Stories with Tag Prototype

• Show HN: Clawtype v2.1 – a one-hand chorded USB keyboard and mouse [video]

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  Posted: 2025-04-04 22:32:13

  Verbose tl;dr

  Clawtype version 2.1 is a compact, one-handed input device combining a chorded keyboard and mouse. Using only five keys, it allows for typing, mouse movement, clicking, scrolling, and modifiers like shift and control. The device connects via USB and its small size makes it portable and suitable for use in confined spaces. The creator demonstrates its functionality in a video, showcasing text entry and mouse control, highlighting its potential for efficient one-handed computing.

  This Hacker News post showcases version 2.1 of Clawtype, a compact input device designed for one-handed operation, functioning as both a chorded keyboard and a mouse. The accompanying YouTube video provides a comprehensive demonstration of its capabilities and design. Clawtype is a small, self-contained unit, seemingly 3D-printed, and held comfortably in the palm. Its primary input method involves chording, where multiple keys are pressed simultaneously to represent different characters or commands, much like playing chords on a musical instrument. The video demonstrates the user typing text, navigating a graphical user interface, and even playing a video game, all using just one hand. The demonstration highlights the speed and fluidity achievable with practice, showcasing the device's potential for efficient text entry and system control. Visual on-screen feedback is provided to the user, displaying the currently pressed keys and their corresponding output. The video emphasizes the ergonomic design of Clawtype, suggesting it minimizes strain and fatigue associated with traditional keyboard and mouse use. The device appears connected to the computer via a USB cable. The video also offers glimpses of the underlying software and customization options, hinting at the possibility of user-defined chords and layouts. Overall, the post presents Clawtype as a novel and potentially powerful input solution for those seeking a one-handed alternative to traditional peripherals, or for those interested in exploring a more efficient and compact input method.

  • keyboard
  • chorded keyboard
  • one-handed keyboard
  • USB keyboard
  • input device
  • assistive technology
  • ergonomics
  • human interface device
  • HID
  • Mouse
  • clawtype
  • Hardware
  • Electronics
  • DIY
  • video
  • demonstration
  • Prototype
  • Open Source

  Summary of Comments ( 16 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43588420

  Verbose tl;dr

  Commenters on Hacker News generally expressed interest in the Clawtype keyboard, praising its compact design and potential for ergonomic benefits, especially for those with limited desk space or RSI concerns. Several questioned the practicality and learning curve, wondering about its speed compared to traditional keyboards and the difficulty of mastering the chords. Some offered suggestions for improvement, like adding a wrist rest or thumb cluster, while others shared experiences with similar one-handed keyboards, highlighting the tradeoffs between portability and typing proficiency. A few users requested information on key remapping and software customization options. Overall, the response was a mix of curiosity, cautious optimism, and practical considerations regarding the device's usability.

  The Hacker News post for Clawtype v2.1, a one-handed chorded USB keyboard and mouse, generated a moderate amount of discussion with several commenters expressing interest and raising relevant points.

  Several comments focused on the practicality and ergonomics of the device. One user questioned the long-term comfort and potential for repetitive strain injuries, especially given the concentrated movements required for both keyboard and mouse functionality. Another user pondered the learning curve, suggesting it might be steeper than initially perceived due to the complex chord combinations needed for typing and mouse control. A separate comment emphasized the importance of regular breaks and proper posture, acknowledging the inherent strain of using such a device for extended periods.

  Some comments revolved around the potential applications and target audience for Clawtype. One user suggested it could be beneficial for individuals with disabilities or limited mobility, while another user envisioned its use in specific professional settings, such as video editing or CAD work, where intricate mouse control is crucial. There was also a discussion about the device's potential for gaming, with some users expressing skepticism about its suitability for fast-paced action games but acknowledging its possible advantages in slower-paced strategy games.

  A few technical queries were also raised. One commenter inquired about the availability of open-source firmware or software customization options, while another user asked about the device's compatibility with different operating systems. A separate comment discussed the technical challenges of designing and manufacturing such a complex device, praising the creator's ingenuity.

  Finally, several comments simply expressed admiration for the project, acknowledging the creator's innovation and dedication. Some users expressed interest in purchasing the device or learning more about its development.

• Steam Brick: No screen, no controller, just a power button and a USB port

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  Posted: 2025-01-25 22:15:13

  Verbose tl;dr

  The Steam Brick is a conceptual handheld gaming PC designed for minimalism. It features only a power button and a USB-C port, relying entirely on external displays and controllers. The idea is to offer a compact and portable PC capable of running Steam games, shifting the focus to user-chosen peripherals rather than built-in components. This approach aims to reduce e-waste by allowing users to upgrade or replace their peripherals independently of the core computing unit.

