(https://i.imgur.com/8MKYhF1.png)
(https://imgur.com/Zb7xjol.png)
Foreword
Hi, geekhackers!
As some of you might know, my name is Ilya (aka ILWrites) and I'm the creator of PiKeeb - the portable digital typewriter (https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=99682.0).
Since the last appearance about two years ago, I've been very busy iterating both the electronics, the functions and the looks of this project.
Many things have changed since the last post and, let the almighty mods forgive me, I decided to make the entirely new post.
Please, note that this is not an Interest Check nor a Group Buy (yet) and, therefore, you won't be able to make the pledge towards production (which is planned down the line). However, if you really like this project and want to contribute to its creation, I have a Patreon (https://www.patreon.com/pikeeb) where you can do just that. It'd be really-really appreciated if you consider to support this project!
So here we go.
(https://imgur.com/hCNnK03.png)
What is PiKeeb?
PiKeeb is the open-source SBC-enabled battery-powered portable digital typewriter/computer (or, if you will, a cyberdeck) with the hot-swappable fully mechanical switches. The name "PiKeeb" originates from the "Pi", as in Raspberry Pi - the most famous brand of single board computers for students and hobbyists alike, and "Keeb", which is the short way of saying "keyboard".
(https://imgur.com/FBH8VQ3.png)
Why?
You see, this project was born out of pure curiosity and a will to make something truly unique and mine. It was a way to test my skill set in electronics, modeling, and programming. I also work with texts a lot and am always on the go. I needed something portable, capable, expandable and mechanical. And a combination of laptop + mechanical keyboard simply did not cut it for me, was too bulky and inconvinient. That's how the initial idea of PiKeeb came to be.
(https://imgur.com/iAmuBuO.png)
What does it do?
PiKeeb can do many things. It can function as a standard 60% fully programmable keyboard for any Windows, Mac, Linux PC by connecting via either Bluetooth or USB. It can also function as a stand-alone mini-PC that is capable of working with texts and running not-so-demanding apps (such as retro gaming, simple programming and debugging systems via ssh). The versatility of ARM-based Linux distros makes it great for customisation not only from visual standpoint but also in functional aspects by having nearly all of the functions of a normal PC shrunk down into the miniature keyboard-size case.
As they say, a video is worth a thousand pictures, so here is one:
Let's talk functionality!
As this is very complex project that can do a whole lot, let's divide the functionality into several categories: layouts, keyboard, compute, expansions and design
(https://imgur.com/KsXbscs.png)
Layouts:
There are two PiKeeb versions: ortholinear and staggered. There are several layout options for each one:
(https://imgur.com/R71ARJG.png) (https://imgur.com/LUoc8oo.png)
Here, RE stands for the rotary encoder. You can install up to two rotary encoders per board that can be programmed to do whatever you want. Examples include controlling volume, brightness, navigating menus, and even playing mini-games on the keyboard status display.
Main Keyboard functions:
- Full programmability - thanks to the dedicated Atmel chip running QMK, the functions of every key can be reprogrammed and tweaked
- MX hot-swap sockets - every key can be hot swapped without the need of desoldering the switches
- Control the functions, see the change - PiKeeb lacks RGB backlight, but makes up for it by having the status display that shows battery and SBC status, active layer and so much more!
- Wireless mode - thanks to the support for Bluetooth Low Energy module, PiKeeb is also good for typing on tablets and phones
Main Compute functions:
- Support for several SBCs - PiKeeb supports two types of SBCs: Raspberry Pi Zero (or Zero W) and Compute Module 4 with the expansion board called CMM (more on the CMM below)
- Displays - you have a choice between the 7" TFT LCD and the 7.5" ePaper display. Ether one is connected directly to the SBC and does not interfere with HDMI output, giving you the option to connect the PiKeeb to the external monitor
- Portability - 5000 mAh battery should give you 3-5 hours of on-the-go typing, depending on the SBC loads
- Multi-modal experience - As well as intended function of on-the-go typing, PiKeeb is also capable to work as a regular USB keyboard for any PC
Expansions:
- Built-in USB hub - you can connect up to two USB devices with the USB type A ports to expand the functionality of the PiKeeb. These devices will be shared between the connected PC and internal SBC when you switch the mode
- CMM - While being super small, sometimes Raspberry Pi Zero is not enough. That's why CMM was born. It's capable of driving the Compute Module 4 and have a couple features of its own:
- Sound - the built-in stereo speakers and headphone jack paired with the onboard DAC+AMP makes the PiKeeb not only a good keyboard but somewhat capable portable media player
- Storage - CMM also has the M.2 slot for NVME SSD of 2230 and 2242 form-factors
- Extra USB port that is not shared with the PC and is for CMM only
- Ethernet port for connecting to that mainframe
(https://imgur.com/s0CXbZe.png)
Design:
I'm not gonna lie, designing the PiKeeb was't easy. I didn't want to settle for another laptop-like device. The whole design was inspired by the typewriters and the old PCs like Amiga, ZX spectrum and Commodore. So from the beginning of the project I've settled on the couple design principles:
- Portability - the device has to be portable to be tucked away in a bag. Hence, the 60% layout was chosen as it provides the portability and functionality
- Screen should not obscure the view when in PC mode. Because of this, screen has to go underneath the device. The idea to make it hinged came with the need to incorporate sliding mechanism.
- Versatility - it has to be a versatile device that I can use at home (PC mode) and away (SBC/Bluetooth mode), thus making PiKeeb the only keyboard I'll ever need
That's why the PiKeeb looks and functions the way it is.
Project status: active! Prototype is enroute!
(https://imgur.com/EqL83sr.png)(https://imgur.com/L8zTcW4.png)
As you can see from the picture above and from the video, I've already build the functional prototype. But there are a couple of little fixes that needs to be addressed.
Hopefully, soonTM I'll have a fully functional prototype looking as good as the intended finished product. Until then, I'm not thinking about IC/GB/CF. Prototype first!
Where to follow the project:
If you want to follow the project, I have a few social media accounts dedicated to it:
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/PiKeeb/ (https://www.reddit.com/r/PiKeeb/)
Twitter - https://twitter.com/pikeeb (https://twitter.com/pikeeb)
Discord - https://discord.com/invite/f4JB7nH (https://discord.com/invite/f4JB7nH)
I'm mostly active on Reddit and Discord.
Once again, if you like what you see here and wish to support me and the project financially, you can do that by becoming the patron on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/pikeeb (https://www.patreon.com/pikeeb)
Patrons get the exclusive updates on the project, the access to a special Discord room as well as my eternal gratitude.
Thank you for considering supporting and following the project! It means a world to me!
Let me know what you think of the project. Is it interesting to you? Is it relevant? What are the things you'd like to see?
So... Back to work!
Ok, guys. How does this layout combo look?
Show Image
(https://imgur.com/uWGWCcw.png)
Only thing I would think about adding is an offset right shift so that there is an option for having arrow keys. [attach=1]
I hope y'all appreciate my beautiful drawing