Apple keyboards were in a class of their own when it came to design back in the 80s. One notable example is the Desktop Bus Keyboard for the Apple IIGS, which stood out with its sleek, low-profile keys, slim bezel, and unique features like a power button and a locking caps lock. Over the years, these vintage devices have become highly sought after by collectors.
One enterprising YouTuber, known as ‘mtt,’ decided to take things a step further. He tracked down an original Apple Desktop Bus Keyboard and gave it an incredible modern overhaul – even adding an OLED display, simply because he could.
The journey began by restoring the keyboard’s original off-white color using a process called Retrobright. This clever method employs hydrogen peroxide and UV light exposure to reverse the yellowing of vintage ABS plastic. With its fresh, renewed look, the keyboard was ready for the next phase.
The goal was to integrate a microcontroller running custom firmware to capture keypresses and output them via USB-C or Bluetooth. For the controller, mtt chose the affordable Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040 board, which fits neatly inside the keyboard’s compact casing.
However, mapping out the original keyboard matrix proved to be a challenge. Mtt had to meticulously trace the keyboard connections with a multimeter to identify each key input. Once that detective work was complete, he proceeded to design and fabricate a custom PCB that would seamlessly integrate with the original keyboard housing, routing the inputs to the microcontroller.
As he upgraded the technology, mtt also added some cool new features. He replaced the original power button with a programmable OLED keycap that can display information such as battery level, connected device, and toggle modes. It almost resembles a Mac Touch Bar, except it’s in black and white and, of course, doesn’t accept touch inputs (it’s tiny). Additionally, a wheel was installed on top for volume control.
To power it all, mtt integrated a rechargeable battery, neatly hidden under a stock keyboard cover. The final product is simply gorgeous, showcasing the perfect blend of vintage Apple charm and modern keyboard capabilities. It supports both USB-C wired and Bluetooth connectivity.
The creator has also made it possible for others to replicate his mod by open-sourcing the files on GitHub. With some minor PCB ordering, soldering skills, and a donor Apple keyboard, the retro look and modern features can be yours.
