Remember those old rotary phones, where you spun a dial for each number? Google Japan is bringing that vintage vibe back. They’ve just unveiled a unique keyboard called the Gboard Dial Version, available in different sizes. It’s a nostalgic nod to a bygone era, but with a modern twist for your computer.
This keyboard isn’t your average flat panel of keys. It looks like a blue disc with a big, round tray in the center. You use this large dial to select letters and numbers. On the sides, you’ll find smaller, rotating dials. These control common functions like Ctrl, Shift, and the arrow keys. Oddly, the Enter key remains a regular button, standing out from the circular design.
Typing on this device is a whole experience. To "press" a character, you put your finger into the desired letter on the dial. Then, you spin the tray all the way until it hits a small golden needle. That motion registers your selection. Once you let go, the dial springs back to its starting spot, ready for the next letter. It’s certainly a different pace than typical keyboard use.
The Gboard Dial Version cleverly mimics how old rotary phones worked. Traditional rotary phones sent electrical pulses down the line based on your dialing speed. This modern keyboard does something similar, but for your computer. It uses internal sensors to convert those spinning motions into a USB signal. This signal is what your computer understands as key presses.
Beyond just dialing, this special keyboard even brings back the idea of hanging up. It includes a unique cradle designed for your mouse. When you want to end a video call, you simply place your mouse into the cradle. It’s meant to feel just like you’re putting an old telephone handset back on its base, finishing your conversation. This Gboard Dial Version is a fun experiment, blending retro mechanics with current tech needs.