LED Keyboard Prototype

Build a keyboard of LED lights using makeshift switches. Made in the physical computing class, ATLS 3300, at the University of Colorado, Boulder ATLAS Institute.

• Adafruit Circuit Playground
• ThreadBoard or any preferred breadboard
• 5 or more LED lights
• Stainless steel conductive thread
• Paper (foldable printer paper or similar)
• Tape
• Power source (battery or USB)
• 4mm x 3mm magnets (optional)

ThreadBoard as described here5 or more LED lightsStainless steel conductive thread4mm x 3mm magnets as neededPower source (battery or USB)

This prototype has threads for a power bus and ground bus. Identify the pads on the Adafruit for the ground (GND) and the source (3.3 V)

For the power bus: Place one end of the thread on the 3.3 V pad and lay it close to the perimeter of the Adafruit.

For the ground bus: Place one end of the thread on the GND pad. Lay the thread with some space above the power bus to add LED lights and their connections.

Ensure that the ground and power busses don't overlap each other. If this does occur, place a piece of non-conductive material on top of the power bus and overlay it with the ground bus.

Place the LEDS aligned with other to represent a keyboard. Cut small pieces of thread to connect the cathode ends of the LEDs to the ground bus. Leave the anode ends unconnected.

Cut pieces of paper about 1" x 0.5" in dimension, or just long enough to overlap the power bus and the anode end of the LEDs. Fold the slips of paper in half. Cut a piece of thread that spans the length of each slip of paper and tape it to the outside of the paper.

Slide the paper switches under the Adafruit and ensure that the thread overlays the power bus and touches the anode end of the LEDs when pressed all the way down. Power up the Adafruit and tap away!