Help please! Converting 2015 MacBook Air top case into USB keyboard and mouse

[douirc]

Hi everyone! I love my iMac but I love the keyboard and trackpad layout of MacBooks way more than the magic keyboard and mouse.

I really want to convert my 2015 MacBook Air Top Case into a USB keyboard and trackpad and would greatly appreciate some guidance from those that have done it.

I found a youtube video of guy soldering a USB cable to an old MacBook trackpad and plugging it into a Windows 10 machine and it worked plug'n play. I'm curious if the same can be done with my 2015 MBA top case plugged into my iMac.

Thank you for the super-mod help!

 

[deeddawg]

What in particular do you find so different with the magic keyboard 2 and magic trackpad 2 relative to using the MacBook?

 

[douirc]

putting the trackpad in front of the keyboard (like the macbook) is awkward. the trackpad is too large and doesn't sit evenly with the keyboard, plus things move around too much. not sure if you're a MBA/MBP user but the layout is very efficient and comfortable, especially if you're typing and using the mouse a lot. I often have to build presentations, documents, emails, etc. for work, which requires a lot of back and forth between the keyboard and mouse and the macbook layout is most conducive.

anyway, not sure if what i'm asking can even be done. there are obviously ribbons for the keyboard and mouse but they connect to the mainboard, which is where i'm guessing the inputs are processed, as opposed to a chip on the top case (although i could be wrong...again, need an expert). if the processing unit is integrated in the top case, than maybe it's possible.

btw, there seems to be demand since people have built trays to accomplish this. problem is, the tray's are expensive and not as user friendly/comfortable as the macbook top case feels.

https://www.wired.com/2011/02/macdec-tea-tray-holds-keyboard-and-trackpad/

maybe i just suck it up and buy this lol
https://bullettrain.com/products/express-keyboard-platform?variant=3508308246568

The only problem is, a macbook top case is around $75 with keyboard and trackpad but the magic keyboard, trackpad 2 and tray = $350. I like $75 better

 

[deeddawg]

not sure if you're a MBA/MBP user but the layout is very efficient and comfortable, especially if you're typing and using the mouse a lot.

Eight years owning a MBP, MBA, and rMB in that order. Also, four years of concurrently owning a magic keyboard / magic trackpad with a Mac Mini as my desktop solution. Lots of switching back and forth between the two, with the magic keyboard & magic trackpad sitting side by side.

So I maybe have a just a little bit of experience with using both layouts...

Honestly I haven't found one layout to be any more efficient than the other. They both work quite well for me. That's why I asked.

anyway, not sure if what i'm asking can even be done. there are obviously ribbons for the keyboard and mouse but they connect to the mainboard, which is where i'm guessing the inputs are processed, as opposed to a chip on the top case (although i could be wrong...again, need an expert). if the processing unit is integrated in the top case, than maybe it's possible.

Exactly. Which is why I asked why a known-to-work solution wasn't preferable.

It seems side-by-side trays really outnumber the laptop style trays, which also tends to lead to a difference in pricing. My guess is more demand for side-by-side.

*shrug* go with whatever works best for you.

BTW there's a $75 front/back solution that could work. Add a used/refurb trackpad and used/refurb keyboard and you're not too deep into the wallet. With a topcase you'd still need something under it, plus whatever interface electronics you need to build / solder. And you'd corded. I'd be surprised if you ended up substantially less expensive going the DIY route.

Post up picks of it when you're done.

https://eshop.macsales.com/item/Henge Docks/HDA01CLIQUE/ https://www.amazon.com/Bestand-Trackpad-MJ2R2LL-Keyboard-Included/dp/B01EWXHV0W https://store.thodio.com/products/thodio-macdec https://www.thestudscooperative.com...ard-with-numeric-keypad-and-magic-trackpad-2/