refined models that followed in the late 1980s.