Comment by tiltowait
2 years ago
Some old IBM keyboards (beamsprings, the predecessor to the Model F, which preceded the Model M) had solenoids inside to make them louder and sound more like typewriters. I wonder if such a setup would defeat this attack, or if it would still be possible to discern the actual keypress alongside the solenoid.
Not just limited to old IBM keyboards! The new reproduction Model F keyboards also have a solenoid option! It's fantastically loud with it banging on the solid metal case along with the buckling springs. Great keyboards in general.
I'm guessing it would be easier (assuming you trained it on that keyboard), because each solenoid would be fairly unique due to manufacturing tolerances. Just my gut feeling, I have no data to back it up.
I know nothing about this keyboard, but I'd assume it just has one solenoid because the expense and space of 100+ solenoids is impractical if all you're using them for is simulating the vibration/sound of a typewriter.
I wish I could delete my comment to hide my stupidity. For some reason I was thinking about springs despite reading and typing solenoid. You are of course 100% correct and unfortunately it's too late for me to hide my shame.