How does it work the keyboard

How does it work?

The keyboard

The keyboard

● Oldest computer accessory (~1870)● Hasn't changed a lot● ~104 keys● QWERTY

QWERTY

● 1873, Christopher Latham Sholes● to avoid jams● far from optimal● used everywhere, even on phones

Endless list of alternatives:Dvorak, Colemak, Workman, ...

Common keyboards

● Rubber dome "switches" + membrane● Low quality● Cheap● 99%

Common problems

● bottom-actuation● membrane is vulnerable● staggering● ghosting● max. 2-3 key rollover

Mechanical keyboards

● PCB● Plate● Switches● Keycaps● Case● Controller

PCB

Plate

Keyswitches

Cherry MX family

● Black - linear, 60g● Red - linear, 45g● Brown - tactile, 45g● Clear - tactile, 55g● Blue - clicky, 50g

... and endless customization: replaceable stems, custom springs,leds, lubing...

Bulking spring, Hall-effect, mechanical, ...

Keycaps

profile - SA, DCS, DSA, ...

color

material - ABS, PBT

captions - font, position, double shot, laser-etched, dye-sub, ...

Case

● old keyboard cases● made of wood● laser cut acrylic● 3D printed● CNC cut aluminium (anodized)

Controller

● mostly Atmel microcontrollers● ErgoDox: Teensy 2.0 (ATMEGA32U4, 16MHz)

● Arduino compatible, Teensyduino● gnu avr toolchain● USB HID is well specified :)

https://github.com/dyuri/ergodox-firmware

...

Written on an ErgoDox.2013, György HorákImages and most info from geekhack.org and deskthority.net.http://blog.euedge.com/blog/kutyuk/a-billentyuzet/

Thanks!