Depending on how nice you want the keyboard to act with simultaneous keys and such, with a fairly simple digital circuit, one could tap directly to the sheets inside of said keyboard to provide said interface. Any true Apple 1 enthusiast might jump at the idea.
What a cool idea - combine technology from all throughout Apple's complete history into one ridiculous computer. I love it.
It may be more appropriate to create a USB keyboard to ASCII converter so as not to modify the newfangled keyboard. That is not outside the realm of possibility for a hobbyist.
We should come up with a list of specs:
- Replica1 board (done)
- Bondi Blue iMac keyboard (mod)
- Disk ][ disk drive (mod)
- Apple 23" Cinema Display (adapter)
- Compact Flash (done)
- MDD G4 case so replica1 flips down, make it transparent (easy mod)
- Tap power, power button, power indicator light from said case (easy mod)
- Remove MDDs from said case and insert Disk ][ drive in that area (easy mod)
- LED/CFL lighting with programmable interface (easy mod)
- Give it the old LC III / Quadra startup sound (mod)
- Add real time clock that uses the 4.5V battery (mod)
- Add soft power that relies heavily on a 3.6V battery (mod)
- DB-25 and Mini-DIN serial (easy mod)
Would this be a useful machine? NOT IN THE SLIGHTEST. Cool? YES