#keyboards

This is a replacement PCB for the Magicforce 68 keyboard. It is powered by a cheap Pro Micro controller. This is the second version, more information can be read in this post and details on github.

Direct drop in replacement controller. Perfect if you have a dead controller, or you want to tinker with extra options without modifying the stock controller, or you just want a programmable internal USB connection.

Direct drop in replacement controller. Perfect if you have a dead controller, or you want to tinker with extra options without modifying the stock controller, or you just want a programmable internal USB connection.

The programmable keyboard for programmers!

The programmable keyboard for programmers!

Carving an IBM Model M down to roughly 60% size

this project aims to build, test, and mass produce a Teensy/Arduino USB Keyboard controller, for use as a drop in replacement into any IBM Buckling Spring keyboard.

I have decided to publish some of my “archaeological” work from last year on Cy Endfield’s MicroWriter. The original objective was to produce a cycle-accurate emulator. I do not currently have the free time to complete this project, so I will post my results here for anyone who might care to pick up the torch. Click on some of the images to see the full-resolution version.

Computing pioneer Alan Kay tells us that a computer is “an instrument whose music is ideas.” This seems like a beautiful metaphor, until you realize that we have somehow ended up in a world where the profession of musician is nearly unknown. via Pocket

The basic idea of GKOS is that you've got six buttons on the back of a device (either a dedicated input device, or on the back of a handheld computing device, phone, etc), one for the index through ring fingers of each hand (or two for each finger if you have a device made for one-handed use). You press the keys in various chords to type, switch between modes, and operate a pointer (when in pointer mode).

As designers, we all know that on-screen soft keyboards are cumbersome and rather slow to use due to their lack of physical texture and haptic feedback. And with the continual rise of touch screens on phones, tablets, and laptops, we got excited about giving the chorded keyboard another chance!

"The Pythagorean Lambdoma Harmonic Keyboard, designed by mathemetician Barbara Hero, is an unusual MIDI controller that’s based on ancient concepts and fundamental harmonic relationships between notes. The keyboard is based on the Lambdoma Matrix, a mathematical grid attributed to the philosopher Pythagoras. The Matrix plots whole-number ratios, with whole numbers along on side (1,2,3,4….) and their inverse fractions (1/1, 1/2, 1/3, 1/4….) along the other."

"A rash of e-mails regarding and hits to my negative review of the Matias Tactile Pro 2 leads me to write this positive review the Unicomp Customizer, a modern version of the Model M that IBM used to produce. Dan’s Data explains why these “buckling spring” keyboards are so nice"

"The Endurapro 104 has become one of the most popular members of Unicomp's growing family of keyboard products. The Endurapro features an integrated mouse, buckling spring technology and Microsoft Windows keys. The integrated mouse saves desk top space as does the sleek new footprint which is 20% smaller than our conventional keyboards."

"My All Things Considered story about the Model M keyboard is, of course, shot through with journalistic bias. I am unabashed in my preference for the metallic ring of an old keyboard's spring-loaded keys. I won't apologize for this partiality, but I will try to explain it."

"Almost all keyboards made since the early 1990s are, frankly, no good. A tiny group of writers and hackers know better. They use vintage IBM keyboards. Ugly, built like tanks, and, most importantly, with a spring under each key, and which clicks when you press it."

"Super Tiny Keyboard is tiny, slim, portable and functional that you do not have to worry about bringing those traditonal, big and heavy keyboard when you are travelling."

"The revolutionary Half Keyboard and 508 Keyboard allow you type with just one hand, using your existing skills."

"10-years old girl playing on keyboard.She's just fabulous."

"Here is our list of our favorite keyboards, vote for your faves."

"Andy sent me a couple of shots of his beautiful stamp decorated keyboards. He write that he's made about 10 of these beauties."

"Do you have a wearable computer? Are you interested in alternate keyboard layouts but too lazy to learn Dvorak? Do you masturbate at your desk?"

"Sleek and compact, it has low-profile keys that provide a crisp, responsive feel and function keys for one-touch access to Mac features."

"58 User-reprogrammable keys"

Holy crap, that's a good way to get pink eye!

"Seriously, though, how can you not want a happy hacking keyboard?"

"Here’s a compilation of the coolest gadgeteering 10 keyboards ever made."

"Is it time to permanently retire the Caps Lock key? Pieter Hintjens thinks so."

"The Lite 2 also sports a new feature: "true arrow keys", which was made possible by the many requests we received from our valued users!"

"Keyboards come in many shapes - from the simplest computer grey $9.99 standard 102-key keyboard to variants that seem to come straight out of a Star Trek episode."