Is it a key-cap or a keycap cap? We right here at Ars are having hassle nailing down the terminology for this cephalic peripheral. However no matter it is known as, Google Japan’s newest DIY challenge is for individuals who cannot get keyboards off their heads.
Google is not making this product. As an alternative, the Gboard CAPS challenge is one other of Google Japan’s joke keyboard concepts, just like the 5.25-foot-long, single-row Gboard Stick Model keyboard proven off final 12 months, used to advertise Google’s Gboard app. Nevertheless, Google Japan seemingly prototyped the keyboard in actual life. Every thing it’s essential make this typing topper, together with the firmware and {hardware}, is open supply and out there on GitHub.
So how does one kind with a hat, you ask? Contained in the hat is a 6-axis inertial sensor that may learn the hat’s positioning. The wearer turns the hat to the left and proper, and every angle represents a unique character code. Then, the wearer presses the highest of the hat, which has 20 mm of journey, to enter the character. The keyboard connects with a tool by way of Bluetooth and runs on a 3.7 V, 120 mAh battery. Google Japan even ensured it costs over everybody’s favourite connector, USB-C.
Google Japan’s video concerning the keyboard playfully imagines completely different makes use of for its key-cap, together with completely different seems to be and having a magician stealthily talk with its assistant. Its weblog submit muses on a model of the keyboard with a smartphone case, built-in show, and solar energy—an actual hat trick.
Once more, this is not a product you can purchase. Keyboard and/or hat fans should DIY one or accept Google Japan’s video:
Gboard CAPS
Itemizing picture by Google Japan/YouTube