Tim JohnsenSep 4, 2024
Started using a keyboard without TouchID recently. Reprogramming a #Yubikey to act as fake TouchID (enters static master password for 1Password when long pressed) has worked as a pretty good replacement.
Show threadJeff Hatz ☕️Sep 4, 2024

@timonus I just switched from external monitor + MacBook to a larger screen and clamshell, so lost my TouchID.

Bought a TouchID keyboard used on eBay for $50, pulled out the button and logic board, hack saw’d the button well so clicking still works, and hot glued it to the bottom of my desk. Works great!

(Only hot glued on tape, not directly to circuit boards, for easy removal)

Show threadTim JohnsenSep 4, 2024
@jeffhatz I was thinking of this but didn’t wanna waste a keyboard
Show threadTim JohnsenSep 4, 2024
@jeffhatz this is super cool tho
Show threadJeff Hatz ☕️Sep 5, 2024
@timonus You can find bent ones on eBay for $30. Doesn’t even matter how broken it is, as long as TouchID still works.
Show threadTim JohnsenSep 5, 2024
@jeffhatz I’m curious, is there a guide or instructions you followed to do this if I wanted to make one too? Got me thinking about it 😄
Show threadJeff Hatz ☕️

@timonus

Guide: https://gist.github.com/KhaosT/1406a6b6bea38f59e059c2afcb39d545

3D model if you want it in a case: https://www.printables.com/model/320000-standalone-touch-id-module-for-mac

Alternate model (no back for mounting under-desk): https://x.com/KhaosT/status/1523339671949873152

I first heard about this when Myke Hurley did it, which prompted this post: https://sixcolors.com/post/2022/07/touch-id-on-a-mac-desktop-deconstructed/

Make your own Touch ID Button

Make your own Touch ID Button. GitHub Gist: instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

Gist
Sep 5, 2024 at 2:58pmWeb
Show threadTim JohnsenSep 5, 2024
@jeffhatz rad, thank you!