Google's Gboard Dial is a rotary phone-inspired keyboard
Google Japan just dropped the Gboard Dial Version—a keyboard that ditches regular keys for nine rotating dials you spin to type.
It's a quirky blend of retro vibes and modern tech, building on Google's history of experimental keyboards (remember the Mobius strip Gboard?).
The design mixes classic rotary phone style with USB connectivity
The design mixes classic rotary phone style with USB connectivity.
Big stacked dials handle letters; smaller ones take care of numbers and function keys.
There's even a stand that doubles as a video call controller—just pop your mouse on it to mute your cam and mic, like hanging up an old phone.
Google has also open-sourced the design files and firmware
Spinning dials instead of tapping keys encourages slower, more mindful typing—which could help with hand strain.
Plus, Google has open-sourced all the design files and firmware under Apache 2.0 on GitHub, so if you're into DIY tech, you can 3D print your own version using a Raspberry Pi Pico.