• Microprocessor Tutorial

• Best Programable Keyboards
• Keyboards With Programmable Macro Keys

• 8085 Microprocessor

• 8086 Microprocessor

• Multiprocessor Configuration

The best keyboard for typing is the Topre Realforce R2. Removable switch design, and 32 programmable layers all make it one of the best gaming boards in the biz. The RGB lighting on the keyboard is powered by Chroma with individually programmable backlit keys with 16.8 million color options, which can be set through Razer Synapse software. The keyboard supports gaming features such as 10 key roll-over anti-ghosting, fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording and Windows key lock.

• I/O Interfacing

• Microcontrollers

• Peripheral Devices

• Microprocessor Useful Resources

• Selected Reading

• Best gaming keyboard 2021 – the best gaming keyboards we've tested. By Matt Hanson, Michelle Rae Uy, Bill Thomas 07 April 2021. + Fully programmable keys + Thin, sleek design.
• DIERYA DK61E 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, RGB Backlit Wired PBT Keycap Waterproof Type-C Mini Compact 61 Keys Computer Keyboard with Full Keys Programmable (Gateron Optical Brown Switch) 4.6 out of 5 stars 6,600.
• Best 60% mechanical keyboard: Razer Huntsman Mini. The 60 per cent size is a favourite of mechanical keyboard enthusiasts, but one that's seen remarkably little attention from major gaming brands.

8279 programmable keyboard/display controller is designed by Intel that interfaces a keyboard with the CPU. Adobe illustrator tumblr mac download. The keyboard first scans the keyboard and identifies if any key has been pressed. It then sends their relative response of the pressed key to the CPU and vice-a-versa.

How Many Ways the Keyboard is Interfaced with the CPU?

The Keyboard can be interfaced either in the interrupt or the polled mode. In the Interrupt mode, the processor is requested service only if any key is pressed, otherwise the CPU will continue with its main task.

In the Polled mode, the CPU periodically reads an internal flag of 8279 to check whether any key is pressed or not with key pressure.

How Does 8279 Keyboard Work?

The keyboard consists of maximum 64 keys, which are interfaced with the CPU by using the key-codes. These key-codes are de-bounced and stored in an 8-byte FIFORAM, which can be accessed by the CPU. If more than 8 characters are entered in the FIFO, then it means more than eight keys are pressed at a time. This is when the overrun status is set.

If a FIFO contains a valid key entry, then the CPU is interrupted in an interrupt mode else the CPU checks the status in polling to read the entry. Once the CPU reads a key entry, then FIFO is updated, and the key entry is pushed out of the FIFO to generate space for new entries.

Architecture and Description

I/O Control and Data Buffer

This unit controls the flow of data through the microprocessor. It is enabled only when D is low. Its data buffer interfaces the external bus of the system with the internal bus of the microprocessor. The pins A0, RD, and WR are used for command, status or data read/write operations.

Control and Timing Register and Timing Control

This unit contains registers to store the keyboard, display modes, and other operations as programmed by the CPU. The timing and control unit handles the timings for the operation of the circuit.

Scan Counter

It has two modes i.e. Encoded mode and Decoded mode. In the encoded mode, the counter provides the binary count that is to be externally decoded to provide the scan lines for the keyboard and display.

In the decoded scan mode, the counter internally decodes the least significant 2 bits and provides a decoded 1 out of 4 scan on SL₀-SL₃.

Return Buffers, Keyboard Debounce, and Control

This unit first scans the key closure row-wise, if found then the keyboard debounce unit debounces the key entry. In case, the same key is detected, then the code of that key is directly transferred to the sensor RAM along with SHIFT & CONTROL key status.

FIFO/Sensor RAM and Status Logic

This unit acts as 8-byte first-in-first-out (FIFO) RAM where the key code of every pressed key is entered into the RAM as per their sequence. The status logic generates an interrupt request after each FIFO read operation till the FIFO gets empty.

In the scanned sensor matrix mode, this unit acts as sensor RAM where its each row is loaded with the status of their corresponding row of sensors into the matrix. When the sensor changes its state, the IRQ line changes to high and interrupts the CPU.

Display Address Registers and Display RAM

This unit consists of display address registers which holds the addresses of the word currently read/written by the CPU to/from the display RAM.

8279 − Pin Description

The following figure shows the pin diagram of 8279 −

Data Bus Lines, DB₀ - DB₇

These are 8 bidirectional data bus lines used to transfer the data to/from the CPU.

CLK

The clock input is used to generate internal timings required by the microprocessor.

RESET

As the name suggests this pin is used to reset the microprocessor.

