Quirkey V4 Accessibility Keyboard for one handed use

Overview

This is the same as the V3 but uses standard keyswitches. The Quirkey is designed for use by people who cannot use a conventional keyboard because of limited mobility or vision. It uses just 6 keys to emulate a full 101-key keyboard and mouse without removing any digit from over its key. As the pressure is applied by the finger pad and not the finger tip, it can be used by people with brittle bones, or joint dislocation disorders etc. The hand can be strapped to the keyboard for users with tremors. As it is not necessary to look at the Quirkey while using it, it can be used by people who have to lie down, or cannot see at all.

It is also useful for people who need to look at other things while entering data, observations, live blogging, in Virtual Reality etc. or simply have a shortage of desk space.

Assembly

Full assembly instructions are in the file list. All parts print without support, though there are two break-away vanes inside the shell that should just snap out easily. The electronics needed are simple: 6 MX Cherry-compatible keyswitches and either a Pi Pico or Arduino Leonardo mini compatible. If you are physically unable to assemble one, contact your local makerspace or the author (who sells these things complete).

If scaling below 92% senior size the Pi Pico will not fit on the mountings unless you use a very small USB lead connector. On the plus side, things are now so compact in there you can leave it loose and it won't rattle around!

Source Code

Code and full user documentation to learn how to use the device can be found at https://github.com/VikOlliver/Quirkey and the OpenSCAD source files are at https://github.com/VikOlliver/Quirkey_3D . The colour scheme suggested in the photo above is used in the tutorials, though once learned you can pop them out and put in whatever colour you like.

No driver software is needed when using the Quirkey with PC's, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.

Downloading Files

Designs are available in various sizes, and the switch size, depth, left/right etc. can be changed in the OpenSCAD source. Message the author if stuck and he will upload custom files here.

Other handedness and sizes to follow shortly, as soon as they are tested. If you want to be that tester, give me a nudge in the comments below!

Revisions

The keycaps were made slightly smaller at one point to stop them hanging up on the base when scaled below 92%. The whole shell now starts getting proportionally taller below that scaling to ensure the switches will still fit.

V4.1 Has USB lead holes and strain relief on both sides of the case, take your pick. The keys have been given rounded corners for those with sensitive skin.

Join The Project

Contact me here if you want to be added to the project development mailing list.