I built a keytar from an old PC keyboard. It worked okay, but it was customized for the specific keyboard model I used, so I want to build a second version.

At the core, I use a Raspberry Pi Pico W (I used a Pico in the previous version) - performance-wise it is far better than what I need and it comes with built-in bluetooth and the Programmable IO (PIO) modules. which will come in handy.

The main thing I want to improve is the integration of the keyboard. Instead of partly replacing the keyboard with 3D prints like the first version, I want to create mounting brackets that integrate it in a reversible way. I also want to use a proper USB A port to attach the keyboard (and add PS/2 support down the line) instead of soldering a micro USB B plug to the keyboard wire.

Feature-wise I want to add support for BLE MIDI and battery management, enabling wireless play. Also, I want to use the Picos PIO for the USB host port, keeping the hardware USB free for USB MIDI and debugging.