  The proposed "Steam Brick" conceptualizes a radically minimalist gaming device, eschewing traditional input and output mechanisms in favor of a pared-down, almost austere design. Its physical form is envisioned as a simple brick-like structure, devoid of a screen, conventional gamepad controls, or any other immediately discernible interface elements. The only external features are a solitary power button, serving to activate and deactivate the device, and a single USB port, presumably intended for facilitating connections to other peripherals.

  The core functionality of the Steam Brick revolves around leveraging existing Steam accounts and game libraries. Upon activation, it is postulated that the device would establish a wireless network connection and authenticate with the user's Steam account. It would then function as a headless streaming server, transmitting gameplay data to a separate receiving device, such as a user-supplied monitor, television, or virtual reality headset, equipped with its own input devices. This separation of processing and input/output allows for a potentially compact and energy-efficient device, while still providing access to the breadth of the Steam gaming ecosystem.

  The Steam Brick's proposed simplicity offers several theoretical advantages, including portability, discreet operation, and potentially lower manufacturing costs. Its compact form factor would facilitate easy transportation, allowing users to access their Steam libraries on a variety of displays and with their preferred input methods in different locations. The lack of integrated display and controls contributes to a visually unobtrusive design that blends seamlessly into any environment. Furthermore, this minimalistic approach could translate to a more affordable device compared to traditional gaming consoles or gaming PCs.

  However, the project remains purely conceptual at this stage. The post does not delve into the technical specifics of achieving this functionality, leaving questions about hardware specifications, network protocols, and performance capabilities unanswered. The realization of such a device would necessitate careful consideration of factors such as latency, bandwidth requirements, and compatibility with a wide range of games and peripherals. Essentially, the Steam Brick represents an intriguing thought experiment exploring the potential of cloud gaming and headless client technology taken to its logical extreme.

  • Steam
  • Gaming
  • Hardware
  • minimalism
  • USB
  • Brick
  • Device
  • novelty
  • Physical Computing
  • Interface
  • input device
  • Output Device
  • digital art
  • Experimental
  • Prototype
  • Indie
  • DIY

  Summary of Comments ( 197 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42825441

  Verbose tl;dr

  HN commenters generally found the Steam Brick an interesting, albeit impractical, project. Several discussed the potential utility of a dedicated Steam streaming device, particularly for travel or as a low-power alternative to a full PC. Some questioned the choice of using a Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4, suggesting a Rockchip RK3588 based device would be more powerful and efficient for video decoding. Others highlighted the project's complexity, especially regarding driver support, and contrasted it with commercially available options like the Steam Deck. A few appreciated the minimalist aesthetic and the focus on a single, dedicated function. There was also some discussion of alternative software options, such as using a pre-built Steam Link OS image or exploring GameStream from Nvidia. A significant point of discussion revolved around the lack of a hardware reset button, with many suggesting it as a crucial addition for a headless device.

  The Hacker News post titled "Steam Brick: No screen, no controller, just a power button and a USB port" generated several comments discussing the project's implications and potential use cases.

  Several commenters were intrigued by the minimalist design and its potential for security. They saw it as a way to isolate gaming from general computing, potentially mitigating risks of malware or other security vulnerabilities that might arise from browsing or other activities on a typical PC. The "brick" concept was appealing as a dedicated, single-purpose gaming device.

  Some questioned the practicality of the device, particularly given the lack of a screen and controls. Discussion revolved around how exactly one would interact with the Steam Brick, and the necessity of connecting it to a monitor and peripherals anyway negated some of its purported benefits. The consensus seemed to be that while interesting as a concept, its actual usability was questionable.

  There was a discussion around the use of a USB keyboard for initial setup, with some expressing concerns about the potential complexities. Others pointed out the existing headless server capabilities of Steam and questioned the novelty of the Steam Brick. The project was seen by some as more of a playful exploration of minimalist design rather than a serious alternative to existing gaming setups.

  Several users pondered the ideal use-cases. Some suggested its potential for dedicated VR gaming, LAN parties, or even as a compact and potentially more secure way to access a game library remotely.

  The developer himself chimed in to clarify certain aspects, mentioning the automatic login feature post-initial setup via keyboard and the intended use-case of pairing it with a TV and controller. He also addressed the project's nature as more of a fun experiment.

  While some saw it as a novel idea with niche appeal, others viewed it as a somewhat redundant project given existing Steam functionalities. The overarching tone of the comments was one of curiosity and mild amusement, with a generally positive reception towards the developer's creative endeavor.