CS Chip Select

When this pin is set to low, it allows read/write operations, else this pin should be set to high.

A₀

This pin indicates the transfer of command/status information. When it is low, it indicates the transfer of data.

RD, WR

This Read/Write pin enables the data buffer to send/receive data over the data bus.

IRQ

This interrupt output line goes high when there is data in the FIFO sensor RAM. The interrupt line goes low with each FIFO RAM read operation. However, if the FIFO RAM further contains any key-code entry to be read by the CPU, this pin again goes high to generate an interrupt to the CPU.

V_ss, V_cc

These are the ground and power supply lines of the microprocessor.

SL₀ − SL₃

These are the scan lines used to scan the keyboard matrix and display the digits. Open broadcaster mac download. These lines can be programmed as encoded or decoded, using the mode control register.

RL₀ − RL₇

These are the Return Lines which are connected to one terminal of keys, while the other terminal of the keys is connected to the decoded scan lines. These lines are set to 0 when any key is pressed.

SHIFT

The Shift input line status is stored along with every key code in FIFO in the scanned keyboard mode. Till it is pulled low with a key closure, it is pulled up internally to keep it high

CNTL/STB - CONTROL/STROBED I/P Mode

In the keyboard mode, this line is used as a control input and stored in FIFO on a key closure. The line is a strobe line that enters the data into FIFO RAM, in the strobed input mode. It has an internal pull up. The line is pulled down with a key closure.

BD

It stands for blank display. It is used to blank the display during digit switching.

Best Programable Keyboards

OUTA₀ – OUTA₃ and OUTB₀ – OUTB₃

These are the output ports for two 16x4 or one 16x8 internal display refresh registers. The data from these lines is synchronized with the scan lines to scan the display and the keyboard.

Operational Modes of 8279

There are two modes of operation on 8279 − Input Mode and Output Mode.

Input Mode

This mode deals with the input given by the keyboard and this mode is further classified into 3 modes.

• Scanned Keyboard Mode − In this mode, the key matrix can be interfaced using either encoded or decoded scans. In the encoded scan, an 8×8 keyboard or in the decoded scan, a 4×8 keyboard can be interfaced. The code of key pressed with SHIFT and CONTROL status is stored into the FIFO RAM.

• Scanned Sensor Matrix − In this mode, a sensor array can be interfaced with the processor using either encoder or decoder scans. In the encoder scan, 8×8 sensor matrix or with decoder scan 4×8 sensor matrix can be interfaced.

• Strobed Input − In this mode, when the control line is set to 0, the data on the return lines is stored in the FIFO byte by byte.

Output Mode

This mode deals with display-related operations. This mode is further classified into two output modes.

• Display Scan − This mode allows 8/16 character multiplexed displays to be organized as dual 4-bit/single 8-bit display units.

• Display Entry − This mode allows the data to be entered for display either from the right side/left side.

Contents

• Criteria

The ability to program your mechanical keyboard and assign different functions to specific keys may sound like a luxury feature, but in some cases it becomes a necessity. Anyone who’s ever used a tiny, space-saving form factor keyboard — I’m talking 60% and smaller — knows their default key layouts can be a challenge when the number of dedicated keys is limited. Having the option to customize a key to your desired function can alleviate these shortcomings, making your typing experience more intuitive. Taking the time to choose the best programmable mechanical keyboard and customize functionality according to your own personal preferences will result in a more comfortable and faster typing experience with less errors.

Not only that, but many programmable mechanical keyboards allow the user to setup macros. A macro key can initiate and perform a series of multiple recorded inputs with a single keystroke. This feature is popular among gamers, as it allows advanced combos to be successfully pulled off with 100% accuracy. They have practical purposes too. Any tasks that requires the same repetitive input can be programmed to a macro key. Even something as simple as having your email address bound to a specific key to quicken logins and the process of filling out forms.

Criteria

Below are reviews for 5 of the best programmable mechanical keyboards your money can buy on the retail market. Kits/custom builds would expand your choices greatly, but I have elected not to include them due to the nature of availability (long waitlists/group buys) and the amount of experience required for assembly.

These are my personal top picks. All of the mechs listed have some level of programmability, whether it be programmable function layers, dedicated macro keys or 100% full programmability (every key can be customized). I also tried to choose keyboards with only high-quality switches, decent stock keycaps and above average build quality. You can’t go wrong with any of these 5 mechanical keyboards, so take your pick!

Keyboards With Programmable Macro Keys

1. Vortex Poker 3

At this point the Poker 3 seems to have gained iconic status among mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It’s debatably the most popular and well regarded 60% mech available on the retail market. Owners of the Poker 3 will tell you that reputation is deserved.

