Advice for keyboard keypress project

Using Arduino Project Guidance
1

Hi experts!

I need some general advice for a project I would like to commence.

I would like to create a small device that can be "attached/placed" on top of a mechanical keyboard key, with the sole purpose of this device being to press the key it is attached to. I will then code how often to push the button, frequency etc.

I figure I need some kind of motor, but I am not aware of the most suitable type of motor for this application.

Any advice provided would be greatly appreciated!

2

try a web search arduino solenoid may give you some ideas

3

The immediate question here is - why?

To what is this keyboard attached? Is is a PC keyboard? Connected by USB?

4

horace:
try a web search "arduino solenoid"may give you some ideas

Wrong ones.

If we were going to answer the question as posed, the answer would be a servo. :roll_eyes:

But it is most likely the proposal is in itself wrong, ergo the "XY Problem". :slightly_smiling_face:

5

Thanks for advice so far.

I thought I articulated my question sufficiently to not require additional info on background / purpose, but happy to provide- I want to essentially emulate keystrokes as if made by a user with no ability to distinguish the difference. This means no additional usb connections to PC, not virtualized keyboards, no AHK scripting etc. The device has to push the button - this is the primary constraint to the project.

I have looked through various types of servos, steppers and linear actuators, but I cant seem to find one that would do the trick (ie. Sufficient "push distance, quite quick, small form factor, able to be mounted easily on a 3D printed design etc.).

Hence me asking for advice....

6

This little solenoid should do the trick for you.

Or this one

Both available from Digikey

Otherwise, google "open frame solenoid" to see a number of other selections.