In context: Apple keyboards have been in a category of their very own when it got here to design again within the 80s. One notable instance is the Desktop Bus Keyboard for the Apple IIGS, which stood out with its glossy, low-profile keys, slim bezel, and distinctive options like an influence button and a locking caps lock. Over time, these classic gadgets have develop into extremely wanted by collectors.
One enterprising YouTuber, generally known as ‘mtt,’ determined to take issues a step additional. He tracked down an authentic Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard and gave it an unbelievable fashionable overhaul – even including an OLED show, just because he may.
The journey started by restoring the keyboard’s authentic off-white shade utilizing a course of known as Retrobright. This intelligent technique employs hydrogen peroxide and UV mild publicity to reverse the yellowing of classic ABS plastic. With its contemporary, renewed look, the keyboard was prepared for the subsequent section.
The aim was to combine a microcontroller operating customized firmware to seize keypresses and output them through USB-C or Bluetooth. For the controller, mtt selected the reasonably priced Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 board, which inserts neatly contained in the keyboard’s compact casing.
Nevertheless, mapping out the unique keyboard matrix proved to be a problem. Mtt needed to meticulously hint the keyboard connections with a multimeter to determine every key enter. As soon as that detective work was full, he proceeded to design and fabricate a customized PCB that may seamlessly combine with the unique keyboard housing, routing the inputs to the microcontroller.
As he upgraded the expertise, mtt additionally added some cool new options. He changed the unique energy button with a programmable OLED keycap that may show info comparable to battery stage, related gadget, and toggle modes. It virtually resembles a Mac Contact Bar, besides it is in black and white and, after all, does not settle for contact inputs (it is tiny). Moreover, a wheel was put in on high for quantity management.
To energy all of it, mtt built-in a chargeable battery, neatly hidden below a inventory keyboard cowl. The ultimate product is solely beautiful, showcasing the right mix of classic Apple appeal and fashionable keyboard capabilities. It helps each USB-C wired and Bluetooth connectivity.
The creator has additionally made it attainable for others to duplicate his mod by open-sourcing the information on GitHub. With some minor PCB ordering, soldering abilities, and a donor Apple keyboard, the retro look and fashionable options could be yours.
