keyer
Hardware
handheld chorded keyboard
SHOW HN2025
411points
107comments
#112of 3,837 in 2025
Top 3%of 2025 by points
How HN took it
LovedMost comments that take a side are positive
23 positive, 24 neutral or asking, 1 mixed, 4 critical, out of 52 comments about the project. Thread score +0.36.
Idea: 16 for, 1 againstDesign: 3 for, 2 againstDocs: 2 for, 0 againstExecution: 1 for, 1 against
The thread, comment by comment
Each row is a top-level comment and its replies, in HN's order. Select a cell to open that comment on HN.
positive neutral or mixed critical about another commenter or something else the maker
What HN said
What people liked
Hacker-style build using COTS components and clay casing
From 2 comments
This is peak hacker. I love this. I love that it's COTS components, I love that the contoured bit is clay. An efficient build.
0_____0 on HNVery nice work. Might not hurt to throw in a few more pictures that illustrate the steps in the build process.
LinuxAmbulance on HN
Fun, inspiring wearable input idea
From 3 comments
Dude, this is so cool! I've had something like this floating around my cluttered headspace for ages, and it always sort of floats to the surface during the rare times when I do…
epiccoleman on HNThis is super cool, Specially for VRs and Augmented Ray-bans. I still prefer a mechanical keyboard to type stuff.
igorpcosta on HNThat’s some true hacker device!
herval on HN
Objections
Unprotected 18650 battery strapped to the hand is unsafe
From 2 comments
I’m not sure about drinking tea with an 18650 unprotected strapped to your hand like that. The battery should at least have a holder
lukevp on HNAdd this to the list of “18650 cells being incorrectly used as removable batteries”. At this point the sale of those battery holders should be banned…
TheJoeMan on HN
Bending fingers this way may strain tendons and ligaments
From 1 comment
Bending fingers so much during use is bad for your tendons and ligaments.
goodpoint on HN
Requests
Video of the keyboard in use
From 3 comments
Maybe record a short video with the hand typing in the foreground and a screen in the background. To give an idea of the typing effort and speed.
Gys on HNAs I hate tapping on glass, mistyping non-stop, I’m always evaluating options. This is an awesome project and a great write up, but we want more! :) Please consider published a…
FullyFunctional on HNI would love to see a video of this in action.
major505 on HN
Build process pictures
From 2 comments
Very nice work. Might not hurt to throw in a few more pictures that illustrate the steps in the build process.
LinuxAmbulance on HNAs I hate tapping on glass, mistyping non-stop, I’m always evaluating options. This is an awesome project and a great write up, but we want more! :) Please consider published a…
FullyFunctional on HN
Questions
What typing speed can be reached
From 2 comments
What sort of typing speed do you reach with it?
jml7c5 on HNI've been wanting something like this for a super long time!! Very cool. How's typing on it?
chaps on HN
Is it for text or music
From 2 comments
I'm very confused now about it's use. Is it a keyboard for typing letters/numbers or a keyboard for making music? The fact TFA talks about chords and arpeggios made me think it…
dylan604 on HNIt's for text input, I believe, but their use of the icon (in the title) certainly adds confusion.
adrianmonk on HN
Alternatives named
Twiddler
From 2 comments
Not a new thing. Twiddler is on version 4. https://www.mytwiddler.com/
sparrish on HNHave you considered a twiddler? See https://www.mytwiddler.com/
seltzered_ on HN
Microwriter
From 1 comment
Wasn't the Microwriter was it perchance? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microwriter
medwards666 on HN
Azeron
From 1 comment
Very cool! Azeron makes these but not as hand-held (might be of interest for them?), and much more keys. Because they have so many keys, you can do some easy chording and what…
Fnoord on HN
Bluehand
From 1 comment
Cute. I use a Bluehand (https://taoofmac.com/space/blog/2023/08/08/1230) and have often thought it would be nice to not have to set it down someplace...
rcarmo on HN