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A reboot of the 80's Microwriter accessible chord keyboard done using an Arduino

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Microwriter

A reboot of the 80's Microwriter accessible chord keyboard done using an Arduino

The Microwriter and Quinkey were 6-key chord keyboards created in the 80's for use by people with various physical limitations such as brittle bones. They developed a following among all types of users being simple, reliable, easy to use, and effectively allowed instant touch typing at speed. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwriter

The chord sequence is vaguely mnemonic, but where the Microwriter/Quinkey patents have long expired, the copyright on the mnemonic instruction sheet has not. Versions can be found on the web regardless (most notably on Microsoft's website of all things). A new Beginner's Guide and a typing tutor can be found at https://github.com/VikOlliver/Quirkey

This version uses ATMega32u4 Arduino-compatible devices to scan the six keys and generate standard US USB HID keyboard and mouse (yes, mouse) input. A list of known supported Arduino-type devices can be found here https://github.com/NicoHood/HID . Internal pullups are used on the inputs, so beyond the microswitches and a USB lead no other components are needed.

A 3D-printable shell for the device can be found at https://www.printables.com/model/667870-quirkey-v3-accessibility-keyboard-for-one-handed-u

The original Microwriter used an RCA 1802 CPU and LCD for the user interface, and uploaded via RS232. A TV interface was also available. The author (Vik Olliver) created the original Amstrad and IBM Quinkey drivers.

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A reboot of the 80's Microwriter accessible chord keyboard done using an Arduino

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