[IC] Modular Mechanical Keyboard with Magnetic Parts – Your Feedback Needed!

[alex1234!]

Hey GeekHack community! 👋

I’m working on a fully modular mechanical keyboard concept and would love to get your thoughts before moving forward. The idea is to make a keyboard that’s highly customizable, durable, and feature-packed while staying affordable.

Key Features:
✅ Modular Design – Attach/detach the numpad, arrow keys, and macro keys using magnets.
✅ Bluetooth & Wired – Seamless switch between wired and wireless.
✅ Hot-Swappable Switches – Supports all major switch types.
✅ RGB & OLED Screen – Displays battery life, time, volume levels, and more.
✅ Magnetic Interlocking Parts – Every side of the keyboard and parts have magnets for easy attachment.
✅ Universal Compatibility – Works with Windows, Mac, Linux, and gaming consoles.
✅ No Bloatware or Cloud Software – Functions out of the box with onboard driver support.
✅ Waterproof & Durable – Built for longevity and accidental spills.
✅ Macro Keys & Custom Layers – Extra macro support without additional software.
✅ Parts Work Independently – Even when detached, components can still function.

Optional Add-ons:
A micropad with a touchscreen for quick layer switching.
A drawing tablet module (like a built-in Wacom-style pad).
A DJ pad module with customizable drum pads.
A detachable touchpad for mouse functions.
A wrist rest with extra functionality.
Questions for the Community:
1️⃣ Would you be interested in a modular keyboard like this?
2️⃣ What do you think about using magnets for modular parts?
3️⃣ Which features matter most to you in a high-end keyboard?
4️⃣ What would you expect the price range to be for something like this?

This is still in the early stages, and I’d love to get your feedback before diving into prototyping. Let me know your thoughts, suggestions, or concerns!

Thanks in advance! 🙌

[jamcrunch]

Old post, but a Google search brought me here as I was contemplating a similar project. I'm curious what kind of progress you've made so far.

As for me: my motivation is just for my use case. I have K(V)M where I can share my mouse and keyboard between my work and personal computer at home. I use the numpad, arrow keys, home/end/etc a lot at work, but they're not really all that necessary for my personal computer. And all those extra keys make the keyboard kinda wide when gaming. So I just wanted a way to magnetically attach the numpad to my keyboard. And while I'm at it, I could also add another module with panel of macro keys. I'm considering learning how to design my own PCB just for this use case.

I wasn't terribly worried about having all the components able to communicate when disconnected, as that would add complexity/cost (do I really want a battery and daughterboard in every module?). I never considered a screen either: it adds cost; I don't need one to tell me which layer I'm in because I'm actively holding down a key (except for caps lock); and I prefer dongles over bluetooth, so I don't need a display to tell me which computer I'm paired to. I think a Stream Deck does everything a keyboard screen would do, but way better.