UK — The Register
Open source keyboard lets you swap parts like magnetic Legos
Devices1 min read
A new open source keyboard project called Keybytes lets builders swap keys around like magnetic Lego pieces. Each key is its own small module, so you can build almost any layout.
A keyboard made of swappable keys
Keybytes is a free, open source keyboard project. Each key has its own tiny computer chip and magnetic connectors on all four sides. You can snap the keys together in any layout you like. A separate controller module handles the work of talking to your computer.
Who built it and why
The keyboard was designed by Nathan Alspaugh, a freshman at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He wanted a keyboard he could rearrange at any time. He could not find one like that online, so he built his own. He kept a project journal from March of this year.
Key facts and costs
- Alspaugh has spent about 100 hours on the project so far.
- Each Keybit, the small key control board, costs only a couple of dollars.
- Each Keyword, the controller board, costs $30.
- Assembly by the manufacturer cost $69 for Keybits and $203 for Keywords.
- Alspaugh says a full-sized keyboard would cost around $900.
Why it matters
This project shows how far a single person can go with open source tools and 3D printing. It also shows that a fully custom keyboard is possible. The cost is high, though, so most people will not build one soon. Alspaugh says he would buy the parts separately and solder them himself next time to save money.
What to watch
- Whether Alspaugh finishes a full-sized version.
- Whether other builders join the open source project on GitHub.
- Whether the cost of the custom boards drops over time.
Glossary
- GitHub
- A website where developers store, share, and work together on code and design files.