If you are tired of typing on a boring keyboard, Google Japan (opens in new tab) It has a new concept keyboard that will blow you out of your chair. The company enjoys GBoard Stick Keyboard (opens in new tab) resembling a long ruler or stick. This project is probably a fun prank. Even the website’s URL gives off that vibe. However, Google Japan has shared resources for creating keyboards, so use your own judgment.
The GBoard stick version keyboard is a DIY project that you can build and customize yourself if you have access to a 3D printer. Instead of the standard layout, the keyboard has a single row of keys. The keyboard is 1,650mm long and about 65 inches long. According to Google Japan, the width is “wide enough for a cat to walk” and the height is “moderately thick.” The load capacity is “three T-shirts when supported at both ends”.
Google Japan’s justification for the keyboard design is that users have to look in two directions (up, down, left, and right), so it can be difficult to find the correct key. The GBoard stick version keyboard simplifies the search process and aligns the keys so users only need to look in one direction.
Google Japan also touched on the ergonomic design of the keyboard. For example, users naturally stretch their limbs when typing on the keyboard. Google Japan shared a scenario where he could both type on the same keyboard, like playing the piano. It could be a practical device for pair programming.
The keyboard uses a QWERTY layout. But since it’s a DIY keyboard, you can customize it to your ASCII code layout or assign an emoji to each key if you’re an expressive type. Google Japan’s invention is the keyboard, but first and foremost it has other applications. For example, the GBoard stick version of the keyboard can be used as a ruler, a balance bar, a stick to scoop out items that fall under furniture, or as a critter catcher stick. If you go outdoors, you can use your keyboard as a trekking pole.
The current version of the keyboard looks simple and minimal. However, Google Japan is considering developing a gaming version of the GBoard stick keyboard with seven-color illumination.
Google Japan has no plans to release a keyboard. Instead, the company chose an open-source design approach, uploading drawings, schematics, and firmware to his website. github (opens in new tab).
