ESPectrum vs Klive IDE

ESPectrum is free, GPL-3.0 emulator firmware for Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. It emulates Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A, and Pentagon 128K systems, plus Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models. Supported boards include Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL. Video output offers standard VGA, machine-rate VGA, and 15 kHz CRT modes in 16:9 or 4:3. Emulation includes the Z80, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone behavior, contended memory, and floating-bus effects. Users can connect PS/2 keyboards, joysticks, DB9 joysticks through a converter, and a PS/2 mouse acting as a Kempston mouse. It reads TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80, SP, TRD, and SCL files. Installation uses an online web flasher or release binaries. A FAT16- or FAT32-formatted micro SD card stores programs, disks, snapshots, and captures. PlatformIO builds are described for Windows, GNU/Linux, and MacOS/X.

Klive IDE combines a retro-computer emulator with development tools for Sinclair Z80-based machines. It supports Z80 Assembly, ZX BASIC (Boriel's Basic) and SJASMPLUS; its native assembler is built in, while the latter two rely on external toolchains. A one-click workflow compiles a program, places it in the emulated machine, then runs or debugs it with breakpoints. Active emulators cover ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K, ZX Spectrum +2E/+3E, and Cambridge Z88; ZX Spectrum Next support is in progress. The Monaco-based editor provides VS Code keyboard shortcuts, syntax highlighting, diagnostics, code folding and symbol navigation. Debug views include CPU and ULA state, memory, disassembly, watches, BASIC listings and system variables. Klive loads TAP and TZX tape files and DSK disks for ZX Spectrum +3E, and exports TAP, TZX or Intel HEX. It also offers a scripting engine for commands and build pipelines, and can record emulator video with stereo audio. The IDE is free, MIT licensed, and available for macOS, Windows and Linux.