Recycle an Old Typewriter for a Retro Look

Old typewriters can now be transformed into working USB keyboards for as little as $150 thanks to an American called Jack Zykin. He has developed a way to convert typewriters to work with a PC or Mac or iPod.

By using custom built electronics he can enable all the letters, numerals, punctuation marks, shift, caps-lock, return carriage, and spacebar functions to work. The appearance of the typewriter remains unchanged with the USB adapter placed behind the machine.The software design is based on the open source platform Arduino allowing users to modify it providing all changes and improvements are linked back to the original creator.

A custom typewriter can be purchased or a DIY kit can be ordered. This includes all the components and information needed to convert your own typewriter.