A single-layer less-wires stretchable wearable keyboard based on pressure switch conductive textile

Abstract The development of lightness, less wires and stretchable wearable devices is an emerging technological goal in human-computer interaction. Conductive textiles attract a great deal of interest as versatile materials for wearable devices. Although high-performance wearable devices based on multi-layer textile are widely studies, the large thickness and number of wires are still a major obstacle in large-area application. In this study, a novel pressure switch conductive (PSC) textile keyboard with single-layer structure is developed. The PSC textile keyboard is lightness, stretchable and only has four wires. Benefit from the soft, lightness and breathable of the PSC textile, the PSC textile keyboard naturally has excellent wearability. The application examples of integrating the PSC textile keyboard into lab coat and glove, wrapping on 3D object surface for touch perception are demonstrated. And the PSC textile keyboard can still work effectively even when it is folded into three layers. This study shows that the PSC textile keyboard has great potential in the fields of wearable devices and human–computer interface.