Systems and methods are described for simulating physical features of a projected keyboard in a sterile environment by incorporating a mechanical keyboard and a virtual keyboard. A keyboard projection apparatus projects light toward a mechanical keyboard. When a key is pressed, the keyboard projection apparatus tracks finger locations. User input is created by the keyboard projection apparatus and can be processed by a computer or other electrical equipment. By using an actual keyboard having simple mechanical components with the keyboard projection apparatus, the tactile feel can be realized and the keyboard can be easily cleaned or disposed of.