The new Code-a-Key Backpack! Bringing the Makey Makey and the BBC micro:bit together for more invention fun!

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FAQ

Helping you invent everywhere!
Check out the answers below to some frequently asked questions. If you don't find the answer you're looking for, contact us!
Helping you invent everywhere!
Need help setting up your Makey Makey for the first time? Here's our Guide to First Time Set Up. Need inspiration with a project? Check out our collection of How-To Guides.
What can we help you with? select your topic below.
Placing an Order
What are the shipping options?
United States
We use carrier-calculated shipping (including USPS and UPS Ground) to give you the best rate on the shipping options available for your location with the US. You will see specific shipping options and prices after entering your order and shipping address in our Makey Shop. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 working business days after purchase. Under normal circumstances, delivery of orders shipped within the mainland US can be expected within 3-5 working business days after shipment. Note that even “priority” or “expedited” orders are shipped only on weekdays. Estimated delivery times are only estimates and may vary with weather conditions or based on carriers’ seasonal traffic.

International (outside the US)
We use carrier-calculated shipping (including UPS Expedited service with duties and taxes included) to give you the best rate on the shipping options available for your location outside the US. You will see specific shipping options and prices after entering your order and shipping address in our Makey Shop. Most orders are shipped within 1-2 working business days after purchase. Note that even “priority” or “expedited” orders are shipped only on weekdays. Delivery to destinations outside the US may take 2 weeks or longer. Estimated delivery times are only estimates and may vary with weather conditions or based on carriers’ seasonal traffic.

Customers are responsible for paying any applicable import duties, customs fees, or local taxes incurred for international shipments. We encourage you to look for local sales partners outside the US who carry Makey Makey products and may be able to ship them to your address more efficiently than we can from the US. Please contact us at support@joylabz.com with any questions about international shipping or affordable alternatives.
Will I pay sales tax?
United States
Sales tax may be collected on your online purchase by any US state according to the tax regulations of the state to which your order is shipped. If you are a tax-exempt organization, please send your documentation to info@joylabz.com before you order. Please keep in mind that we reserve the right to collect sales tax at any time on behalf on any state as we seek to comply with ever-changing economic threshold laws. We cannot make your order tax exempt without receiving the proper documentation, and we cannot refund sales tax payments once they have been processed.

International International orders usually incur customs fees, duties, and/or taxes on the way. We’re sorry to say we have no control over these fees and we can't foresee the amount or pay it for you. Please make sure you are up to date on the customs and import rules and in your country, as they vary greatly from place to place, item to item, and even by shipping company.
Can I sell Makey Makey in my store?
We have a happy family of resellers around the globe! If you think Makey Makey is a good product for you to carry, please check out our Wholesale Inquiries page
Existing Orders
When will my order ship?
We ship in stock orders as soon as possible, usually within 1-2 business days after the order has been submitted. When you place your order, please allow time for processing in addition to the transit time once it has shipped. You will receive an automated email from our system with tracking upon shipment.
How can I edit my shipping address?
United States
Contact our support team right away! But keep in mind our system starts processing orders fast so it's possible it'll ship before we get a chance to change the address. Contact our support team and please include your order number and updated address.