The Poker 3 can be found with industry standard Cherry MX switches (Blue, Red, Brown, Black and Clear) in both a backlit (RGB or single-color) and non-backlit version. The switches are housed atop a steel plate and the case is made from fairly thick cast aluminum. The result is a compact mechanical keyboard that’s extremely robust and quite heavy for its size.

The Poker 3 has a floating key design, meaning there is no top shell for the case. The sides of the outer keycaps and switches are exposed/accessible for easier routine maintenance.

The Poker 3’s ANSI layout (also available in ISO) has 61 standard sized keys, so most aftermarket keycaps sets will be compatible. Speaking of keycaps, the non-backlit model comes with laser-etched thick PBT and the backlit versions are doubleshot ABS.

The Poker 3 has hardware programmability handled by on-board memory. No additional software is required. It features 4 layers in total, 3 of which are programmable. The default layer isn’t programmable. Macros of up to 32 inputs can be recorded and assigned to a single keystroke. DIP switches installed on the bottom of the board allows the user to switch between QWERTY, Dvorak or Colemak.

2. Mistel Barocco MD600

The Barocco MD600 is a split 60% programmable mechanical keyboard for the purpose of improved ergonomics. The theory being you use the keyboard with each section spaced far enough apart and angled in such a way that the positioning relieves stress on your wrists, fingers and shoulders. It can still be used as a “normal” keyboard when needed simply by connecting the 2 pieces, which have a friction fit.

The Barocco has very similar specs to the Poker 3. It’s also available with a vast selection of Cherry MX switches and the included thick PBT keycaps look almost identical. It comes in backlit or non-backlit models as well. The non-backlit keycaps are laser-etched and the backlit models are doubleshot with translucent, shine through legends. They even use the same font, with the only noticeable difference being the color of the characters.

What intrigues me is the fact Mistel offers uncommon Cherry MX Silver switches in the Barocco. MX Silver’s — also known as MX Speed — are light (45g) linear switches that have a shorter actuation point (1.2mm) and total travel distance (3.4mm) than typical MX switches, which are 2mm and 4mm respectively.

The Barocco’s build quality does take a slight step down from the Poker 3. Instead of aluminum, the Barocco’s case consists of a plastic top and bottom shell. A steel backplate is used for switch mounting. The backplate provides enough rigidity to prevent any flexing. The structural integrity of the Barocco is solid, despite using a plastic enclosure.

Reminiscent of the Poker 3, the Barocco also has on-board hardware programmability with 3 customizable layers and support for QWERTY, Dvorak or Colemak layouts. It can also record and assign macro keys.

3. Rosewill RK-9000V2 RGB

The RK-9000 series is one of Rosewill’s flagship mechanical gaming keyboards. They’ve made a few modifications and improvements to this model over the years, now selling a “Version 2” with RGB backlighting, hardware programmability, support for up to 50 macros and Cherry’s new line of MX RGB switches with clear housings.

The RK-9000V2 RGB is a full size 104-key mechanical keyboard in ANSI layout with RGB backlit keys. The RK-9000V2 RGB is primarily targeted towards the PC gaming market, though its aesthetics are very subdued compared to products from other manufacturers in this niche. Many “gaming” focused mechs are busy and garish. Not so with the sleekly designed RK-9000V2 RGB. It wouldn’t look out of place at all in an office environment.

The RK-9000V2’s build quality isn’t in question. It’s a sturdy, rock solid keyboard. The case is made from dense, high quality plastic and it has a thick steel backplate to provide needed stiffness.

The keycaps are bog standard for this type of board; thin ABS with laser removed characters to achieve shine through legends. Nothing special and pretty much inline with the average keycaps found on typical backlit mechanical gaming keyboards in this price range. Doubleshots would have been preferred for more durable, longer lasting key characters. At least every key is standard sized, bottom row included, so upgrading with your own custom keyset would be easy.

For the switches Rosewill has chosen Cherry MX RGB’s. These switches are a fairly new product from Cherry. They’re basically the same as regular MX switches, but the housings are transparent. This allows the LED backlighting to be diffused more evenly over a wider area with higher brightness.

4. Vortex Core

Now we get to the dream mechanical keyboard of every traveler that spends countless nights working out of a motel room. The Vortex Core is a 40% mechanical keyboard designed to be ultra-compact for maximum portability and space savings. It has a tiny rectangular footprint, measuring only 9.75″ by 3″. I’m actually typing this post on the Core right now while testing it for the full review to come later.

