Exploring with Kristina: The Episode Featuring the Grasshopper Typing Machine
Get Ready to Type on a Glass Slipper!
Think your keyboard is fragile? Say hello to the glass wonder by [BranchNo9329], where even the PCB is made of glass! Yes, you heard that right - glass!
Apparently, the creator picked a glass substrate mainly out of curiosity about its durability compared to FR4, and utilized physical vapor deposition (PVD) technology for the copper circuitry. One of [BranchNo2939]'s friends is researching the bonding of copper onto glass panels, so they thought they'd give a keyboard a try. The work-in-progress project features RGB lighting, because, of course, it does.
erkbd – A Keyboard Open for All
Combining the names Erik and Keyboard, we get erkbd, the new open-source keyboard by [EarflapsOpen]. With a wide split keyboard design, the erkbd now sports a comprehensive build guide available on GitHub.
I like the addition of OLEDs and rotary encoders, but I find myself accidentally turning them, maybe not. Nevertheless, they seem to be taller than regular keys and might interfere with my typing. [EarflapsOpen] acknowledges that users may find them in the way while typing, but since they are located further from the home row, you'd need to move your entire hand to access them. Currently, [EarflapsOpen] utilizes them for scrolling, adjusting volume, video scrubbing, and more.
The Fierce Battlers – Battle Axes
[delusionalreddit]'s setup leaves a lasting impression, offering a significant departure from typical centerfold materials. Lacking specifics about the peripherals, there isn't much detail here. We apologize for that. Show off your stylish keeb setup on a sleek desk pad? Send us a picture along with your handle and all the juicy details for a chance to be featured here!
Historical Clackers – The Williams Line
Sometimes, initial attempts at technological advancements can be less than visually appealing. However, the beautiful Williams line of typewriters certainly broke that stereotype. Designed to address heavy demand for visible typewriters, these marvels allowed the typist to see what was being typed - a real game-changer at the time! While you could only see a few lines at a time, this was still revolutionary!
The design of these machines is a testament to the saying 'form follows function', with nary an inch wasted on frivolity. To enable visibility, the Williams typewriters had the platen situated in the center, between two sets of type bars that struck from the front and rear, mimicking grasshopper legs. The paper was first secured along the top and curled downward into the basket.
Confused? Don't worry! Check out this short video demonstrating how to insert paper and type on a Williams Academy model.
The earliest Williams models came out in 1891, featuring slightly curved keyboards and ornate filigree. Beginning in 1895, these models were manufactured with a straight keyboard, and the No. 2 models appeared in 1897 with typebar alignment upgrades. Known as Academy or Englewood, No. 2s were nearly identical to the straight-keyboarded No. 1s.
Inventor John Williams had a knack for innovation and was acquainted with the likes of Alexander Graham Bell and Emile Berliner. However, his Williams Typewriter Company experienced legal disputes over patent infringement for most of its existence, which ultimately led to its demise in 1909 when it was acquired by Jerome Burgess Secor. Stay tuned for more on this fascinating story!
Melty Beads Mania – A New Switch Plate Material!
Last Saturday, [humanplayer2] was experimenting with melty beads while his daughter played. It seemed like a fun time, and now we have a potential new switch plate material. After some trial and error, it appears Hama beads may offer a viable alternative.
Just remember that not all melty beads are made equal, so the efficacy of this new material may depend on what you have at hand.
Excited to see [humanplayer2]'s creations? Check out the custom Hama bead game pad he made for his daughter to play Paw Patrol in style!
Got a tip that's keyboard-related? Give us a nudge by sending in a link or two. Prefer to keep it confidential? Feel free to reach out directly.
- With the glass wonder by [BranchNo9329], it seems that technology has taken a significant leap, even extending to the substrate of keyboards, as the PCB is now made of glass.
- It's fascinating to note that entertainment isn't just limited to viewing anymore; now, you can even show off your stylish keeb setup on a sleek desk pad and send it to us for a chance to be featured.
- While the Williams line of typewriters might not be the latest in technology, their design was revolutionary, addressing heavy demand for visible typewriters and breaking the stereotype of early technological advancements being visually unappealing.
- When it comes to shopping for home-and-garden items, gadgets, or even lifestyle products, you can find a comprehensive guide on the erkbd open-source keyboard by [EarflapsOpen], a perfect addition to your home workspace.
