The KATT Games Master Keyboard Archive

Thanks to the incredible efforts of our friend LiqMatrix, the KATT (Keyboard And Terminal Technology) Game Master, an extremely rare mid-1990s DOS gaming keyboard, has been preserved for everyone to explore.

This unusual device came with interchangeable “mats” that customized the keyboard for specific games, from jet cockpits to RPG character sheets. Despite its innovative design, it was not a commercial success, and very few examples survive today.

LiqMatrix has done an outstanding job preserving this piece of gaming history:

Acquiring a complete set of the original game mats, including the previously unseen Wing Commander layouts.
Scanning the mats in very high resolution (after purchasing a professional A3 scanner for the purpose).
Archiving all hardware, overlays, and original documentation.
Producing a high-quality unboxing and exploration video showcasing the KATT in pristine detail.
Conducting research into the company behind the product, uncovering that KATT Games had a Hong Kong headquarters, a U.S. office in New Jersey, and a European partner in Germany—but all branches are now defunct. The product was likely sold only briefly between 1993 and 1994, and trademarks were not renewed.

The physical hardware, overlays, and archival materials have since been donated to The Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, NY, ensuring this rare artifact is preserved for future generations. Special thanks are also due to Bandit LOAF for helping mirror and make parts of this archive publicly accessible – both played crucial roles in keeping this history safe.

All of these materials are also available digitally, so enthusiasts and historians can explore them online. You can access the full KATT archive here via our Archive.org area – including hardware, overlays, and documentation.

You can also watch the unboxing video here from our YouTube channel via the link below.

This is a rare and fascinating glimpse into an obscure corner of DOS gaming history, and it’s all thanks to LiqMatrix’s meticulous preservation work that it has been saved!