Key information
Google Japan has unveiled its 15th joke keyboard design, known as the Gboard Conveyor Belt Version. While the Gboard team traditionally published these gag devices on April Fools' Day, the release date tradition was moved to October 1 a few years ago to reference 101-key keyboards.
The upright device utilizes four belts containing 29 keys each that continuously rotate. Users must rest one hand at the base and press each key as it rolls by, creating a slower typing experience. Google's blog post humorously suggests creating a second unit for two-handed typing while noting that longer or shorter versions, color variants, and a high-speed mode are under consideration.
There are no commercial plans to sell the keyboard, and the project's GitHub page clarifies that it is not an official Google product. To allow enthusiasts to construct the prank themselves, Google published 3D-printable STL files, firmware, and KiCad board data. The current build guide specifies 157 printed parts, an M5Stack AtomS3 Lite controller, 116 Kailh Choc V1 low-profile switches, and a single 6 V N20 gear motor.
The repository remains incomplete, with board documentation and a functional Bluetooth keyboard edition marked as coming soon, though the motorized Moving Keys Edition is already documented.
