Back in 2022, the Google Japan team crafted a 165 cm in-length single-row keyboard that looks more like a long stick. Google Japan seems to have an intendancy to manufacture distinctive objects. This time the Möbius strip-shaped, double-sided twisted keyboard – Gboard double-sided version.
Responding to the users’ issue, “I want to use the back of the keyboard as well as the front!“, Google Japan has offered the answer by saying, “In response to the voices of such users, I made a keyboard that has no front or back. I created a keyboard that has no front or back. A unique keyboard with two sidesA unique double-sided keyboard, Gboard double-sided version.“
The double-sided Gboard uses the Möbius strip shape and has keys on both sides. The Gboard appears upside down and has no back or front. With over 208 Keys, more than one user can input data from any angle.
Apart from the peculiar design, this endless structure is made from 26 different modules in a double-sided ortho-linear layout with MX-compatible switches. These switches are hot-swappable, meaning you can easily change the switches inside without soldering.
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The double-sided Gboard is embedded with 208 per-key lightning colors. Unfortunately, the keyboard does not support a wireless connection. Users will need to power it using the USB Type-C.
Double-Sided Gboard is a DIY keyboard
As Double-sided Gboard is not officially a Google Product, Google Japan isn’t planning to mass-manufacture it for commercial sales. However, it has published the product’s 3D printing module on GitHub, including 3D-printed STL files, firmware, and Gerber data.
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Users can craft this keyboard at home using a 3D printer. For those without a home printer, the keyboard can be crafted with paper, glue, and scissors. Check out the production guide.
