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
• Mid-range price
• Programmable

Cons

• Some electrical/electronics knowledge is recommended

Hagstrom Electronics

GroovyGameGear Key-Wiz