Touch Magic: Custom Apple Touch ID
Quite a while ago, I stumbled across this project online that immediately caught my attention. Its claim was:
Make your own desk-friendly Touch ID module for biometric authentication in macOS on your Apple Silicon Macs!
Cool! I wanted something like that too. Touch ID on every Apple Silicon Mac with every keyboard, that sounds very tempting. I read the documentation, watched his video and some of the remixes of his model. One remix really impressed me. It was the little things like "centered Touch ID button", "clickable button" etc. that I liked.
So I designed my version with Shapr3D.
Okay, my mind was made up. I'm going to create a remix of this remix. 😃 The main difference in my version is the integration of the Lightning connector and a simplification of the Touch ID button integration. The Lightning connector should not be fixed to the case, but mounted separately on its own adapter.
However, first things first. What do we need to build our own "Touch Magic"?
- Of course an Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID. There are several models available. The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad. This article describes the small version, without a numeric keypad.
- A 3D printer and some filaments
I recommend buying a keyboard on ebay or another platform. Look for devices that are labelled as defective or spare parts donors. Only the Touch ID sensor needs to work. Everything else is irrelevant.
The video from SnazzyLabs, whose model on Printables inspired me, was a great help, especially on opening up the defective keyboard. It is definitely very helpful to avoid destroying it. So, take your time, watch the video and if you're unsure have a look on KhaosT's guide on how to disassemble the keyboard.
The Model
After many hours of testing and customising Calvin's remix, I discarded the idea and completely redesigned the case based on his design. A bazillion test prints later, it was ready. This is what it should look like.
The Result
Well, and this is it. It only needs 5 parts to be printed. No glue, no tape and less screws than the other models. AND: The button is still clickable.
Notes
I printed the whole thing on my Bambu Lab X1C with filaments from extrudr (grey | RAL 7044) and Overture (OVERTURE Matte PLA Black).
Many Thanks to SnazzyLabs for the inspiration and Calvin for his remix which was a great blueprint for me.