Since 2010, engineer and designer Jack Zylkin has renovated typewriters for the digital age, transforming them into more versatile, practical writing tools. Plugged into a computer, tablet, or smartphone, Zylkin’s USB Typewriters function like modern external keyboards, combining the physical writing experience of the manual typewriter with the ease of modern word processing. Zylkin sells ready-made USB Typewriters, as well as do-it-yourself conversion kits customized for a range of models. The following images highlight Zylkin’s process.
A USB Typewriter conversion kit includes (clockwise from top left) a roll of cloth tape, an assortment of magnets, four magnetic switches, a sensor panel, and a control panel. A user can install the kit with a few basic tools: a screwdriver, a pair of pliers, a hot glue gun, wire strippers, and a metal file.
Zylkin’s first step in creating USB Typewriters is to attach the sensor circuitry under the keys of the typewriter. The sensor panel, which is either soldered or glued to the machine, detects which key is pressed.
Zylkin attaches a sensor panel to an Underwood typewriter.
Zylkin solders the sensor panel to an Underwood typewriter.
After the sensor circuitry is attached, Zylkin mounts the control panel to the side of a typewriter. The control panel—which includes CTRL, ALT, and CMD buttons—connects the typewriter’s sensor circuitry to a computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Magnetic switches detect the motion of magnets Zylkin glues to the typewriter’s spacebar, shift key, and backspace key.
Zylkin uses a strip of brass or steel to create a stand for a tablet. USB Typewriters are compatible with all computers and many tablets and smartphones.
Zylkin has created USB Typewriters out of a variety of machines including Underwoods, Olympias, Remingtons, and this red Olivetti Valentine.
An Underwood typewriter converted into a USB Typewriter.