MIT Student Releases Open Source Magnetic Keyboard Keybytes
The Keybytes design uses individual Keybit modules, each with its own RISC-V microcontroller, plus a Keyword controller. Files are on GitHub.
MIT student Nathan Alspaugh has released the design for Keybytes, an open source keyboard in which every key is a separate module that attaches magnetically. He published the project files, design assets and construction details on GitHub under the MIT licence, according to techradar.com.
The system has two parts. The Keyword is a central controller with an Arm Cortex-M4 microcontroller, a Bluetooth antenna and flash memory on its upper board; its lower board carries USB-C connectivity, charging and a buck-boost converter. The Keybit modules are the keys themselves: each measures 19.05 x 19.05mm, matching a standard 1U keyboard unit, and contains its own RISC-V microcontroller. Four-sided pogo pin connections carry power and I2C communications between modules, and each Keybit accepts a Cherry MX mechanical switch.
Alspaugh estimated that a full-size build using about 2 Keyword controllers and 110 Keybits would cost around $900. He said the basic system had only recently reached a working state, and the current documentation shows only limited module combinations rather than a full-size layout.
Individual Keybits have no dedicated illumination, while the Keyword includes a status indicator.
Quick answers
What is Keybytes?
Keybytes is an open source keyboard project by MIT student Nathan Alspaugh in which each key is a magnetically connected Keybit module with its own RISC-V microcontroller, managed by a Keyword controller.
How much would a full Keybytes keyboard cost?
Alspaugh estimated around $900 for a full-size build with about 2 Keyword controllers and 110 Keybits.
Where are the Keybytes files available?
The project files, design assets and construction details are published on GitHub under the MIT licence.