Abstract: A sensing apparatus for detecting impedance changes in a variable impedance matrix keyboard. A microcomputer is utilized to control the basic key intersection scanning and for accurately calibrating and adjusting the sensing threshold of the sense amplifier prior to testing each key intersection so that the effects of stray impedance and varying voltage levels may be compensated for. The micro computer supplies sense amplifier sensitivity threshold selection address codes to set the sensing level for the amplifier. Trial drive pulses are applied to a reference capacitor and are gated to the sense amplifier while the sensing level thereof is varied until no output is obtained. This effectively adjusts the sensing circuits for variable voltage power fluctuations occurring over a short time and compensates for variable capacitive effects not associated with actual key switch movements.