Generating key presses
Generating keypresses to execute keyboard shortcuts is one way to control orbiter and its vessels without custom software. There are quite a few options.
Tear Apart a keyboard
One way to replicate a keyboard is to acutally use one. With some electronics knowledge, you could remove existing keys and wire in some remote momentary switches.
- Pros
- Cheap
- Cons
- Electronics knowledge recommended
X-Keys
X-Keys provides USB and PS/2 keboard emulators in 'non-keyboard' configurations. Their site is here. An interesting device is their Stick product, which could be stuck to an instrument panel to act as the MFD edge keys.
- Pros
- No wiring needed
- Backlit keys
- Programmable
- Cons
- Relatively expensive
External Keyboard Encoders
These are purpose-built boards that you can wire switches to.
- Pros
- Less electronics knowledge needed than tearing apart a keyboard
- Wide range of prices
- Programmable
- Cons
- Some electrical/electronics knowledge is recommended
- GroovyGameGear Key-Wiz