International
tracking is not available in all countries. It's possible that your tracking link will show the package stuck in the United States when it is actually still on its way. Please be patient, some international shipments can take up 4 or more weeks to arrive.
How can I cancel my order?
Contact our support team right away with your order number! We'll do what we can to help you out, but please keep in mind our system starts processing orders quickly. Contact our support team and please include your order number.
How can I get an invoice for my order?
Reach out to our support team and provide your order number and we'll get back to you with an invoice. Contact our support team and include your order numner.
How can I track my order?
After placing your order you should've gotten an email confirming your purchase. Once your order ships, you will receive an email with the subject Shipping Confirmation (order 12345). In that email there's a link where you can track your package. Please check your spam folder in case the confirmation got lost there.
Some shipping methods don't offer tracking for international orders.
Can I return my order?
Returns can be made within 90 days of purchase. We can only accept returns for kits that are unopened and in good condition. We will refund the original payment method minus shipping. Sorry, we can't accept returns after the 90 day window.
Contact our support team with your order number and we'll send you a return shipping label.
Is there a warranty on your products?
Yes! Our Makey Makey® products come with a 90-day Limited Warranty that covers manufacturer defects if purchased through JoyLabz LLC or one of our authorized resellers. The warranty is rendered void on a Makey Makey board that has been plugged directly into a wall outlet, soldered or physically modified, or reprogrammed in any way. When inquiring about warranty eligibility, please provide your order number (from our online store) or proof of purchase so we may verify your purchase. Let us know if you have any questions or if you are looking for replacement parts.
International Orders
Do you ship to my country?
Probably! We ship all over the world, with the exception of Belarus, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cote d-Ivoire, Crimea Ukraine, Cuba, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Myanmar, Palestinian Territories, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, and Zimbabwe.
Do I need to pay customs fees?
International orders usually incur customs fees, duties, and/or taxes along the way. We’re sorry to say we have no control over these fees. When placing an order that will ship outside the US, you should have the option to prepay fees using a shipment method with "Duties & Taxes Included." If you select another shipping method, you are responsible for paying any additional fees the carrier collects upon delivery. Please make sure you are up to date on the customs and import rules in your country, as they vary greatly from place to place, item to item, and even by shipping company.
Educational Orders
Can I use a purchase order?
We are happy to process a purchase order for US-based educational institutions. If you are using a purchase order, you can submit it to education@joylabz.com for the fastest processing time. It is a good idea to request a quote from us first so that the amount of your PO can accurately reflect any shipping charges or relevant sales tax.
How do I get a quote?
You can request a quote for your order by using this online Educator Estimate Form. We will contact you with a formal quote within 1 to 2 business days after the form has been submitted. The Educator Estimate Form will generate an estimated price for your order (including shipping), but will not include any relevant sales tax. If your organization is tax-exempt, you may use the estimated price to secure a PO. Please do not use the shopping cart in our online store to estimate the price of an order.

Once your purchase order has been accepted, orders are typically processed and shipped within a week. An invoice on net 30 day payment terms will be sent once the product has left our warehouse.
Do you offer discounts to educators?
We offer different special discounts to educators throughout the year. The best way to learn about special offers is to sign up for our newsletter (at the bottom of this page) or follow the Makey Blog.
How do I exercise our US sales tax-exemption?
If your organization is tax-exempt in the US, please send your documentation to education@joylabz.com along with your initial purchase order or your request for an online Makey Shop tax-exempt customer account. You can refer above for more information on both ordering systems.
How do I get your W-9?
Are you a sole source vendor?
Here are our notarized documents for the following products:
What is the contact information for JoyLabz?
JoyLabz
PO Box 1444
Santa Cruz, CA 95061
Phone: (831) 460-6242
Fax: (831) 604-8914
Email: education@joylabz.com
Do you accept international education orders?
Orders from educational institutions or organizations shipping outside of the United States are placed online through our Makey Shop and paid for upon checkout. With this method you will be able to choose the shipping and handling that best suits your needs. Please refer further below in our FAQ for important international shipping information regarding tracking and delivery time.

If you have questions or special requests, please email us at education@joylabz.com.

Customs/Duties/VAT fees are not included and are the responsibility of the customer.
Other Questions You Might Ask
How does Makey Makey work?
Makey Makey work just like a USB keyboard or mouse, sending keyboard (WASD, spacebar, etc) and mouse (left click, right click, etc) signals to your computer.

Makey Makey Classic works through opening and closing circuits, just like any other button. Instead of the circuit being closed underneath your keyboard, the circuit is closed through the conductive objects you connect with alligator clips like your hand or your lunch or some tinfoil. When the circuit is closed, the Makey Makey sends a command to your computer, just like a button pressed on a keyboard.

Makey Makey GOworks through capacitance, like a button on a touchscreen. When you connect something to the Makey Makey GO, the GO senses the capacity of that object to hold electricity. When you touch the connected object, that capacity suddenly expands to include your whole body! And the Makey Makey GO senses the difference and sends a command to your computer.
What operating systems does Makey Makey run on?
Makey Makey works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook and on many flavors of Linux (Ubuntu, etc.)

