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It's funny. Laugh. Hardware

Building Your Own Extra-Large Keyboard 305

Posted by timothy from the completely-necessary dept.
Ant writes "ModAsylum.com has an article on how to make your own extra-large homemade keyboard." Or, if you're handy with tweezers, extra-small.
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Building Your Own Extra-Large Keyboard More

Building Your Own Extra-Large Keyboard

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  • I can't wait for the sequel of "Big" to see this in action.

  • yea (Score:4, Funny)

    by Vancomycin ( 789835 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:42AM (#9758006)
    a one-hand keyboard maybe more immediately useful for many :-p

    • Re:yea (Score:4, Interesting)

      by Rosco P. Coltrane ( 209368 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:59AM (#9758075)
      a one-hand keyboard maybe more immediately useful for many

      I'll second that. It's amazing how little computer hardware manufacturers think of disabled people. If you're one-handed and you're looking for a good chord keyboard, you better be prepared to spend a lorryload of money for one of the precious few options available.

      Funnily enough, I've seen armless people type on a regular keyboard with their feet a lot more easily than with one hand. Maybe big keyboards would improve these guys' typing speed too...

  • Final pic (Score:4, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:43AM (#9758010)
    If you don't want to wade through 9 pages with two sentences in each and sometimes even a picture, this is the last page with the picture of the finished keyboard: http://www.modasylum.com/guides.php?guide=37&page= 10 [modasylum.com]

  • Honey, I Screwed With the Keyboard! (Score:3, Funny)

    by Zorilla ( 791636 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:45AM (#9758019)
    Looks like they wasted a whole bunch of effort for nothing. Did they even bother to call up Rick Moranis before trying to make a keyboard big?

  • Modern crappy keyboards (Score:5, Insightful)

    by Biotech9 ( 704202 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:45AM (#9758021) Homepage
    I've noticed a trend from the last few years. As PC companys like dell and gateway stuck little extra 'multimedia' keys on the top of the keyboard, they also slowly began to shrik key size.

    It was slightly noticeable that the 'full size' keyboard on my powerbook was bigger than the one on my girlfriends PC, but the kicker came when i dug my old Amiga 500 out of storage. The keyboard seemed so massive!

    So i ended up taking a very old keyboard from a server in my attic and using that. It's so old it has no windows keys, and the big clunky keys are heavenly compared to the modern flat logitect styles. [tigerdirect.com]

  • To go with the extra-large keyboard... (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Rosco P. Coltrane ( 209368 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:46AM (#9758026)
    The extra-large trackball [theapplecollection.com]. If you've ever seen one of these things, it's soccer-ball-sized!

  • Slashdotted (Score:3, Funny)

    by elgatozorbas ( 783538 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:48AM (#9758038)
    They had better built an extra-big server.

  • Interesting note. (Score:3, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:55AM (#9758056)
    Even the best keyboards are at about 85% of the size of optimum because they were modelled after typewriter keyboards to make it easier for typists to adapt.

    The first typewriters actually had properly sized keys, but they discovered that an unfortunate degree of jamming would occur as efficient typists would outpace the little hammers with the letters on them! Rather than trying to use some revolutionary alloy in the hammers to decrease their weight, it was determined that a cheaper solution was needed for mass-production -- and they settled on shrinking the keys, which slowed down even the best typists to an acceptable 50-60WPM (although later models did decrease hammer timing.)

    So today we are left with an antiqutitated model, and as with dvorak key layouts larger keys provide a technically better alternative that is unfortunately incompatible with what most current typists are comfortable and efficient with.
    • Even the best keyboards are at about 85% of the size of optimum
      Are you sure your hands aren't 17.6% too large?
    • "Rather than trying to use some revolutionary alloy"

      Ever consider that happened long enough ago that there weren't any "revolutionary alloys" available?

      P.S. Dvorak doesn't improve speed. That's a fallacy. Navy did a study, no improvement (even with newly trained typists).
      • P.S. Dvorak doesn't improve speed. That's a fallacy. Navy did a study, no improvement (even with newly trained typists).

        I can't vouch for the average, but I went from 70 to 80+ by switching keyboards, though that may have something to do with the fact that I relearned things correctly. Now, if you forget statistics for a while, why wouldn't speed improve? Your fingers type a lot less distance.
        Having said all that, comfort is the greatest reason to switch. My wrists just don't hurt anymore. The only pai
      • P.S. Dvorak doesn't improve speed. That's a fallacy. Navy did a study, no improvement (even with newly trained typists).

