Retrocomputer keyboards -> USB modern keyboards?

[topshelfgamer]

I'm curious whether there has been any project like what i'm envisioning...

There are places that sell or show you how to modify retro game controllers (NES, SNES, Genesis, etc) and have them plug into a modern PC to give the "feel" of original emulation.  Some give them a USB out, others just give them a special adapter box to plug into.

Has anyone attempted anything like that for the KEYBOARDS of various classic computers, 8 or 16 (or 32) bit, US or UK or japanese?

For me one reason I love playing stuff on real hardware is the physical look and feel.  You can put an ITX PC inside many retro consoles already, people are doing it with NES's for instance, I personally want to do it with a JVC X'eye.  You can add physical controller ports, use the original controllers, and get a just as good if not better experience of what it was like playing the game originally.

But what about the physical keyboards?  Doing emulation on a PC keyboard is not the same to me.  If i'm emulating an Atari ST i'd love to have some kind of Atari ST keyboard, or maybe a Mega's detachable keyboard, hooked up.  Whether the 'special' extra/different keys it had, or just the physical feel of typing on it, I want it to be the same.  Same with a Commodore 64 - i'd be fine gutting out a C64 case and hooking the original keyboard up somehow, making it all USB.  Same with an Apple 2e.  Same with an MSX.

I'm sure a one off for just one system could be done by a tinkerer, when you start wanting a bunch of systems it gets harder, or if you need to replace a keyboard damaged later it might be trickier depending how you hacked it up originally.  I'd tend to think i'm not the only one that wants this, are there other people that would be into this or good places to discuss coming up with some kind of semi universal interface for the purpose of emulation heaven?

[petik1]

There's a thread somewhere on the Famicom board where someone converted a Family BASIC keyboard into either a computer or a keyboard. I'm sure there's someone out there who does mods like the one you described.

[GohanX]

I haven't seen anything with computers quite that old, but I have seen sites selling those old awesome IBM clicky keyboards modified with USB ports for modern computers. They wanted something like $100 for them, I remember when stores had stacks of them for $5 each.

[80sFREAK]

I haven't seen anything with computers quite that old, but I have seen sites selling those old awesome IBM clicky keyboards modified with USB ports for modern computers. They wanted something like $100 for them, I remember when stores had stacks of them for $5 each.

I don't think you got it correct - guy wants to butcherize C64 to use keyboard and emulator on PC instead of using C64 itself. A bit weird way to do, but looks ok for people, who prefer ersatz.

[GohanX]

Gotcha, I didn't read the whole post.

Check out the new Commodore computer, it's basically a Intel Atom based PC in a Commodore 64-like case, running either Linux (I think) or a C64 emulator. It looks cool, but is pretty expensive.

[famifan]

usually old pc's keyboard is just button matrix. It could not be hard to scan keys with some MCU (pic, avr, etc.)

[80sFREAK]

usually old pc's keyboard is just button matrix. It could not be hard to scan keys with some MCU (pic, avr, etc.)

it is not "top shelf" solution LOL This guy should go on "apple" messageboard and say the thing about Apple I... LOL before he go, i can give him some anal lubricants.