(https://i.imgur.com/8MKYhF1.png)
The open-source digital typewriter for the digital age
Hello, GeekHack community! First of all, let me introduce myself and this humble little project of mine.
My name is Ilya and I'm the creator of PiKeeb - the RaspberryPi-enabled battery-powered open-source hackable digital typewriter with hot-swappable mechanical switches.
Here is the little video showcasing the latest vision of the PiKeeb
Ok, cool. But what it can actually do?
- It can act as a standalone small portable linux PC, thanks to the Raspberry Pi Zero.
- It can also act as a standard mechanical keyboard for your main PC.
Here is the list of main features:
- Versatile. Two modes, PC mode and Raspberry mode, ensures versatility of the device. Switching between the modes happens via a keypress.
- Reprogrammable. The keyboard matrix is connected to the AtMega32U4 chip running QMK firmware, thus making every key fully reprogrammable.
- Customisable. Hot-swappable MX sockets ensure great customisability of the sound and feel of every keypress without the need of soldering/disoldering new switches.
- Portable. PiKeeb has a display (LCD or e-Paper). And thanks to the built-in Lithium battery, you can type anywhere, even without the main computer/notebook, because PiKeeb itself is a small computer.
- Connected. On-board USB hub ensures connectivity and expandability.
- Open-source. The complete design, including the CAD files of the PCB and the case, is going to be open to anyone to view and modify.
Who is this product for?
PiKeeb is for anyone who type. Students, programmers, system administrators, writers, bloggers - everyone would find the PiKeeb useful.
Thats great, but what’s the status, Capitan?
The project is in the active development.
I am trying to bring this idea to life with the help of Reddit user u/dohmain.
The roadmap of this project is as follows:
- Roughing up the idea
- Designing and assembling the prototype. <------ We are here
- IC and funding
- Open-sourcing
- Production
- Shipping
Gallery
(https://i.imgur.com/CnRelYu.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/aDVIs5K.jpg)
Latest assembly of the redesigned PCB is currently in progress.
(https://i.imgur.com/p7SQ7Hj.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/Z35omQr.jpg)
Testing the previous iteration PCB.
(https://i.imgur.com/kfMZpbt.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/WA2LUR9.jpg)
The LCD screen on the previous iteration PCB and the monitor backplate.
[Sponsored content]
Huge thanks to JLCPCB (https://jlcpcb.com) for sponsoring the production of all the PCBs that you see on those pictures! They are famous for their cheap PCBs of the exceptional quality. They are based in China, but fear not, as their exceptionally quick 24-hour PCB turnabout time and fast shipping will make sure that you get your PCB fast. So if you are in search for a reputable PCB manufacturer for your next keyboard/electronics project or prototype, head over to JLCPCB.com (https://jlcpcb.com), upload your design and get the instant quote now!
[/Sponsored content]
Useful links and contacts:
Subreddit dedicated to this project (https://www.reddit.com/r/PiKeeb/) - I post updates and all of the stuff regarding the project there first.
YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCxbhX6t-BQo5Df00dVyMb2A) I've made to be able to post that promotional video here. Would use it to upload some other videos regarding this project, like the upcoming exploded assembly of the 3D render.
Ok, enough promoting your project. Tell us about who you are and how it all began.
As mentioned above, my name is Ilya and I'm from Russia. I was always fascinated about the technology and computers. I'm old enough to remember those big chunky electromechanical typewriters. In fact, I was using one in the elementary school and fell in love with it from the first keystroke. I carried that love over the ages, but was wondering why the input devices are getting worse in both the feel and sound. Until about two years ago I learned about the mechanical keyboards. The PiKeeb project was started as a way to put all of my hobbies (3D design, electronics, computing, programming and, obviously, love for mechanical keyboards) into one single massive project. I wanted it to be something unique, something uncommon. One day I was browsing Reddit and I see this so-called "cyberdeck". Then I thought to myself, why not make it a digital typewriter and shared my idea with the mechanical keyboard community. To my surprise, my idea caught the attention of other people, who encouraged me to make one. That's how PiKeeb began its journey.
And here I am, at another keyboard enthusiasts' forum, writing about my little project. ;D Hope that you'd like it.
So if you are interested, or have any question, don't hesitate to express yourself in this thread. I'm always open for the discussion and critique. ;)