        That's a myth [mwbrooks.com]. The dvorak layout is excellent.

        As other posters have noticed, though, the primary gains are ergonomical rather than in speed.
  • ........ After mashing your small keyboard with your fingers that are too fat too type ? If so I want a drinking bird with my fat fingered keyboard !

  • Text of the first couple of pages. (Score:5, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @05:56AM (#9758063)
    The site seems almost to be slashdotted, so here is the text of the first pages... from a Karmawhoring Anonymous Coward ;-)

    Today: Building your own X-Large Keyboard

    by

    Since the modding world interested me, I always wanted to create real objects that aren't using premodded stuff. Not to say that I got my own opinion about that kind of stuff =P. Anyway, many modders have always wanted to create an object then others never think about. In that same way, I decided for myself to make a one of a kind keyboard that would be unique. There are certainly others reasons why I created it, like for helping people who need it for any physicals problems that require big-key keyboards for helping them with access to computers. After having created it and having many comments about it, I decided to write a little guide about how it works and how it is possible to build your own. I hope that it will give you ideas about creating your project using PS/2 or other interface via a controller. If you have any comments or question feel free to ask me.

    DISCLAIMER

    This guide is presented for informational purposes only. By reading this and attempting any of the modifications/instructions within, you agree that the author, Modasylum.com, its staff, and affiliates are released from any liability from any damages resulting from said modifications/instructions performed.

    Material :

    * Plexiglas sheets (6mm thick for the keys, 4mm for the top and back sheets, 2mm for the inside sheets)
    * Wires (suggested 2 colors, 24agm, 200 feet)
    * Old Keyboard controller (USB, PS/2 or DIN)
    * 12, 3 inches bolts
    * 96 nuts (same size as the bolts)
    * Thin metal sheet (1 foot square)
    * Wood rod (1/4 inch thick)
    * Epoxy glue
    * Plexiglas glue
    * Tiny wood screws or micro electronics switches
    * Memory foam
    * Polishing kit (for plexi)
    * Letters stickers
    * Different pieces of wood and metal (optional for making templates)

    Tools:

    * Table saw
    * Drill press
    * Solder gun
    * 1/4" drilling bits (flat end)
    * 1 1/4" hole saw (depends on the key size)
    * Everyday tools (screw drivers, bits, etc.)
    * Clamps

    How it works

    The main part of a keyboard is the controller that links the keys to the computer. Every controller has different interfaces (USB, PS/2, DIN, etc.) and input pin orders (those that are connected to the keys). Basically, all keys are little push switches that are linked between two input pins; when the switch is activated, the controller sends an encoded signal to the computer. With that information we know that's it's possible to make a keyboard out of switch linked to the PCB. The concept for the project will be to fabricate them in manner that when a key is pressed, there is a contact made between the two inputs pins. For our project, we'll need to have the chart of which pins correspond to which letter or keys on our keyboard. I suggest using the two plastic sheets that are in your keyboard and check where all contacts are going and write it on paper for future use. Here are those for my controller, but I highly suggest you check yours because they could be different from one keyboard to another.

    The plans

    Before beginning the construction on a project like this one, it's important to make some drawings and be sure that everything will fit perfectly. The concept is really simple: two rods are attached under a Plexiglas square (top of the key). Those rods pass through two thin sheets of Plexiglas and a little piece of metal is attached under the base of the rods so that an electric contact can be made when the key is pressed. Another sheet of plexi will be under the metal pieces with tiny electronic switches or screws on it. When the key is pressed, the pieces of metal will make a contact between two screws, or press the micro switch (depends on your preference and budget).

  • Or you can buy one (Score:4, Informative)

    by PhilHibbs ( 4537 ) <snarks@gmail.com> on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:03AM (#9758091) Journal
    from Bigkeys [bigkeys.com]
    • If their keyboards are of the same quality as their website, there is no temptation whatsoever to purchase one.

      I want a keyboard that is about 25% larger in each dimension, because my hands are (at least) 25% larger than most hands. It should have at least 101 keys and a "proper" layout. Why doesn't anyone make something like this?

