Recommended Free Tools
KanaChord Plus is a do-it-yourself auxiliary keyboard for entering Japanese alongside a standard English keyboard. It uses simultaneous key presses to enter Kana, then offers a touchscreen list of reading-related Kanji and Japanese-word candidates. It is a documented project, not a verified ready-to-buy keyboard.
What is the KanaChord Plus keyboard?
KanaChord Plus is Mac Cody’s custom-built Japanese input device. Rather than replacing a conventional computer keyboard, it sits beside one and sends Japanese text to the computer as Unicode keystrokes. Its workflow pairs chorded Kana entry with a small touchscreen for choosing Kanji or words.
The project README describes two broad approaches to Japanese typing: Romaji input, in which Roman letters encode Japanese syllables, and direct Kana input. KanaChord Plus takes the direct route, using simultaneous key presses. The maintainer notes that Romaji is more commonly used because it requires remembering fewer keyboard characters; this is background framing, not a measured usage statistic.
How does KanaChord Plus type Japanese?
Enter Hiragana or Katakana with chords
A chord is a combination of keys pressed together to produce a character. KanaChord Plus uses chords for Hiragana and Katakana, with a mode key to switch Kana mode. The keys are lit to indicate character type and mode; invalid combinations are shown in red.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
Select Kanji or words from the touchscreen
To choose Kanji, the user types a Kana reading. The touchscreen editor displays the entered sequence and refreshes a list of Kanji and Japanese words associated with that reading. The user can scroll through the list, select an entry, and view its definition. The selected text replaces the Kana and is sent to the computer; alternatively, the user can send the Kana as entered.
This is a reading-based candidate list, not a claim of sentence-context prediction by a conventional Japanese IME. The README says the editor can hold up to nine characters and shows up to ten candidates at a time, with navigation for longer lists. Mac Cody’s undated README, accessed October 4, 2026, describes the embedded data as containing over 6,100 common Kanji and over 6,200 common Japanese words containing Kanji. Hackaday reported exact counts of 6,165 Kanji and 6,240 words in its October 5, 2024 article; those figures are that article’s report, not independently verified current totals.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What parts do I need to build a KanaChord Plus?
The project overview identifies these principal components:
- A Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller based on RP2040.
- An Adafruit NeoKey 5×6 Ortho Snap-Apart keyboard PCB.
- A 2.8-inch, 320×240 TFT touchscreen with an ILI9341 controller.
- Thirty Cherry MX mechanical switches; the project author clarified in a Hackaday correction that these are Cherry MX RGB switches.
- 3D-printed keycaps, component mounts, and an enclosure.
A Raspberry Pi Pico RP2040 is a component in the build, not the KanaChord Plus itself. The README points to the project’s hardware and software directories for assembly and implementation details. It documents Arduino IDE 1.8.19, an RP2040 board support package, LVGL 8.4, and keyboard and LED libraries as part of the development stack; those are documented project dependencies, not a claim that every item is the latest version.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Does KanaChord Plus work on Mac, Windows, and Linux?
Output depends on choosing a Unicode keystroke sequence that the target operating system and application recognize. The README documents these modes and examples:
| Documented mode | Keystroke sequence | Documented examples or status |
|---|---|---|
| Windows-style hexadecimal entry | Four-character hexadecimal Unicode value, then Alt-X | Microsoft Word, WordPad, and LibreOffice Writer |
| Linux-style hexadecimal entry | Ctrl-Shift-U, then the four-character hexadecimal value | LibreOffice Writer and Firefox |
| macOS Option-key mode | An Option-key sequence | The README explicitly marks this mode “not yet tested.” |
These examples do not establish compatibility with every computer, operating-system configuration, or application. The project also says the touchscreen needs calibration after programming.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Is KanaChord Plus a finished product, and what should builders know about reuse?
The available project documentation describes a build and its parts, not a completed-device retail listing. It does not establish current component stock, a current hardware revision, or that the proposed Pico 2 upgrade has shipped; the README discusses that upgrade as a possible future change.
The repository states that its circuit design and STL files for keycaps, mounts, and enclosure use a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives license, while the author’s project source code is under GNU GPL version 3. It also notes that slightly modified Key and Keypad libraries remain under their original licenses. Anyone adapting, sharing, or distributing files should check the actual license files in the repository for the applicable terms.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Who might prefer this input approach?
KanaChord Plus is most relevant to someone who wants to build an auxiliary device and is interested in learning chorded Kana entry. Before taking on the project, consider whether your usual Romaji or Kana keyboard workflow already meets your needs, whether a second device and its learning curve suit your desk, and whether the reading-based candidate list fits how you choose Kanji. Also confirm that the documented Unicode sequence works in the specific application where you plan to type.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