Vortex apparently wasn’t satisfied with just having the best 60% mechanical keyboard on the retail market with the Poker 3. They have even higher ambitions for this new 40% mech, and in some ways have topped themselves.

RELATED:Vortex Core Review: Viva Tiny Mechanical Keyboards!

The Vortex Core has an ANSI layout with only 47 dedicated keys, but manages to provide nearly the full capabilities of a full sized board thanks to multiple programmable layers, macros and function modifier keys.

Vortex has once again gone with Cherry MX switches in either tactile (Brown and Clear), linear (Red) or clicky (Blue) variants. That seems to be a theme with this list and mechanical keyboards in general. At the moment only a non-backlit version has hit the market, though prototype RGB backlit models with Cherry MX RGB switches have surfaced, so that’s a future possibility.

The Core’s keycaps are thick PBT in DSA profile with dye-sublimated legends. PBT is much more durable and shine resistant compared to ABS and the dye-sublimation process creates a high-contrast legend that doesn’t alter the feel of the keycap and won’t fade from wear, even after years of heavy typing. Absolutely fantastic stock keycaps, especially considering the relatively cheap price point. The Core has a split spacebar. Also, many of the keycaps aren’t standard sized, simply because that’s impossible with boards in this layout. All the more reason to include good stock keycaps.

Mechanical keyboards manufactured by Vortex always feature great build quality. The Core is no exception. Its bottom shell/case is aluminum and the backplate is steel. Just like the Poker 3, the Core feels heavy relative to its meager physical dimensions. That weight mainly comes from the steel plate, as the aluminum case is actually quite thin, but due to its small size a thin case is all that’s needed to make it completely rigid and free from flex.

5. Corsair K95

Like macros? The feature-rich K95 line from Corsair has you covered. This full sized (and then some), fully programmable mechanical gaming keyboard has a massive bank of 18 dedicated macro keys on the left side. Corsair calls them “G-keys” and they can support up to 108 recorded macros spread over 3 profiles. The k95 also sports dedicated media keys and a volume wheel.

Yet again we see Cherry switches in the form of MX RGB Reds. I like Cherry switches, but a little variety would be nice. Someone should introduce these mainstream keyboard manufacturers to Gateron or Zealios. Anyway, Cherry MX Red is a light (45g) linear switch with properties that are generally considered optimal for fast-paced gaming and the transparent housings of MX RGB switches help accentuate the per-key RGB backlighting.

Build quality is adequate. The K95’s case is a mixture of plastic (bottom shell) and anodized aluminum (top plate) with a brushed metal finished for pleasing aesthetics. The switches are mounted directly to the case, which acts as the backplate. It’s not the most premium of build qualities, but its overall construction is firm and reliable.

The biggest strength of the Corsair K95 mechanical keyboard is its plethora of features, with the most interesting aspect being the ridiculous amount of dedicated macro keys and full programmability. Let’s take a detailed look at the specs Corsair boasts for the K95 RGB:

• N-Key rollover
• USB passthrough
• Per-key RGB backlighting
• Cherry MX RGB Red switches
• Detachable wrist rest
• Black anodized brushed aluminum finish
• Dedicated media keys with volume wheel
• Corsair Utility Engine software for recording macros and creating custom backlight profiles
• Floating-key design

There’s one caveat I must mention about the Corsair K95’s programmability. It’s software based. This means to benefit from full programmability you must have Corsair’s software installed, configured and running on your device at all times. Moving the keyboard to a different device will not transfer your settings along with it, as it has no built-in memory for programming. Any device that doesn’t support the software means no customizations are possible. The Platinum model does have on-board memory for storing macros and backlight profiles, but it has much fewer dedicated macro keys.

Conclusion On Programmable Keyboards

The programmable keyboards I chose for this list are retail options that should be fairly simple/cheap to acquire and good enough for the average user; but the truth is many of the actual fully programmable mechanical keyboards that belong on this list are kits/custom jobs. I didn’t include those for many reasons. The biggest factor being availability. It can be nearly impossible to obtain a specific build on any given week. The majority are only sold in group buys in limited quantities that can take months, even years to complete and ship. Not to mention the keyboard still has to be assembled by the user or a third-party once parts are received.

Affordable prebuilts available from retail outlets will likely satisfy the needs of most users looking for a programmable keyboard. That being said, if you have the cash and building your own custom/kit keyboard sounds like a venture you would like to undertake then your options for full programmability will be vast. For a great starter kit I recommend looking into the TADA68, which you can now buy completely assembled. Though catching it in stock is a different matter entirely.

Those were my recommendations for a good programmable mech. Do you have a different opinion? If so, please share your pick for best programmable mechanical keyboard in the comments below.