Japan’s Google Developed Rotary Keyboard With No Keys

Credit: Google

Google Japan decided to stick with tradition this year and, for the 14th time, unveiled an ironic keyboard concept—completely impractical, yet witty. This time, instead of traditional keys, it features dials like those on older phones.

The authors highlight the everyday inconvenience of traditional keyboards. The team proposes a solution in the form of a large keyboard panel that combines all standard keys on nine independent rotary dials. Judging by the description, this is the 14th generation of this keyboard series and, according to the developers, it features “a sophisticated design, a modern user interface, a smoother typing experience, and unique ideas.” The authors claim that the Gboard Dial Version (DIY) is a new and intuitive keyboard equipped with rotary typing.

The authors believe that using a disk drive reduces the risk of error. The time required for the disk to return to its original position allows for calm reflection and meaningful data entry.

Engineers at Google Japan have published all the blueprints for the design on GitHub, allowing anyone to build their own rotary keyboard.