TL;DR:
- Jack and Steph’s Workshop unveils a DIY 40% mechanical keyboard kit.
- This innovative keyboard integrates Raspberry Pi Pico W for direct access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
- Originally conceived as a Halloween project, it now serves as a versatile assistant.
- The keyboard utilizes a Raspberry Pi Pico W and CircuitPython firmware for keypress recognition.
- It connects to ChatGPT, allowing simultaneous text-based interactions with a local computer.
- The barebones kit is available on Tindie for $50 or $60 with a Raspberry Pi Pico W.
- Buyers must provide Cherry MX-compatible keyswitches, keycaps, stabilizers, a USB cable, and a case.
- The source code for customization is available on GitHub under the MIT license.
Main AI News:
Jack and Steph, the creative minds behind Jack and Steph’s Workshop, have introduced a remarkable kit that allows you to craft your very own 40% mechanical keyboard with a unique twist: it seamlessly integrates the Raspberry Pi Pico W, providing direct access to OpenAI’s ChatGPT large language model (LLM) for engaging two-way conversations.
The genesis of this exceptional keyboard can be traced back to the 2023 Halloween Hackfest, where it clinched the third prize in the form of the spine-tingling ‘Haunted Keyboard.’ As the makers recount, in its earlier incarnation, the ChatGPT integration lent an eerie persona to the keyboard, responding to every keystroke with enigmatic predictions and cryptic observations. However, this iteration, available on Tindie, reimagines the ChatGPT integration as a helpful assistant, ready to adapt to your specific requirements and desires.
This compact keyboard operates on the power of a Raspberry Pi Pico W, an economical microcontroller board that boasts a Raspberry Pi RP2040 dual-core microcontroller, as well as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi capabilities. It employs a custom CircuitPython firmware that keenly detects key presses and transforms them into typed characters, functioning just like any other keyboard controller. Furthermore, it supports multiple layers to compensate for its compact key layout. However, its true magic lies in another domain.
Upon startup, this innovative keyboard establishes a connection with OpenAI’s ChatGPT—a conversational artificial intelligence (AI) rooted in the foundations of large language model (LLM) technology. ChatGPT is engineered to generate coherent responses to text-based prompts, and this keyboard leverages its capabilities to the fullest. Every keystroke is relayed to both the local computer and ChatGPT simultaneously. Subsequently, ChatGPT’s response is elegantly printed out through the keyboard’s USB connection.
The barebones keyboard kit, featuring a PCB and plate, is now available at Jack and Steph’s Tindie store and is priced at just $50. For those seeking an all-inclusive experience, a variant priced at $60 includes a Raspberry Pi Pico W. Buyers will need to complement their purchase with Cherry MX-compatible keyswitches, keycaps, stabilizers, a USB cable, and a case to complete their setup.
For those who are technically inclined, the source code for the original spooky variant can be found on GitHub under the permissive MIT license. Notably, it even includes a handy shortcut to disable the ChatGPT integration by simply pressing the ‘Esc’ key three times.
Conclusion:
Jack and Steph’s innovative keyboard opens up exciting possibilities, bridging the gap between mechanical keyboards and AI-driven interactions. This disruptive product has the potential to reshape the market, catering to tech enthusiasts, developers, and creative minds looking for a unique and versatile typing experience. Its affordability and open-source nature further enhance its appeal, making it a game-changer in the world of mechanical keyboards.
