hack: Keytar Key Upgrade

Upgrade your keytar keys to make them more responsive!

Introduction

Hacks aren't always about adding new things to your invention, sometimes small improvements are the coolest hacks of all!

You have your Keytar built, and you have played a few tunes. But, your keys may seem a bit laggy, or you have to press really hard to complete the circuit. This makes it hard to really jam out and play the keytar in a more natural and epic way… It is time to upgrade your keys! The good thing is that you have all of the materials you need to do so… conductive fabric tape!

Hack Details

Time: 15 Minutes

Difficulty: EASY

Adult Supervision: Minimal

Tool Requirements: Basic (Craft)

Modification Warning

This hack could permanently modify your Retro Joystick! Please keep that in mind as you work.

Tools and Materials

This hack requires some basic craft tools and supplies that come in your Invention Launchpad for you to be successful! We do list a few materials that could make your project a bit easier, but they are strictly optional.

Required Tools

Scissors
Pencil

Required Materials

Completed Keytar with Makey Makey
Conductive Fabric Tape

The Problem!

Do you remember back to when you built your Keytar and how each key is built? Each key is a cantilevered piece of cardboard that is held together with foam tape. The key bridges the head of the screw and the conductive fabric tape connected to EARTH and completes the circuit for that key.

As your keytar gets more and more use things start to break down and the key may become less responsive. The screw heads sink into the cardboard and the aluminum foil tears or wears out; this is part of inventing with these materials and is normal! Fear not, there is a way to repair your keys and in fact; make them better than ever!

The Upgrade

You already have the materials and knowhow for upgrading your keys! You just need a bit of time, finesse and conductive tape! Now all you need to do is sit down and conduct a bit of surgery on your Keytar. We assure you that you will be up and jamming again in no time!

Using a pair of scissors cut 6 pieces of conductive fabric tape about 3/4” long.

To upgrade a key, gently lift up on the key and slide a pencil underneath it to prop it up as shown. The further back the pencil is moved the higher the key will be held to give you space to work, but the danger of bending the key becomes a possibility.

Once the key is propped up, you can now access the screw head below it. Peel the backing from one of the conductive tape pieces and place it over the top of the screw. The tape should be firmly stuck to the to the screw and lay flat within the printed outline of the key. Use your finger and press the tape down onto the screw and make sure it sticks to it as the screw may be below the surface of the cardboard.

Note: Be sure that the short piece of tape doesn’t overlap or touch the long piece of tape connected to EARTH.

Repeat the process for each of your six keys and then test your Keytar with the Keytar app. If the tape adhered to your screws correctly you should notice a difference in how hard you have to press your keys to make a note play.

You just completed a rockstar level hack!

Troubleshooting Tips

My key is constantly being pressed! Be sure to check to make sure the short piece of tape is not touching the longer piece of tape connected to EARTH
My key is still not playing! Be sure that the short piece of tape is stuck to the screw
My key is still not playing! Check your connections to the screws at your Makey Makey and at your keys!

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