      • Much as you probabally don't want to hear the word microsoft: A microsoft natural touch keyboard will do exactly what you want it to do- it's FULL size (most modern keyboards have had there keys reduced in size by about 25%), just like the old IBM keyboards.

        Another good option is a belkin natural touch; I have one of those too, the belkin is lighter and also opperates as a USB hub, which is nice, but the tactile responce on the microsoft keyboard is excelent, it makes a good and proper 'clikety-click' wi
        • The microsoft keyboards are no larger than the old keyboards. The old keyboards are not big enough. Hence, the microsoft keyboard will not help me.

          What kind of name is natural touch anyway? What's natural about typing? :P

          I have an apple keyboard, which has acceptable tactile response though less physical response than I would like. It's a "pro" keyboard and it seems to be about full size, though I haven't compared it with my (damaged) IBM keyboard or anything.

  • Yesterday was build your own mouse out of string and glue. Today it is build your own keyboard. Tomorrow it will be, build you own monitor out of an old mirror and a commodore 64.

  • Site doesn't work (Score:4, Funny)

    by carcosa30 ( 235579 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:13AM (#9758120)
    Why is it that sites linked from slashdot almost never work?

  • Is it just me... (Score:4, Funny)

    by deutschemonte ( 764566 ) <lane.montgomeryNO@SPAMgmail.com> on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:13AM (#9758122) Homepage
    ...or does this keyboard kind of suck?

    I mean, I was thinking of a big QWERTY style keyboard.

    This one just looks like it is designed for very old/young/simple people. The letters are all in alphabetical order and it is decorated with primary colors that harken me back to the McDonald's Play Areas of yore.

    If you really want to impress me, make a keyboard out of the spare parts from several Dance Dance Revolution dance pads.

    A giant keyboard you have to step on to get to work, now that would be cool, not practical, but cool none the less.
    • A giant keyboard you have to step on to get to work, now that would be cool, not practical, but cool none the less.

      Heck, I normally *hate* geek toys (if ThinkGeek were relying on me, they're fscked), but I'd seriously consider buying one of them if they were under $150 or so. Yeah, it would have to be huge, but... I want one too.

  • Well To let you know... (Score:3, Interesting)

    by jellomizer ( 103300 ) * on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:13AM (#9758123)
    Because I am a Slashdot subscriber I was able to see the site before it was Slashdotted. The Keyboard looks like it was made for Kids in the classroom.
    The Keyboard layout was alphabetical. With all the vowels in a different color and so were the numbers.

  • For a small fee... (Score:4, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:16AM (#9758134)
    We'll ship you your own keyboard enlargment pills! No mod nescessary. Minimum 3" guaranteed!!

  • Pointless... (Score:3, Funny)

    by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:24AM (#9758158)
    You'd never find a screen huge enough where those those big letters would fit on :-]

  • The finished Pic (Score:2, Informative)

    by Anonymous Coward
    no broken sql required

    http://modasylum.com/articles/lyo/plexi_keyboard/b ig/final.jpg [modasylum.com]

    shame its not a qwertyuiop based keyboard

  • How about small keyboards? (Score:4, Interesting)

    by Bubblehead ( 35003 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @06:49AM (#9758251) Homepage Journal
    Well, I have been on a quest for years to find the smallest usable keyboard. My desk is fairly small, and a small keyboard footprint makes a real difference. Small means no number pad, and usable means well-arrarnged control keys (cursor, Home, End, etc.)

    I used to have a Cherry ML4100 [microwarehouse.co.uk], which I really liked, but I just wore it out (letters wore off, unreliable action).

    Now I switched to the really slick looking Blu Illuminated Keyboard [thinkgeek.com]. But I am not that happy with it: The feel is too hard and inconsistent, and worst of all, where I'd expect the left Ctrl key, is the "Fn" key (for alternate keys). Still, the looks make up for it.

  • How about building me a keyboard with no keypad. What a useless extension (unless you're an accountant or something).

    All it does is force me to reach further for the mouse and give me pains in my wrists.

