Tactile inputs
BEST OF BREED
ONLYTHE
BEST
ometimes old school is cool. And
you can’t get more old school than
keyboard inputs. And that’s what
we’ll look at in this Best of Breed.
There is something enduring about a
simple key press. Just ask any gamer
about their keyboard and you’ll most likely get into a
lively conversation about the best layouts
and specific brand of keys they like to
use. Even in the DIY electronics world,
we know it’s important. Just look at
Pimoroni’s Keybow: it’s available in
different ‘feeling’ keys, both
clicky and non-clicky.
Keyboards are also
incredibly useful and
extensible. And you don’t
need to simply input
characters. They can be
used for entering code patterns,
movement, and – this author’s favourite use- programmable displays for creating sequenced
music. Another nice thing about having a keyboard
input with your project is it’s very natural for humans.
OK, maybe not natural, but at least it’s very familiar. If
your project requires user input or feedback, you
won’t need to explain how to use a keyboard.
A surprising variety of keyboards for your
next electronics projectBy Marc de Vinck @devinckTactile inputs
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Below
If you’d rather go the
full DIY route, you
can build your own
keypads from scratch