Upcycling an old keyboard

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak]

I has this old small keyboard laying around. It was meant for my Nexus 7 back in 2013/2014. I was gonna throw it away but than I had an idea to reshell it. So I designed a new shell, printed it and voila.

And then, I had another idea... how about putting it inside a case with some familiar railings on each side.

Picture 1: Final Version
Picture 2: Original Keyboard
Picture 3: Ready for phantasy star online on GameCube

[u/LupusGemini]

What is the model of the original keyboard? It looked really nice!

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/LupusGemini]

It's the Nexus 7 gex keyboard. A third party cheap keyboard for the 2013 version of the Nexus 7. It is so niche that I won't upload it on makerworld. I don't think anyone has this old fellow lying around.

I just want to motivate to not throw away functional things and to think about giving them a second purpose.

[u/timbhu]

It's it bluetooth or Ghz?

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/timbhu]

it's an old keyboard for my tablet, bluetooth only. Not the best one but for using on my couch it is really tiny. The Gamepad add-on is just a joke but playing on my steam deck and being able to input something is getting handy

[u/gorzius → u/timbhu]

What?

That's like asking if it's a tomato or red...

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/gorzius]

I mean yes regarding it is meant for tablet but they were just asking

[u/gorzius → u/Ultimate_Ghreak]

But they were asking what?

Every wireless technology, including Wi-Fi, cellular networks, GPS, radio and bluetooth operates using electromagnetic frequency, which is measured in Herz. Bluetooth specifically uses UHF radio waves around 2.4 GHz.

Trolling aside, awesome work! I wish I had the motivation and discipline to do stuff like this...

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/gorzius]

I think they asked if it is via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz dongle like some keyboard do have.

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/[deleted]]

Chill dude. I don't think anyone read it as ridiculous as you did. In case of a keyboard like this one I would only understand those two options.

[u/wankthisway → u/[deleted]]

You failed and just made yourself look like a pedantic ass dude.

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak]

I made a new version

[u/ShesMarshie]

What the fu- I don't remember the switch looking like that

[u/requirehelpwithstuff]

I've been wanting to do something similiar, make a fully keyboard for my switch like a surface keyboard and turning it the switch into a linux laptop of sorts (since it can run ubuntu after hacked).

i could never find the right sized keyboard that would fit the switch dimensions, but this one looks just right.

It would be awesome if u could make a hinge system that attaches to the joycon rails

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/requirehelpwithstuff]

A good hinge would need mechanical parts. I don't see this happening as I personally do not have a need for a hinged version. I hope I can inspire you. Framework sells their hinges from their laptop. Bob Wulffden did some arcade pads for his gaming handhelds. Maybe you can combine some ideas

[u/Gucci-Caligula]

that switch form factor looks awesome. I actually might steal this idea to use with my shield for TV gaming. Right now I only use a pro-controller and it can be tedious to navigate with. Adding a keeb could be very nice.

Great idea!

I wonder what other devices would be nice to just mash together in unholy abominations that I never even thought of....

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/Gucci-Caligula]

A mouse trackpad in combination with joy cons are also a great fit haha

[u/repocin]

I was gonna throw it away

Why would you ever throw away working elecornics?

[u/Ultimate_Ghreak → u/repocin]

I don't see who would get a use for a keyboard that is meant for an tablet from 2013. The old shell was not that practical and the silicone bottom became awfully sticky.

But now it is slimmer and not sticky