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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Gondorff on Wed, 02 April 2014, 14:52:00

Title: Open Source Laptop (Mechanical?) Keyboard
Post by: Gondorff on Wed, 02 April 2014, 14:52:00

I'm developing an portable embedded system in need of a laptop-like keyboard. I'm looking for open source options and don't know if anyone around here ever developed a laptop keyboard, let alone a laptop "mechanical" keyboard (is this even possible?).

Title: Re: Open Source Laptop (Mechanical?) Keyboard
Post by: IvanIvanovich on Wed, 02 April 2014, 14:56:48

I'm guessing you want something low profile when you mean laptop like? There have not been many... the easiest to source is something like these Cherry G84s (http://www.ebay.com/itm/CHERRY-G84-4137TAASF-83-KEYS-ASSEMBLY-REPLACEMENT-KEYBOARD-NEW-/350632420547?pt=PCA_Mice_Trackballs&hash=item51a35224c3), though there are also low profile Alps and a couple others that were used in mid 80's laptop/luggables.

Title: Re: Open Source Laptop (Mechanical?) Keyboard
Post by: SonOfSonOfSpock on Wed, 02 April 2014, 20:56:15

I just saw this: http://www.wired.com/2014/04/novena/ (http://www.wired.com/2014/04/novena/)

It's a mostly open source laptop. Unfortunately after reading the article, it says the keyboard isn't included. I'd imagine the people in charge of the project might have some good information on if what you're looking for exists.

Title: Re: Open Source Laptop (Mechanical?) Keyboard
Post by: jacobolus on Thu, 03 April 2014, 11:02:12

Can you elaborate a little bit more about your requirements?