SterlingKey™

Are you tired of tangled cables on your desk? Do you wish for a seamless transition between your desktop and mobile devices using the same keyboard? Look no further! SterlingKey™ is here to transform your typing experience.

Key Features:

1. Wireless: Say goodbye to cables! No more constraints – type from anywhere in the room with ease.
2. Multi-Device Connectivity: Connect up to three devices simultaneously. Switch between your desktop, laptop, and mobile devices by tapping the touch sensor on SterlingKey. Boost your productivity by managing multiple tasks seamlessly.
3. Universal Compatibility: Designed with versatility in mind, SterlingKey accommodates any keyboard with its USB-A port. Whether you have a gaming keyboard, mechanical keyboard, or any other type, this adapter ensures compatibility for an enhanced user experience.
4. Plug and Play: Setting up SterlingKey is a breeze. Connect your keyboard with a short, right-angled cable, start the pairing process by holding the touch button for half a second, pair with your device, and enjoy your wireless keyboard. No complicated installations or technical know-how required.
5. Built-in battery: With SterlingKey you don't need an external power bank or complicated ways to power the device. The adapter includes a Battery Management System to safely charge the connected battery by supplying 5V with a Type C cable.
6. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Whether you're on Windows, MacOS, iOS, or Android, SterlingKey seamlessly integrates with your devices. Switch between platforms effortlessly, maintaining a consistent typing experience.

Why choose SterlingKey?

• High quality components have been used to ensure your keyboard is not damaged
• Multimedia keys are fully supported
• Touchpads are recognized and the mouse functionalities work out of the box
• USB Descriptors are duplicated and emulated by SterlingKey, to make sure all of your keyboard's keys work as expected
• Transparency is a top priority. Any question will be answered. I'm very active in all social media, especially in my Discord server

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can a metal housing be used?
   A metal housing would create a faraday cage, it would block the bluetooth signal and the strength would suffer.
2. What are the dimensions of the device?
   The approximate dimensions of the device are: Length 9.8cm, Height 3cm, Width 2.9cm.
3. How is the latency?
   According to my tests, there is no noticeable latency and SterlingKey can be used even for competitive gaming. Due to the nature of Bluetooth, outside factors might affect the performance, your mileage may vary.
4. Will you support the device after the launch?
   SterlingKey™ includes a USB to Serial Chip, and you will be able to update the firmware using the Type-C port connected to a computer, in case a new firmware is available.
5. How much does the battery last?
   A 21700 battery with 4900mAh capacity has been used and tested to last for nearly 24 hours of continuous use.
   Wired keyboards are not optimized to be used with batteries, since they are meant to be plugged in directly to a power source. For that reason they can draw a lot more power than actual wireless keyboards, and that unfortunately affects the battery life.
   
   1. After 5 minutes of inactivity the device goes into Sleep Mode, so the actual battery life depends on the use of each user
   2. Charging up to 80% takes around 2.5 hours. Charging slows down afterwards to preserve the battery health. A full charge takes around 4 hours using a good quality 5V-2A charger
   3. By using a 21700 battery, it means that it can be easily replaced if needed, with the drawback of taking up a bit more space

Connection process

Pairing process

Cross-platform compatibility

Product Specifications

Hardware:

1. Microcontroller:
   ESP32-S3 by Espressif Systems
2. Power Management:
   Samsung INR21700-50E 4900mAh Battery
   MT3608 DC-DC Converter for 5V
   TP5100 for Battery Charging
   MCP1700T for 3.3V
   Type-C connector for delivering power
3. Connectivity:
   Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) for wireless communication
   USB-A Port for universal keyboard compatibility
   CH340C USB to Serial Chip to update the firmware

Design:

Custom 3D-Printed Case: Designed to be as compact as possible while still having room for a 21700 battery.