If the device supports a USB keyboard or mouse, it should work with Makey Makey.
Does Makey Makey work with MIDI?
The easiest way to use Makey Makey with MIDI is to configure your computer keyboard to send MIDI through your music software. Check out our MIDI fact sheet here
I'm having problems accessing your website
Our site works best on Chrome, Firefox or Edge. If you're using older versions of Internet Explorer you might experience access issues, especially when using our Apps.
How can I use Makey Makey without an internet connection?
This is the perfect opportunity to practice making switches. We have guides to make a pressure switch, tap switch, and even a run and jump switch! Start by downloading Scratch and save some games to use offline. We’ve got a complete guide here to use Makey Makey without the internet: Makey Makey No Internet?
How do I clean my alligator clips?
We know sometimes that you might have had too much fun with your last Makey Makey project and you forgot to clean your alligator clips before storing them. Don't worry, you can just use a little soap and water and an old toothbrush to get those alligator teeth shiny again! For other cool alligator clip hacks, check out this fun blog post: Fun Fact Friday: Hacks for Alligator Clips
Where can I buy LEDs and hookup wire that you use in some guides?
We currently don’t have LEDs or separate hookup wire available for purchase on our site, but check out these links from other sellers:
LEDs on Amazon
Adafruit LEDs
Sparkfun Hookup Wire
I made a banana piano with Makey Makey. Now is it safe for me to eat the bananas?
Oh yeah! We like to make banana bread after we play on a banana piano. Seriously though, the Makey Makey is only using the conductivity that already exists in the banana (or anything else for that matter) and does not change the chemical makeup of the connected object. You might be interested in this performance, made with Makey Makey and some other delicious connected objects:
Lunch: O Say Can You See
Is it safe to use water around Makey Makey?
Makey Makey is powered by a USB connection. Makey Makey is an input device that allows users to invent projects using water and other conductive objects. We really take safety very seriously. Makey Makey has passed the applicable consumer product safety guidelines for its intended use. The voltage used by the device is similar to that provided by 3 AA batteries; enough electricity to have a lot of fun, but not enough to do any harm. That means the board and alligator clips are safe to touch when connected to water. The Makey Makey is actually sensing that a circuit is closed and the board is safe to touch. However we suggest keeping the computer far from the source of water as you do not want your computer damaged. Plus, we would recommend not submerging your Makey Makey board in water as that will damage the board. More safety considerations to follow when using Makey Makey: Makey Makey should be used according to its intended use via the USB cable provided to a USB compliant port. Never connect Makey Makey to an AC outlet such as a USB wall charger. If the product is damaged or broken, please discontinue use.
Translated Materials
Need materials in Spanish? Here you can find the:

Instructional manual en español

Educator's guide en español.
Makey Makey Boards
How are Makey Makey Classic and Makey Makey GO different?
To start, Makey Makey Classic uses resistive sensing and Makey Makey GO uses capacitive sensing (see previous answer for more).

Makey Makey Classic
  • Outputs: 18
  • Connector: Plugs in with a USB cable
  • Size: 3 6/8 x 1 7/8 inches
  • Sensor type: Resistive
  • Price: $49.95
  • Better for more complicated projects using multiple buttons.
Makey Makey GO
  • Outputs: 1
  • Connector: Plugs directly into computer, like USB drive
  • Size: 3 1/4 x 7/8 inches
  • Sensor type: Capacitive
  • Price: $24.95
  • More portable, better for inventing on the GO and for simpler one-button projects.
Does Makey Makey work with mobile devices and tablets?
Makey Makey is designed to work with QWERTY keyboard and mouse click input. It works on some tablets and mobile devices, but it is not officially supported. For more on iOS compatibility, see our blog.
How do I remap keys?
With a Makey Makey Go or Makey Makey Classic V1.2 or later, you can easily remap keys directly in your browser Here

Make sure that your keyboard is set to English in the settings on your computer before trying the Remap process.

