Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Double-sided Gboard
The double-sided Gboard is Google Japan's latest crazy project, a keyboard with a twist – ie. a Möbius strip.
Published October 1, 2024
It's October 1st again (10/1), and as a tribute to the commonly used 101-key keyboards, this is the time when the Google Japan team has been unveiling their quirky projects over the past few years. I was eager to see what new idea they would come up with, and the team – with our friend Ikeji on board – exceeded my expectations: today, they proudly announce the new double-sided Gboard!
You may remember the keyboard cup, the Gboard bar or the Gboard CAPS, previous projects in this series.
This time, the authors wanted to solve a nonexistent issue, again:
I want to use the back of the keyboard as well as the front! […] What if we need a keyboard with a twist, one that turns the problem space outside-in – Google Japan.
As always, this is not for sale and definitely not an officially supported Google product, but the design is open source and very well documented.
Specs
- double-sided ortholinear
- 208 keys
- MX, hotswap
- STMicro STM32F042F4P6
- per-key RGB (SK6812MINI-E)
- size (r): 101mm
The keyboard is built by connecting 26 modules, each containing 8 switches, then twisting them in a way that creates a double-sided endless loop design with no defined front or back – à la Möbius strip.
Resources
Files available in Google's Github repo:
- https://landing.google.co.jp/double-sided/
- https://blog.google/intl/ja-jp/products/android-chrome-play/gboard-2024/
- https://github.com/google/mozc-devices/tree/master/mozc-doublesided
Published on Tue 1st Oct 2024. Featured in KBD #176.
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