Backlit Mechanical Keyboard for the Apple IIc Computers

[eric]

We are back again to bring you another exciting project! Many of you have been asking for us to create something for the Apple IIc and we heard you loud and clear. As such, we are pleased to introduce a mechanical ALPS type keyboard for the Apple IIc with optional backlighting in clear, black, and gray.

This Kickstarter will not only offer amazing keyboards, but give us the feedback we need to determine interest in the Apple IIc. If this project meets the single stretch goal we will open a Kickstarter to produce custom cases for the Apple IIc in clear or black to match your new keyboards.

For this project we partnered with renowned electronics guru Joe Strosnider of Joe's Computer Museum (JCM-1) and Apple IIc expert Javier Rivera of Retr0brite fame. Together we have brought you something truly special.

I just backed as my //c Keyboard is trash! Hope they meet their goal as the //c is one of my favorite Apple II versions.

Thanks @MacEffects & @jcm-1

Backlit Mechanical Keyboard for the Apple IIc Computers

New Backlit Mechanical Keyboard for the Apple IIc Computers in CLEAR, GRAY, and BLACK!

www.kickstarter.com

 

[ScutBoy]

I'm in on the Kickstarter. Hoping to hit the stretch for the clear case!

 

[jcm-1]

The prototype was the coolest project I've worked on so far, up there with my universal Apple II keyboard Encoder. We had a nice details meeting last night and I can't wait to get working on the final version. It's gonna be awesome!

(Interesting side note: that picture on the OP is working prototype #0 - installed in my own Apple IIc. If you need proof it works- there you go!)

 

[eric]

Looks like it's fully funded! Still a way to go to get to that stretch goal, but I'm pretty happy I'll be getting a new keyboard to make my //c usable once again!

 

[JustG]

I'm also a backer. Kicking myself for not getting in on the Apple II Kickstarters when they were active. As with everyone else, I hope the stretch goal is met otherwise the clear keys on my brand spankin' new keyboard will look a little out of place!

 

[jcm-1]

We have some really cool surprises in store, that if they turn out to be possible, are gonna knock your socks off. Stay tuned!

 

[wottle]

Unfortunately, I have the IIc Plus, otherwise, I'd be in for this!

 

[jcm-1]

Unfortunately, I have the IIc Plus, otherwise, I'd be in for this!

The upside is that the processes we learn for this version may be able to lead to a //c Plus version quite easily. The geometry is very similar, the keymatrix is very similar. Its mostly a factor of dealing with the volume slider.

 

[svenvendetta]

I unfortunately missed the kickstarter window but would love to buy one of these to replace Hairpin switch keyboard on my IIc which is straight up terrible! Are these going to be available for purchase on the MacEffects site after backers are all set?

 

[jcm-1]

I unfortunately missed the kickstarter window but would love to buy one of these to replace Hairpin switch keyboard on my IIc which is straight up terrible! Are these going to be available for purchase on the MacEffects site after backers are all set?

Direct from MacEffects:

24 keyboards of each variation will be offered. They won’t be for sale until a couple weeks after all backers receive their keyboard. China is on nation week so they are closed. Estimated 3-4 months until everything is sent and done.

 

[Drake]

Direct from MacEffects:

24 keyboards of each variation will be offered. They won’t be for sale until a couple weeks after all backers receive their keyboard. China is on nation week so they are closed. Estimated 3-4 months until everything is sent and done.

Rejoice, procrastinators!
I'd like one as well, and a case.... Or two.

 

[svenvendetta]

Any update on this? Did backers get theirs yet?

 

[jcm-1]

Hey, I talked to Mark Jozaitis of MacEffects today. Here's the latest update:

"Apparently there was a typhoon that interrupted shipping in China so there one was, hopefully final, delay on the keyboards."

I would think we would have an update in a week or two.

 

[eric]

Just got the notification that mine shipped!

 

[ScutBoy]

Just got the notification that mine shipped!

I got my shipping notification as well!

 

[JustG]

Same here! Looking forward to the clear case Kickstarter.

 

[svenvendetta]

The are now available for order on the MacEffects site. Just ordered mine!

 

[ScutBoy]

My keyboard has arrived, but installation may wait until after the VCFMW prep is over...

 

[CygnusTM]

Installed mine today and found that it had a few dead keys. I messaged MacEffects on Kickstarter. Hopefully, I can get a replacement.

 

[ScutBoy]

@MacEffects sent out a note on the KickStarter list that there are some consistent reports of problems . He has some suggested fixes, or other ways to address with him.