If your Makey makey Classic is older than V1.2, you can reprogram your Makey Makey to output different keystrokes using Arduino software. You can read more about that here in the Sparkfun tutorial.
How do I find out what version I have?
From version 1.2 we have printed the version on the back of the circuit board, older versions don't have a version number printed on them.
Can I use multiple Makey Makeys on one computer?
Yes! You can plug in multiple Makey Makey Classics and Makey Makey GOs at once and create an orchestra of Makey Makeys! (We have tested with up to 4, but could work for more).
How do I use the back of the Makey Makey Classic?
You can use the top row of connectors on the back of the Makey Makey to power small motors and LEDs. Here's what the pins do and how to use them.
  • KEY OUT is activated when any of the alphanumeric keys are triggered.
  • MS OUT is triggered when any of the mouse actions are triggered.
  • /RESET resets the board when that pin is grounded.
  • 5V is always sending 5 volts of power when the Makey Makey is plugged in.
  • GND is an extra EARTH
  • PGD and PGC are for programming at the factory
GND is the same as Earth of the bottom of the board and works to ground small motors and LED's connected from either the MS OUT or KEY OUT pins.

To trigger small motors and LEDs, wire your device from either the KEY OUT or MS OUT to the GND pin. The attachment will receive 5 volts of power from KEY OUT when any of the keys (spacebar, WASD, etc) on the Makey Makey are Earthed - regardless of remapping. The same is for MS OUT; when any amount actions are Earthed (mouse directions, right click, left click), 5 volts are sent to your device.
How many keys can be pressed at once on a Makey Makey?
Makey Makey Classic can press as many keys as your computer allows at once, which is probably 6. You can use up to 18 in a session (6 on the front of Makey Makey and 12 on the back), but only 6 can be held down simultaneously on most operating systems. Makey Makey GO can send one key press at a time.
How many alligator clips come with a Makey Makey?
Makey Makey STEM Pack: Classroom Invention Literacy Kit comes with 12 Makey Makey Cassics, 72 extra alligator clips 18 inches in length, 144 new and improved connector wires, 12 alligator clips 6 feet in length, 12 connector wires 6 feet in length, and 12 Makey Makey-Optimized Conductive 6B Pencils. More

Makey Makey Classic comes with 7 alligator clips 18 inches in length, and 6 connector wires 5 1/2 inches in length. Also 1 usb cable 5 feet in length. No extra purchases necessary to start inventing! More

Makey Makey GO comes with 1 alligator clip 18 inches in length. More

Makey Makey Alligator Clips is a package of 7 alligator clips 18 inches in length. More

Makey Makey Invention Booster Kitcomes with 1 alligator clip 6 feet in length, and 1 jumper wire 6 feet, as well as a 6 Inch Square of Conductive Fabric, 30 feet of Conductive Soft Tape and a Makey Makey-Optimized Conductive 6B Pencil. More
My Makey Makey broke, what should I do?
If your Makey Makey isn't functioning correctly or a piece is broken, reach out to our support team and be sure to include:
  • A picture of the damage
  • The approximate date of your order
  • Your order number
And we'll get back to you soon.
Sorry your Makey Makey isn't working right!
Contact our tech support team and include the above.
Is Makey Makey safe?
Makey Makey is powered by a USB connection, not AC current. Makey Makey uses resistive technology that allows users to invent projects using water and other conductive objects; the voltage is similar to that provided by 3 AA batteries or in technical terms, 50 microamps), enough electiricity to have a lot of fun, but not enough to do any harm. For comparison sake, this is less electrical charge than what we create with normal daily activities like walking on carpet or wearing polyester clothing.
Makey Makey is compliant with CPSIA, RoHS, CE and has passed the rigorous Prop 65 testing.

