Standalone Touch ID Module for Mac!

Apple introduced the Magic keyboard with touch ID in 2021 for Apple Silicon computers rocking an M1, M2, etc. That's all well and good, but for those that preferred keyboards that are actually good, many resorted to taping Apple's keyboard under their desks. 

Make your own desk-friendly Touch ID module for biometric authentication in macOS on your Apple Silicon Macs!

I can't lie, it's pretty clever. And some people even wen to the extent of using the karabiner to disable all key input in case your leg bumped it or you found yourself fiddling around for the button. A great idea! But, a solution to, well, a keyboard velcroed under a desk.

I tried this, but fiddling around for the button and keeping the board charged was too much of a hassle. I wanted Touch ID where it was designed to be: next to my fingers on the keyboard.

There's three versions: (1) a wireless TKL for the standard size board, (2) a wired version of the same (smaller because you can omit the battery entirely), and, (3) a single version for the big-daddy 109-key variant. This model uses a longer logic board that extends past the battery so a single model works quite well. 

 In the end though, you're basically just pulling apart this board as far as you possibly can. It's not really possible to do non-destructively, so I suggest using a board you find on eBay that's got soda spilled on it or crumbs jamming certain keys for a good price. You only need the board, the sensor, and optionally, the battery.

Assembly Tip: use M2x2-4mm brass inserts in the cavities and M2x4mm screws to hold the board in. Dependent on thread pitch, you may need to use the screws to widen the board’s holes slightly, but there’s nothing to be wary of near any of the holes so it’s a safe bet. If you’re super worried about the board splitting, you could use a drill bit to widen the board holes slightly.