old typewriter comes back as functional ‘gaming’ computer that slides to the side

Revived ‘gaming’ computer is now functional with typewriter

Youtube channel Prototype transforms an old typewriter into a functional ‘gaming’ computer that slides to the side as users type. Retaining the original design of the used typewriter, the device keeps the metal body, round keycaps, mechanical hammers, slide carriage, and bell but is equipped with 3D printed parts to make it work for modern gaming, browsing, and typing. To make the typewriter gaming computer functional, the maker first removes some parts, including the old motor, ribbon system, and some side brackets, to create some space inside the case.

Since a computer needs a motherboard, power supply, and other components, he also redesigns the keyboard by placing a modern one because it is much thinner. It also needs a custom PCB, or the main electronic board under the keys, and later on, gets connected to a microcontroller. The switches are arranged in a grid pattern, so when a key is pressed, the circuit closes at a specific row and column. The Arduino, an open-source electronics platform, reads this position and sends the correct letter to the computer, making the typewriter gaming computer functional.

Vintage typing device retains its moving hammer system

The maker also creates a new plastic case for the typewriter to give more space for the computer parts while giving it the classic look. He also retains the moving hammer system, which lets the functional gaming computer move to the side just like the vintage typewriters do. When users press a key on a normal keyboard, nothing moves outside, but in the custom design, each key press moves a computer above the device, thanks to the servo motor. 

The maker still needs to add the computer and a screen inside the typewriter, but for now, the keyboard and mechanical movement work together as one system. So far, the device is dubbed as a functional gaming computer using the attached typewriter, but in the first part of the video, where the maker documents the making, it is mostly used for typing purposes. A part two may come soon, and in this video, he may be able to show how the device could work when users play games on the old-laptop-revived-typewriter gadget.

project info:

name: I Turned an Old Typewriter Into a Gaming Computer (Part 1)

channel: Prototype | @proto_type_00