Here are some considerations to follow when using Makey Makey:

-Makey Makey should be used according to its intended use via the USB cable provided to a USB compliant port.
-Never connect Makey Makey to an AC outlet.
-If product is damaged or broken, please discontinue use and contact Makey makey support.
Why is my Makey Makey working without EARTH?
Makey Makey is a tool for exploration. If it's working without being grounded, then what does that mean? Well, it means you actually are grounded in some other way than on the board. One way is by rubbing your feet with socks on the carpet. This will trigger the Makey Makey once, without being officially 'grounded'. Another example of 'always being grounded' is humidity - sometimes in tropical climates the air can act as ground. On a similar note (but not completely related) sometimes people's hands are not conductive if they are too dry. We're giving these examples because there is no wrong and right way to use Makey Makey, and we encourage people to explore.
What's the difference between the Makey 1.2 and 1.4 boards?
The main difference between Makey Makey 1.2 and 1.4 is that the "5V" in the output header is gone. The previous 5V out pin was actually too much power for an LED and so we updated the board to a KEY OUT, which helps protect your LED and uses Makey Makey for its intended purpose of using everyday things to complete a circuit. In the projects which suggest testing motors with this pin, you can actually just use the "KEY OUT" pin instead. The main difference is that you have to build a switch to use the key out function. The 5V out is "always on" and the KEY OUT pin is only on when Makey Makey senses a key press. So, the 5V will only turn on the item connected, just like a battery. Whereas the KEY OUT pin will allow the user to control the output by triggering key presses. This Labz guide should help you understand the back of your Makey Makey v 1.4:
Circuit Scribe Mini Pens
What's the conductivity of Circuit Scribe?
The resistance of the ink is 0.5 to 10 ohms for a 1cm line. However, it depends on the paper that you are writing on. There are about 2 ohms/cm on standard copy paper and 0.5 ohms/cm on photo paper.
What's the difference between Circuit Scribe and a No. 2 Pencil?
Circuit Scribe is MUCH more conductive! You could not get enough power through graphite traces to power an LED motor. When measured, the resistance of pen traces can be 5 to 8 mega-ohms/cm with a single pass, and 30 to 60 kilo-ohms/cm with a lot of scribbling!
My pen doesn't look full, looks like it leaked, or just looks strange. What should I do?
The Circuit Scribe conductive ink pen is unique because it contains about 20% pure silver by volume, so it acts a little differently from a normal pen. The dense silver particles tend to settle to the bottom of the pen after sitting for more than 24 hours, but they will re-dispese if you shake lightly, draw for a few minutes, or simply cary the pen around in your pocket!

If the ink settles, it is common for the pen to look half-full. However, the pen ships with 1ml of ink, and if you lightly shake them at that entire volume will look full. There is also a white ball at the top of the ink column that indicates the ink level.
Check out the Circuit Scribe Pen maintenance page for more helpful tips.
What is the shelf life?
An unopened pen has a shelf life of about a year. Once it's open, the pen will write smoothly for at least 6 months. After that time, the tip might dry out, but you can scribble on a damp paper towel to get it working again.
How long do traces stay conductive?
Circuits drawn 3 years ago still work today!
How much can I draw with one pen?
You can draw 60 to 80 meters (196 to 260 feet) of traces with a single pen.
What paper should I use to write on?
Circuit Scribe will write on anything that your everyday rollerball pen will. Regular printer paper, construction paper, cardstock and photo paper all work. The pen is not recommended for woven fabrics, but it's been tried on neoprene, leather/vinyl, and Tyvek. Have fun, and experiment on different mediums!
What is the max current the ink can handle?
The ink can support a maximum current of 175mA on standard copy paper. Higher currents cause joule heating, which create a drop in resistance due to sintering the particles. Current exceeding 400 mA might break the trace in a thin spot.
What's the maximum voltage?
The maximum voltage depends on the distance of your ground and high voltage (HV) trace. You should also consider the distance the magnetic backing is to the paper (i.e. keep it well-insulated with multiple sheets of paper). We do not recomend using high voltages (above 36V) due to safety.
What is the Circuit Scribe return policy?
If any of your Circuit Scribe mini pens still do not work after trying the pen maintenance tips, please send an email to hello@circuitscribe.com with your name, shipping address, a note that you purchased the Makey Makey STEM Pack, and the number of pens that are having issues. Circuit Scribe will send you replacements directly.
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