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geekhack Community => Input Devices => Topic started by: Mikecase00 on Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:10:16

Title: Does this exist?
Post by: Mikecase00 on Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:10:16
Been a long time since I've hung out here, but recently had a question that's pulled me back to Geekhack for an answer...  Does anyone know of add on USB function keys available for sale?  I've seen lots of add on number pads, but I'm looking for something smaller, 4 keys or less.

In a perfect world, I'd find a single USB supported buckling spring key in a nice single key frame to match my Model M Space saver.  I'm guessing that's not available in the market.  I'd settle for a 4-key USB add-on with Cherry or similar mechanical switches.

Anything like that out there?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Leslieann on Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:36:40
There have been a few, but other than the 6key from Techkeys I think most were very small batches.

That said,
Why not make it yourself, it would not be hard to hand wire two to four 4 switches to an Arduino pro, the wiring is pretty stupid simple and total cost for all of this is maybe $20.
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Mikecase00 on Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:48:41
I've certainly considered the home brew route, I just don't have time for that these days and thought I'd check here first.  Is there a place you can buy single cherry MX switches?
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Mikecase00 on Mon, 10 June 2019, 22:52:05
The 6key keyboard is pretty close, great tip!
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Leslieann on Tue, 11 June 2019, 03:07:47
Novelkeys sells in small quantities, I'm sure there are others.
It's often cheaper to buy 10 than to buy 2.
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Sintpinty on Thu, 13 June 2019, 12:32:08
Novelkeys sells in small quantities, I'm sure there are others.
It's often cheaper to buy 10 than to buy 2.

And plus, if you need more you'll get what you need
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: Leslieann on Thu, 18 July 2019, 07:18:26
Found this today, not sure if OP is still looking, but for anyone else interested:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/516940546/4k-osu-keypad-wide?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=&ref=sr_gallery-7-23&bes=1&col=1
Title: Re: Does this exist?
Post by: DrivenKeys on Mon, 23 March 2020, 05:36:22
I've certainly considered the home brew route, I just don't have time for that these days and thought I'd check here first.  Is there a place you can buy single cherry MX switches?


Mechanicalkeyboards.com sells individual Cherry MX switches.