MaKey MaKey

2025-05-23T13:00:57+02:00

Vendor: JoyLabz
Type:
Price: 64.95

First of all, what is MaKey MaKey and what can it do?

MaKey MaKey (Make + Key), a Kickstarter project, is a kit that contains all the necessary components to turn almost any conceivable object into an input device for your computer. For example, you can use a banana as a space bar. Who needs joypads, keyboards and mice?

Here's how:
The circuit board, a simplified Arduino, can simply be connected to a computer via USB - no drivers are required. Then connect one side of an alligator clip to one of the six Earth options, and simply hold the other side between your fingers. Connect a second crocodile clip to any object and e.g. the part of the MaKey MaKey board called "Space". If you now open the text editor and touch the object, the MaKey MaKey sends the command for the space bar. In many games you jump with Space, so press the banana/spoon/whatever you can think of to jump through the next level. :)

The MaKey MaKey offers 6 different typical controller buttons on the front and another 12 on the back, which can be used to simulate WASDFG, mouse buttons and movements when connected via jumpers. The open source kit can handle the simultaneous pressing of up to 6 keys, so you can even make music with it by building a piano out of bananas (or maybe sausages?) ;) In addition to simply pressing keys, you can even pass on mouse movements and if you are really good with Arduino, you can exploit the potential of MaKey MaKey in even more ways. There is only one prerequisite for all possible experiments: the objects used must be conductive! However, you can usually help with a little water. Once you've got the hang of it, the MaKey MaKey is a very simple tool that awakens the inventive spirit in adults and children alike.

Here's some more information for anyone who wants to know more:

The hardware comes from the US electronics manufacturer Sparkfun, which also produces in the USA.

The built-in microcontroller is an ATMega32u4.

When operated in Arduino mode, LEDs can be controlled, for example; Arduino SDK can be used to program functions.

The HID protocol is used for transmission.

The board has a pull-up resistor of 10 to 50 mega-ohms, interference signals are filtered out.

This version has the ability to re-map keys directly in the browser.

MaKey MaKey has been tested under Mac OSX 10.5 and higher (Leopard, Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, etc.). It also works on many Linux distributions and on the Chromebook. MaKey MaKey has also been used successfully with some tablets and smartphones, but these are not officially supported. So it's all about trying it out!