Quite keyboard key pressing machine to settle an argument!

Hi, looking for some guidance on possible approaches to a small project based around keyboards (well mainly the mechanical switches).

The aim of the project is to build a small device we will call it "Fake Finger", a simple linear actuator that will repeatedly tap a key over and over like a finger with minimal variation. Sounds simple just a 3v or 5v solenoid, done! (Well maybe spice it up with a stain gauge so I can dial in consistent pressure for when the key bottoms out?)

The trouble is, I will be recording audio of the key switch to observe frequencies so don't want the condenser mic picking up the sound signature of the Fake Fringer actuator.

My first thought is just to have the solenoid far away from the mic, and use a long shaft...But, Im stupid, so would love to hear the ideas of smarter people.

keypress

what kind of keyboard key exactly? If it is an USB keyboard for a PC you could use an Arduino Leonardo or Pro Micro and let that device simulate a USB keyboard and press any key without any noise.

It's for mechanical key switches, mainly for getting data on sound profiles....there is a deep rabbit hole of custom keyboard making filled with anecdotic data, rather than empirical.

Nice, I had not considered things like cams and pivots!

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