● Covered by 1 source · 1 reportLow impact1 neutral
Google Japan unveils Gboard Conveyor Belt Version keyboard with moving keys
Key points
- Google Japan released the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version keyboard.
- Keys move on four conveyor belts to minimize user hand movement.
- Plans and schematics are available on GitHub for building the keyboard.
- This is part of Google Japan's annual tradition of quirky keyboard designs.
Gboard Conveyor Belt Version Introduced
Google Japan has unveiled a new keyboard called the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version. This device features keys that move on a conveyor belt system, designed to bring the keys to the user's fingers rather than requiring extensive hand movement. The keyboard includes four belts, each holding 29 keys.
Design and Functionality
The primary goal of the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version is to make typing easier, particularly for single-handed use, by reducing the need for finger and arm movement. Google Japan is considering future variations, such as different color options, high-speed models, and a shorter version for mobile devices.
Annual Tradition of Unique Keyboards
This conveyor belt keyboard is the latest in Google Japan's annual tradition of releasing unconventional keyboard designs on October 1st. Previous designs include the Gboard Dial Edition, the Double-Sided Gboard, and the Gboard bar version, which arranges all keys in a single row. This tradition began as April Fool's Day jokes in 2012 before shifting to October 1st in 2021, referencing the 101-key layout of the IBM Model M.
Open-Source Availability
The plans for the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version are publicly available on GitHub. This includes 3D-printable STL files, KiCad schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware source code, allowing individuals to build their own working copies. Schematics for previous Google Japan keyboard designs are also accessible in the same directory.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
The daily brief
One email each morning: the day's tech stories, clustered across outlets and summarized. No account needed.
One email a day. Unsubscribe in one click, any time.
Today's brief
Spend a few minutes, get the whole day. Every topic's top stories in one hands-free rundown — listen, watch, or read the transcript.
▶ Play today's brief
New every morning, and the back catalogue is archived by date.
Primary sources
GitHub google/mozc-devicesReporting from
Google Japan introduced the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version, a keyboard with keys that move on four conveyor belts to reduce finger and arm movement during typing. This release continues Google Japan's tradition of showcasing unique keyboard designs annually on October 1st.