Honey I shrunk the Keyboard

This Instructable is to modify a 101/104 keys keyboard into a compact keyboard. The benefits of compact keyboard that it can fit nicely on your desk where you do not have room for large keyboard and it can be packed nicely into your traveling briefcase.

I investigated several compact keyboards and found many, especially the inexpensive one, to be quite uncomfortable to type on. I found an old Memorex Telex keyboard (P/N 114769-001) in my closet that I really like. It is a 101-key, clicky, old style DIN keyboard, which my current PC is not supported. Since I hardly use the keypad on my keyboard, my thought is to eliminate the keypad, hence reduces the wide by 3.5 inches. A good shrinking keyboard candidate must have the following characteristics:

- Key switches solder on the printed circuit board, not Mylar films
- Keyboard processor is not in the area of the keypad

Warning: The Instructable and I are not responsible in the events of the destruction of your keyboard, destruction of your computer, unemployment, divorced, political unrest, earth quake, or injury causes by this instruction.

Step 1 Tools for the trade

You will need the following tools:

- A good and trusty hacksaw with a brand new blade

- Soldering iron, solders, flux paste, de-soldering tool or solder wick, and some wires

- Hot glue gun, two sided tape

- Multimeter

- General electrical and soldering knowledge, fair amounts of elbow grease
Optional item is a DIN to PS2 adapter or PS2 to USB adapter and extra USB cable.

Comments

[alien200049655]

Hasn't anyone heard of the silicone foldable/ roll-up keyboard? ther are not exspensive. I got mine for less than $10.

[WickeD12]

i have. i used 2 have one but i didnt like it because you had to press it strong for itto sensor it.

[acoleman3]

what about using a cyanoacrylate or even gorilla instant glue instead of hot glue.

[faileas]

Hot glue, in addition to being reversible, acts as much better strain relief than superglue. The gloppyness is a GOOD thing

[acoleman3]

wow...im impressed. is there anyway to use this as an accessory laptop board?

[s0845]

Yes, that is the primary goal. I just don’t like the new i.e. chiclet (style) keyboard on the new laptop. It does not give any feedbacks and keys are small. I think the newer computer/notebook keyboards are an afterthought. Yes, this is a result from learning how to type with the IBM selectric typewriter. I am still using my faithful PS2 click keyboard and a closet full of the cheapy ones. However, the IBM keyboard has it processor chip in the area of the keypad, so it is not a good candidate to do the dice and slice.

[acoleman3]

ahhh....ok. thanks for that tip. ill be sure to use something else.

[Computothought]

Cool... Another instructable that should get more views than it does.

[Harrymatic]

This is absolutely fantastic and the USB adaptor was a very nice addition.