So, I had this CRAZY IDEA...
Let's re-create this computer that started it all for me...the Texas Instruments TI-99/4A
If you open it up and get rid of the main board, you have a keyboard and a shell housing.
Now, the later versions of this computer used a very cool keyboard indeed. It was made by General Instrument, and used Alps SKCC switches. The stems were angled to give the uniform SA-profile (yes, they were made by Comptec) keys a nice slant. It has 48 keys, and uses an 8-unit spacebar. Well, the SA keys on the Alps keyboard version are beige, and don't match this black-and-aluminum housing at all. So let's get rid of that keyboard and start anew.
We can still use the switch mounting plate, since the holes are 14mm square. Just the thing for MX switches, right? Well, I hate handwiring, so I asked Talking Tree to help me with a PCB for it.
Early render of the PCB. Final version will have other bottom row layout options.
There is no controller or other circuitry on the PCB. The row/column matrix is landed to pads on the top edge of the PCB, so that we can use ribbon cable to connect the matrix to a controller of our choosing (Teensy, Pro Micro, etc.).
Once we have the PCB made, I will install MX switches in the plate, and mount it back into the shell of the computer. Then, I will install a Raspberry Pi inside the computer housing to complete the build. I was thinking of using the cartridge slot on the right for expansion ports or an SD card reader.
It's nostalgic. It's insane. But it's kinda cool, no?
Anyone wanting to re-create this project could easily buy a non-working 99/4A on eBay cheaply. It might be harder to find the Alps keyboard, but one could always have a plate cut and mount it to the housing using standoffs.
Thoughts?
Big thanks to Talking Tree for the PCB help!!