Mechanical Keyboard Swaps Out Keycaps for Tiny OLED Screens

I really like a mechanical keyboard with an OLED on it—bear in mind the SteelSeries Apex Professional? It was neat due to the customizable window within the nook of the keyboard. Now, think about getting those self same OLEDs for every key in your board. This might allow you to change your format and label macros on the fly. And it’s precisely the premise behind the PolyKybd, a mechanical keyboard with OLED shows inside every key.

The PolyKybd is a cut up mechanical keyboard with an ortho-linear format, which means the keys are specified by a grid system relatively than vertically aligned. The declare is that the nearer collectively the keys are, the simpler the journey is in your fingers, however it is dependent upon the particular person. A tiny Raspberry Pi RP2040 processor is inside every half of the cut up keyboard and controls the person OLED keys. The precise mini shows are related through flex cables. And you should utilize common software program like QMK to customise it.

The OLED keys already work with numerous Western characters. However the mission’s creator, who goes by the deal with “thpoll,” is engaged on adapting glyphs for extra languages, together with Japanese, Korean, and Arabic. The PolyKybd can be already compatible with a minimum of 20 of the preferred mechanical switches obtainable. You’ll should do some razor blade shaving to get the specialised switches to suit. Nevertheless, commonplace choices just like the Gateron Execs—the reasonably priced equal of cherry switches—are appropriate with every part from Purple Linears to Brown Tactiles.

Earlier than you get excited a few group purchase, the PolyKybd is presently only a mod. Nevertheless, the PolyKybd could possibly be obtainable for tinkerers sooner or later. PC Gamer reported that the keyboard’s mission web page was just lately up to date with notes of upcoming firmware work, which may imply {hardware} kits are within the making. Nevertheless, they might price over $200 and received’t promote at scale.

A future model of this mission may embrace a TenKeyless (TKL) model and a macro pad, which sounds extra reasonably priced than a full-size keyboard. OLEDs for every key aren’t a brand new idea to the keyboard modding group, however it’s been over a decade since Artwork Lebedev confirmed off the Optimus Maximus.