They implemented this protocol on the Micro, and used the Keyboard library to create a HID device. The final product is an adapter for NeXT to USB, which allows for the old keyboards to be used ...
In short, many old PCs simply weren't made to interface with USB devices at all, and some simpler adapters may not even work properly, depending on keyboard or system. An all-in-one compatibility ...
Say what you will about suitcase computers, but at least most of them still have their keyboards with them. [danjovic] has this vintage Brazilian computer from the 1980s called a Gradiente Expert.