Magic Keyboard - Light Installation

In November 2012, I created a simple installation called Magic Keyboard. At the time, the project was only running on my laptop and wasn't ready to be opened on any device.

Over the years there was a rising interest for the concept, and I felt it was a great idea to port it to the web with a simple calibration tool to make it happen for more people.

So, in 2015 I created Keybright (www.keybright.net), a simple website to make your own magic keyboard in just a few clicks.

WHAT YOU NEED

• Laptop / Computer
• USB external keyboard
• Projector
• (You might need a tripod/clamp for your projector if you plan to project on a horizontal surface)
• Internet connection

This is the most demanding step, especially if you want to project on a horizontal surface.

Power up your projector and aim it towards the projection surface (vertical wall, horizontal table, floor... or crazier ideas). Make sure the projected area is close to a rectangle shape, this will make the Calibration phase easier.

Simply connect your laptop to your projector with a standard video cable (VGA, HDMI, DVI...).

And launch your preffered web-browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari...) with the website ( http://keybright.net ). Drag the web-browser window to the projected screen.

Then just make sure your browser window is fullscreen. You can do so by pressing F11.

You can now plug your external USB keyboard to the laptop and make sure that it is recognized (ie. you can type text with it like with your actual laptop keyboard). An optional USB extension chord will give you more flexibility too.

Position your Keyboard in the projected area.

On the website, follow up until the Calibration phase.

Then Move and Resize the Keyboard picture to match your physical Keyboard as well as possible.

Simply hit Play, turn on the sound and enjoy !

I am currently building new variations and games alongside the standard keyboard installation. My goal is to build a DIY happy alternative to existing videogames with a physical/digital experience at home rather than just a 16/9 screen. Imagine a battleship game with 2 keyboards or a funky musical instrument !
Here are some prototypes I have done :

Original Magic Keyboard

Letters Orchestra

A Machines sketchbook

Burning rain

The project is also opensource on Github and you are more than welcome to contribute.
https://github.com/philippedubost/keybright

You can follow this instructable or our Facebook page too to get updates for new games and improvements.
https://www.facebook.com/keybright.net/