A Keyboard That Types Only Numbers.

I made a keyboard with numbers instead of letters. The keyboard was made to help disabled children learn numbers 1-40 without having to press 2 different keys. Hopefully pressing one key labeled correctly is easier for them than 2 keys labeled individual numbers.

Supplies

Keyboard (preferably USB)

Masking Tape

Cutting Mat

X-Acto Knife

A Straight Edge (Ruler)

A Dark Pen or Marker

A Pry Tool

Step 1: Cleaning

Clean the keyboard so it isn't dirty anymore. I took the keycaps off and scraped the dirt out.

Step 2: Removing Keys

Remove all the keycaps using a pry tool (I used the arm of a binder clip).

Put the removed keycaps in a bag or box so you don't lose any.

Step 3: Making the Labels

Put masking tape down on a cutting mat in a straight line.

Cut the tape into 1x1 inch squares, the size might depend on the dimensions of your keycaps.

Write your desired numbers on the tape squares.

Step 4: Labeling Keycaps

Use the blade to pick up tape squares and press them straight onto the keycaps.

Step 5: Reassemble

Reassemble the keyboard by putting keycaps in their former locations.

Step 6: Coding the Keys

To make the keys work the way they are labeled, I used a software called AutoHotKey.

Install AutoHotKey and follow these directions once you have made a new script:

The code for AutoHotKey is very easy to learn and done in notepad. You just need to:

Type your desired key to remap. Eg: p

Type 2 colons after the first key on the same line. Eg: p::

Type “Send” and the desired output text (in curly brackets) of the remapped key one line lower than the colons. Eg: 

p::

Send {2}{0}

Then type “Finish” the next line down

Now when you press the p key the computer will type 20 without any brackets.

Repeat this for all the keys you want to remap and you are done.

Step 7: Using the Keyboard

The keyboard will function normally, just plug it in and click your AutoHotKey script to start the program.

Once started, the script will impact your computer until you exit AutoHotKey.

Step 8: Finished

You're done. You made a keyboard that both looks and functions like it is made of only numbers.