Google Japan unveils conveyor belt keyboard for unconventional typing experience

Google Japan has unveiled a bizarre new keyboard concept called the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version, which keeps the user's hands still while the keys move continuously. The design features 29 keys on a rotating conveyor belt, requiring users to press keys at the right moment, more like a rhythm game than a traditional typing experience.

Despite its unconventional approach, Google Japan emphasizes that this is not an April Fools' joke. The announcement was made on October 1, possibly as a playful nod to standard 101-key keyboards. However, the company has no plans to release the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version commercially.

For those interested in experimenting with the design, Google has made the project open-source. The resources include 3D-printable files for the casing and conveyor-belt mechanisms, schematics, PCB layouts, firmware, and a detailed build guide. The team has even created multiple color variations and suggests potential future versions, such as a high-speed model or a more compact mobile design.

The concept is particularly intriguing when paired with Gboard's voice input and translation tools, though typing on moving keys may prove challenging. Google Japan has shared a video introducing the project, inviting enthusiasts to explore and potentially build their own versions.