this post was submitted on 06 Apr 2025
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How would i make a device for sending keyboard input to a computer? (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 week ago* (last edited 1 week ago) by IndigoGollum@lemmy.world to c/ece@lemmy.world
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I have an idea for a new kind of keyboard, i think the best way to test it would be to make one and get it to work with my computer. If i can get each button on it to send a keypress signal like any other keyboard, i can work out the details with software like Kanata.

I have access to a 3D printer and i can make models in Blender, but i have no idea where to start with the electronics. Should i look into Arduino? Contact electronics manufacturers? How do i get from an idea on paper to a physical prototype?

I should mention, this thing is actually supposed to be a TV remote, because i think it's bogus how little typing on a game console or smart TV has evolved since the '80s. I said keyboard because that's basically what i'm trying to prototype, but normal mechanical keyboard hardware is rather bigger than what i'm trying to make. Little buttons my computer can treat as a keyboard would be a good step toward making a good design for a remote controller. Also, i am not a programmer. I know a little HTML and have dabbled with Inform6/7, but C and Python are magic wizard stuff to me.

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[–] Treczoks@lemmy.world 2 points 1 week ago

I've got a RPi Pico with the RP2040 right here, and it does not have a type C connector but a B Micro.

And USB1.1 is more than sufficient for a keyboard - even at the usual low speed setting for a keyboard (1.5mbit/s) you'll be hard pressed to fill that up with your typing.