Google Japan has unveiled a new experimental keyboard called the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version. Instead of requiring the user to reach for keys, the keyboard's four belts each hold 29 keys and roll them toward the hand, aiming to make one-handed typing more comfortable and reduce arm and finger movement.
The design is part of Google Japan's tradition of releasing a quirky keyboard on October 1, a reference to the 101-key layout. Previous models include a rotary-dial-inspired Gboard Dial Edition, a double-sided keyboard, and a single-row bar version. Most are not meant for practical daily use, though the physical flick version was considered promising.
Unlike some past concepts, the conveyor-belt keyboard is fully documented: the GitHub repository includes 3D-printable STL files, KiCad schematics, PCB layouts, and firmware source code, so anyone can build a working copy. The source article notes that these designs are unlikely to appear on best-keyboard lists but could be unique display pieces.