'The World's Most Challenging Keyboard': This Creator's Custom Board Types Words, Not Letters
Gaming/Hardware

'The World's Most Challenging Keyboard': This Creator's Custom Board Types Words, Not Letters

A YouTuber's innovative keyboard features over 1,000 keys, designed to type the most common words.

If you’ve been searching for a unique keyboard experience, a YouTuber known as Attoparsec has developed a remarkable creation that consists of over 1,000 keys, specifically designed to type the most common words instead of letters.

In a recent video, Attoparsec showcases his invention called the ‘ten hundred computer letter getter’, which took him six months to complete. This keyboard features 1,020 keys that allow for faster communication with minimal typing. Some additional keys are dedicated to variations of words such as ‘ing’, ‘ed’, and utility keys like ‘Escape’ and ‘Enter’.

Attoparsec’s inspiration stems from a famous xkcd comic titled ‘Up Goer Five’ by Randall Munroe, in which the author explains complex concepts using only the 1,000 most common words. This idea was further developed in Munroe’s ‘Thing Explainer’ book.

To create this keyboard, Attoparsec avoided individual PCB designs for each word, instead opting for keys that are approximately one inch wide. The words are organized alphabetically across five individual panels, which are aligned on his desk.

Attoparsec expressed that while this keyboard is indeed a fun novelty, it ultimately presents challenges: “There’s so many keys, and yet somehow not nearly enough.” He refers to the experience of using this keyboard as reminiscent of operating an early computer or a quirky fictional device from a movie.

You can watch the full video here.

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