Google’s Japan Team Creates 5-Foot-Long Keyboard

How can tech companies improve the keyboard? Google’s team in Japan thinks maybe we should create one long keyboard with a single strip of keys.

Meet the Gboard “stick version,” a keyboard that’s 1650mm long, or about 5.4 feet. Over the weekend, Google introduced the device with a tongue-in-cheek video(Opens in a new window) going over its various features. The device stands out by organizing all the keys across a single row. The result is a condensed, but exceptionally long keyboard that’s taller than some people. 

In a blog post(Opens in a new window), Google’s Gboard team also joked that the design makes it easier to find the correct key because you only have to look in one direction. With a conventional keyboard, you have to look up, down, left or right, for the right key. 

On the downside, we’re not sure how easy it is to type on the keyboard, which adopts a one-dimensional QWERTY layout. You’re also going to need a large desk to house it.

(Credit: Google)

Nevertheless, Google’s Japan team says the keyboard’s innovative design forces you to stretch out your arms during the workday.

In addition, you don’t have to worry about a pet sitting on the keyboard during a typing session. In the video, Google’s team also jokes the keyboard can be used as a walking stick or a way to catch bugs when the keyboard is attached to a net. 

(Credit: Google)

There are no plans to sell the keyboard as an actual product. But the Gboard team has uploaded files on GitHub(Opens in a new window) so users can create their own DIY versions. The keyboard also joins several other far-out keyboard concepts that Google’s Japan team has created over the years, including a keyboard made that turns into a tea cup(Opens in a new window).