Homebrewed Macro Keyboards?

MightyMaus asks: "So I've been checking out various hardware websites lately, paging through computer retail catalogues, and basically pining for a better-paying job. But one device that's really caught my eye is the Programmable Keypad. Looks pretty cool, but $140? No way. Even the smaller version carries a hefty $90 price tag. Now, it seems like making one of these should be relatively easy; but the almighty Google returns nothing but more places to buy these things. So where do I turn? To Slashdot. Has anyone hacked together one of these before?"

Comments

USB?

[gmhowell]

Looks like you could just get a USB keyboard. Somehow set it up as a secondary input device. I assume Linux can do this. Intercept the keypresses on the secondary keyboard, and have them do 'foo'.

Or, quit bitching, and pony up. I guess it could be a fun hack, but if the keyboard has any quality whatsoever, this isn't that expensive.

For more fun, you may want to look at some of the controllers for RTS games. Not as many keys, but drivers might be easier to find. Another possibility is to find a touchpad. Put on an overlay. Map coordinates to your macro.

RSI nearly killed me, so I discovered THIS

[DancingSword]

Focus FK-9200

After my trackmate ( or whatever it was called ) died, my second keybroniq (whatever) keyboard, and I used a keyboard/mickey-rat combo for a couple of months, it nearly crippled me, so I discovered these things, and bought 2, because being made crippled, just because my keyboard died, .. IS NOT ON.

PS/2, but I hope they make a USB version, soon...

Trackball AND macro-keys, AND calculator ( excellent combo ).

To keep the trackball running well, I keep a bottle of isopropyl alcohol ( not "rubbing alcohol with glycerine and lotion" ), and a bunch of cotton-swabs, and clean it a couple of times each day. It's a good reminder that I need to .. drink water, and walk 'round, and such -scratching head bemusedly-...

REALLY search for a good price, because they are sold at drastically different prices by different resellers..

Re:RSI nearly killed me, so I discovered THIS

[AlecC]

They the Fingerworks Touchstream keyboard - if you can afford it. The same area acts as keyboard (single finger touches), mouse, and gesture area (multiple finger touches). I haven't tries the keyboard version; I have the mouse/gesture only iGesture, and it does the job well. Not as well as a mouse, but better than al the other pointing devices I have triedl. The keyboard ought to be better, because it keeps your hands in the active area while moisung - and it is, of course, zero-force (and zero feel).