This Mechanical Keyboard Puts OLED Screens on Every Key

A extremely configurable OLED mechanical keyboard undertaking is getting into its remaining levels. This PolyKybdfrom the modder questionnairehas been in improvement for a number of years, however PC Gamer seen that just lately the undertaking pages have been up to date to say the {hardware} facet of improvement is nearly carried out and efforts will shift to firmware work. It’s hoped that the PolyKybd kits will likely be accessible for $200 or comparable when they’re prepared. If this contains every part you would wish to place it collectively, as a number of the finest mechanical keyboards this is able to be fairly wonderful. (opens in new tab) with out OLEDs are already that costly.

The PolyKybd is a cut up structure mechanical keyboard with orthogonal key structure, however its greatest promoting level is that it has changed the same old plastic keys with clear case keys geared up with built-in OLED shows. Every display is 0.42 inches diagonal and gives a decision of 72×40 pixels.

Alongside the usual set of keys accessible for customizing and switching (languages, character units, layouts, and so forth.), every half of the keyboard has a bigger OLED show for standing data and different messages. Some footage additionally features a management wheel, however the maker appears intent on turning it right into a trackball.

As soon as the {hardware} is nearly carried out, thpoll will begin to dedicate extra time to the firmware. There’s speak of QMK open supply firmware, however since this keyboard may be very configurable, it should most likely take somewhat extra work than normal to get all features working correctly.

Controlling all these small screens requires a processor on every half of the cut up keyboard and the Raspberry Pi RP2040 microcontroller is adopted for this job. It should test configurable descriptions of OLEDs, monitor and report key presses, and extra. Thpoll has already began scrambling to verify the system works with characters utilized in Japanese, Arabic, and different enter strategies.

Alongside the split-key design instance, Thpoll says they plan to work on a TKL model and a separate numpad/macro keypad utilizing the identical extremely configurable OLED-faced keys. There are different prospects to increase the undertaking and the suggestions from this preliminary launch will assist form the long run roadmap as soon as it is within the arms of lovers/shoppers.

We have seen enter units with OLED keys earlier than, however it seems to be like PolyKybd has the potential to shift some numbers to the appropriate value and maybe be the beginning of one thing larger. In all probability top-of-the-line OLED keyboards made by Artwork Lebedev, it stopped manufacturing years in the past and has by no means been this common resulting from its value. In the meantime, Apple’s OLED contact bar hasn’t discovered its approach into the way forward for the Mac. Nonetheless, macro pads with built-in shows appear to be common, so it is sensible so as to add a small numpad-style macro keypad to the PolyKybd household.

The concept of ​​a completely customizable mechanical keyboard with OLEDs on the keycaps is definitely interesting. This will likely be troublesome to attain at an affordable value, but when the DIY package can meet that objective, maybe one thing comparable will likely be picked up and mass-produced by one of many bigger keyboard firms.