PocketCHIP "Mechanical" Keyboard

thingiverse

I really love the concept of the bottom-hinged HP calculator-style keyboard. This remix was a breeze to create. I decided to print the keys facing upwards, which allowed me to easily swap them around and make a custom layout for the F and J keys with a touch-typing finger placement button. Although this keyboard is too small for comfortable typing, it helps position my thumbs perfectly. A bit of care was required when printing the frame, as one corner lifted on my first attempt. To save space, I printed all the keys (excluding the D-pad) at 98% size. All the keys except the D-pad were printed facing upwards. I then used a #60 drill to enlarge the key pivot holes. I chose .039" (1mm) music wire for the hinges. I wanted this multi-colored keyboard to match my PC's vibrant "mad scientist Barbie" color scheme. Surprisingly, it had a functional benefit - the main section of the keyboard is now color-coded for touch-typing finger usage, making it easier to locate and remember key placements. With both the key action and color coding in place, typing on the PC has become a much more enjoyable experience. I used a Pxmalion assorted color set to get the perfect key colors. The bottom row deserves special mention. The Shift keys (shift, alt, ctl, shift) are a sleek silver (dark gray), while the CHIP second shift is a vibrant gold (dark yellow) in homage to HP's iconic gold shift key. The pale yellow key is the one normal character key in the row. Overall, I'm thrilled with how this remix turned out.