Imagine your keyboard becoming your computer...

So, what is PiKeeb?

Ok. But why?

What does it do exactly?

Main features:

The built-in 7-inch TFT LCD display, which can be swapped to e-paper display to reduce eye strain

Fully programmable mechanical keyboard running custom open-source QMK firmware.

5000 mAh battery for continuous typing/programming session

Full customizability of software, firmware, layout and even key feel (you can swap the keys to another type without soldering)

Two modes: PC mode and Raspberry mode.

Two layout variants: staggered and ortholinear

Project development:

Why Patreon?

PiKeeb on social media:

Hello, dear Patrons. My name is Ilya and I'm a maker, a keyboard enthusiast, and an electronics geek. And I am here to tell you about my project I've been working on for quite some time now -PiKeeb is the open-source Raspberry Pi-enabled battery-powered portable digital typewriter with the hot-swappable fully mechanical switches. The name "PiKeeb" originates from the "Pi", as in Raspberry Pi - the most famous brand of single board computers for students and hobbyists alike, and "Keeb", which is the short way of saying "keyboard".You see, this project was born out of pure curiosity and a will to make something truly unique and mine. It was a way to test my skill set in electronics, modeling, and programming. I also work with texts a lot and am always on the go. I needed something portable, capable, expandable and mechanical. And a combination of laptop + mechanical keyboard did not cut it for me. That's how the initial idea of PiKeeb came to be.PiKeeb can do many things. It can function as a standard keyboard for any Windows, Mac, Linux PC by connecting via either Bluetooth or USB. It can also function as a stand-alone mini-PC that is capable of working with texts and running not so demanding apps (such as retro gaming, simple programming and debugging more complex systems via ssh). The versatility of ARM-based Linux distros makes it great for customization not only from visual standpoint but also in functional aspects by having nearly all of the functions of a normal PC shrunk down into the miniature keyboard-size case.I’ve managed to finish the first fully functional prototype. You can see its demo in the video below:Currently, I am working on the second iteration design that has a better more expandable keyboard layout, better keyboard MCU, more features (like Bluetooth Low Energy support via discreet module and a small 0.91-inch display for keyboard status indication). I’ve already designed the electronics for the second iteration and started making the case.Here is the glimpse of the things to come:Building such an ambitious project requires a lot of time and effort. And a little money =)With your help, I can focus on bringing this project to life. So if you are interested in my project, consider becoming a Patron. All of the proceeds from this Patreon will go towards developing the PiKeeb project.