Variable clock rate typing

Timing is integral to communication. When a signal is transmitted between two discrete systems, whether it is between components of computer hardware or individuals talking, timing sets up a context that makes a signal relevant and possible to understand.

A computer clock rate works at a speed of around 2.4GHz or 2.4 billion cycles per second (2010). This is great for background machine processing, but it is much faster than a person can perceive, let alone type.

In this experiment, clock rate is modelled in order to understand its relationship to how people interface computers, specifically when using the keyboard. Keyboard input is only registered during the period of time when the clock signal is HIGH (pictured in the red portion of the cycle).

Type a message to see what happens. Adjust the clock rate and the sample aperture size to adjust the effect.