Abstract: A split wireless keyboard for communicating with a host device includes first and second keyboard halves. Each keyboard half communicates wirelessly with the host device to communicate that a key has been depressed or released. The keyboard halves communicate wirelessly with each other to signal key status changes. The two keyboard halves alternate serving as master and slave depending upon which keyboard half has most recently detected a change of key status, and only the keyboard half designated as the master actively communicates with the host. Wireless communications among the two keyboard halves and the host may use Bluetooth short-range wireless technology protocol. One keyboard half initially pairs with the host, and then shares a wireless link key with the other keyboard half during a setup phase. A Y-shaped hardwired connection cable may be used to interconnect the two keyboard halves to the host device instead of using wireless communications.

Abstract: A split wireless keyboard for communicating with a host device includes first and second keyboard halves. Each keyboard half communicates wirelessly with the host device to communicate that a key has been depressed or released. The keyboard halves communicate wirelessly with each other to signal key status changes. The two keyboard halves alternate serving as master and slave depending upon which keyboard half has most recently detected a change of key status, and only the keyboard half designated as the master actively communicates with the host. Wireless communications among the two keyboard halves and the host may use Bluetooth short-range wireless technology protocol. One keyboard half initially pairs with the host, and then shares a wireless link key with the other keyboard half during a setup phase. A Y-shaped hardwired connection cable may be used to interconnect the two keyboard halves to the host device instead of using wireless communications.