    I've only been able to find one retailer whose keyboards look like they were donated by the 80s:
    http://www.intolect.com/mkbvaldetail.htm

  • keyboard design (Score:3, Interesting)

    by psykopotat ( 775986 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @07:22AM (#9758410)
    I've seen a few posts about general keyboard designs. What I dislike most about the whole thing is having constantly to transfer my right hand back and forth between the keyboard and mouse. What a waste.. allocating 5 fingers for 2 buttons. I'm personally waiting for this to come out - http://www.combimouse.com Also does anyone remember when the F-Keys were on the left hand side of the keyboard? So much easier for all key cominations with the F-Keys on the left
    • If you can handle the learning curve, These [fingerworks.com] are the best thing ever.
    • IBM made/makes a keyboard with a zero travel mouse (I think they call it a trackpoint?) in the middle between g and h. They're probably not the only ones but I trust IBM to make something like that last far more than I trust basically anyone else to do so. I wouldn't try to replace my mouse with it - imagine trying to play a FPS with a ZTM - but it would be a nice way to be able to carry out ordinary mousing tasks without moving your hands.
      • IBM made/makes a keyboard with a zero travel mouse (I think they call it a trackpoint?) in the middle between g and h.

        I used one of those for a year on my thinkpad. It eventually made my wrist hurt so much that I had to get a wrist support. After moving off the Thinkpad for two months my wrist was OK again.
  • The site is throughly suspended, so I can't RTFA, but I'm very interested. I've wanted to make my own "custom" keyboard for some time, but the limiting factor for me is how/where to get switches which have the proper "action".

    Size and placement is great, but the way a key feels when pressed, how it "breaks", and the speed and feedback it returns with are just as important. Most keyboards I've taken apart either have a fairly specialized switch molded directly into the base plastic, or use a rather compl

    • > Most keyboards I've taken apart either have a fairly specialized switch molded directly into the base plastic, or use a rather complicated system of guide wire slides and a simple membrane switch. Neither of these is really suited for reproduction or modification by the average tinkerer.

      Then a redefinition of "modification" is needed here. In the keyboards I've disassembled, I found it not difficult (not simple, but simple enough) just to saw the board apart through the base. Keep in mind that thi
      • Interesting approach. I'd pretty much resigned myself to the need to spend a ton of time soldering and provide my own controller, but I hadn't thought about cutting the board.

        Thank you.

  • Account for domain modasylum.com has been... (Score:4, Insightful)

    by MadMan2 ( 3669 ) on Wednesday July 21, 2004 @08:35AM (#9758951)
    "Account for domain modasylum.com has been suspended" is the cryptic message now appearing on the site. It thus appears that the site has either been hijacked by some uncanny aliens, or has been impounded by the CIA, the FBI, the NSA and the Home Security Dept for revealing Pres. Bush's equipment (in which case I'm wondering about his mouse ;-))

    However, what I wanted to say is the following:
    It isn't the first time that a site has been slashdotted to such an effect. In this case the number of hits were so extraordinary that the provider decided to close the site.
    I don't think this was the sitemakers' intention. Nor slashdot's. Or was it?

    Isn't it time we start wondering about the ethics of showing mentioning certain sites?
    For example: some amateurs invent something new for fun. Due to the slashdot effect their allocated and paid for bandwith is drastically drained because some nerd or other thought this might be fun to mention on /. Is it not a good idea for the /.-team to quickly mirror the small sites so that, in the event of the site being ./-ted, the authors at least have the pleasure of having their work, plan, initiative still shown (even though the price of ./-fame is the closing of their account)?

    In other words: does ./ have an ethical responibility towards smalltime websites being shown?

    Let's ponder on this for awhile...

    MadMan
    --
    What does a fish know about the water in which it swims all its life? (A. Einstein, Memoirs)
  • a keyboard that's fully customisable? Not sure what it would really consist of, but being able to swap keys around and have the lettering on the key changed (maybe using a decal or physically swapping the keys themselves.
  • Anyone know of an ergo design keyboard that feels like an IBM Type M keyboard?

    Thanks, Bod

  • What I want is a power button on my keyboard (NOT one of the stupid "sleep" buttons)

    My PC is inside a little cupboard under my desk, and you have to open the door in order to turn it on. Normally that wouldn't be a big deal, but I have a 15-month old daughter who has figured out doors and thinks buttons are pretty cool things (geek in training!) so I need one of those safety catches on the door to keep it closed.

    In a nutshell, it's a pain to use. What I would like is a power button on the keyboard that

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