Keyboard Hacks

A keyboard hack refers to taking apart a standard computer keyboard and using its circuit board (aka encoder) to interface arcade controls to your computer. Keyboard hacks must be planned carefully and are prone to ghosting and blocking issues, though the use of diodes can mitigate this.

Keyboard hacks can be cheaper than purchasing a keyboard encoder. The overhead and difficulty of hacking a keyboard and the availability of very low cost commercial keyboard encoders make hacking a keyboard of limited value. See the BYOAC keyboard hack section for more information.

Image used courtesy of Project Arcade