Google Japan Unveils Retro Rotary Keyboard, the Gboard Dial Edition
Google Japan has unveiled an unusual typing test device, the Gboard Dial Edition. This rotary keyboard, inspired by mid-20th century phones, aims to slow down typing and create a 'rounded typing experience'.
The Gboard Dial Edition is a physical prototype designed by the Google Japan typing club team, known for creating virtual keyboards for Android devices. Unlike traditional keyboards, it uses a circular dial to select letters. Users spin the dial to choose each character, accompanied by a buzzing mechanical sound reminiscent of vintage phones.
The design compresses a full 101-key layout into a compact, circular form. The main dial is divided into three layers, mirroring the traditional QWERTY layout. Smaller dials cater to numbers, punctuation, and navigation keys. The keyboard uses a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller for handling input signals.
The team behind the project, the Google Japan typing club team, presented it as part experiment, part joke, and part design philosophy. Their goal is to reduce typos and repetitive strain injuries, making typing a sensory event rather than a speed race.
The Gboard Dial Edition is open source, with 3D printer files, PCB schematics, and assembly guides available on GitHub under the Apache License 2.0. While not intended to enhance typing speed, this unique keyboard offers an intriguing alternative to traditional input methods, combining retro aesthetics with modern technology.
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