Summary of THE CLICKIEST KEYBOARD EVER
This article describes a DIY typewriter simulator built by Jatin Patel to replicate the authentic sensory experience of mechanical typing. The project uses solenoids to generate realistic key sounds and includes a motorized carriage return mechanism in its second version, controlled by an Arduino and Python software.
Parts used in the Solenoid-Powered Typewriter Simulator:
- Six solenoids
- Strip of wood
- Arduino board
- Relay board
- Python program (running on PC)
- Motor
- Combination wrench
No matter how clicky your keyboard is, nothing compares to the sensory experience of using a typewriter. The sounds that a typewriter makes, from the deep clunk of hitting the spacebar to the staccato of keys striking paper to the ratchety kerchunk of returning the carriage, are a delight compared to the sterile, soulless clicks of even the noisiest computer keyboard. Oh, and the bell — who doesn’t love the bell?
Unwilling to miss out on the feel of real typing, [Jatin Patel] whipped up this solenoid-powered typewriter simulator. The first version had the core functionality, with a line of six solenoids mounted to a strip of wood. The coils are connected to an Arduino through a relay board; a Python program running on his PC reads every keypress and tells the Arduino which solenoid to fire. Each one sounds different somehow, perhaps due to its position on the board, or maybe due to differences in mounting methods. Whatever the cause, the effect is a realistic variability in the sounds, just like a real typewriter.
Version two, shown in the video below, ups the simulation with a motor that moves the solenoid rack one step with each keypress, to simulate the moving carriage of a typewriter. The last solenoid rings a bell when it’s time to return the carriage, which is done with a combination wrench as a handle. Weird hex, but OK.
Can’t get enough typewriter action? We understand; check out this typewriter-cum-USB keyboard, the tweeting typewriter, or this manual typewriter that pulls some strings.
Source: THE CLICKIEST KEYBOARD EVER
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How does the first version of the simulator work?
A line of six solenoids mounted on wood is connected to an Arduino via a relay board, while a Python program reads keypresses to fire specific solenoids. -
What creates the sound variability in the simulation?
The variability comes from differences in the solenoid positions on the board or variations in their mounting methods. -
How does Version two simulate the moving carriage?
A motor moves the solenoid rack one step with each keypress to mimic the movement of a real typewriter carriage. -
What component rings the bell when the carriage needs returning?
The last solenoid rings a bell when it is time to return the carriage. -
What tool is used as a handle for the carriage return?
A combination wrench is used as a handle to perform the carriage return action. -
Can you build a similar device if you want more typewriter action?
Yes, other projects mentioned include a typewriter-cum-USB keyboard, a tweeting typewriter, or a manual typewriter that pulls strings.
