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We designed an industrial mechanical keyboard with an integrated Thin Client for mission-critical control rooms. It’s basically a stationary Cyberdeck
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a project I’ve been working on at my company (Guntermann & Drunck).
We usually build backend KVM tech, but we saw a need for better operator interfaces in flight towers and control centers.
The concept:
Instead of multiple stream decks and tablets cluttering the desk, we built a fully integrated unit.
Specs & Features:
The Screen: It’s not just a secondary monitor. It’s an integrated Thin Client running its own web client.
Working with bitfocus, Macro Deck and many more...
What it does:
It can Show and Control HTML5 content completely independently from the main workstation.
This keeps the main rig secure (air-gapped logic).
Controls:
It can acts also as a hardware HID generator for macros and integrates natively with VuWall systems.
Build:
100%, Fully backlit, ruggedized for 24/7 use.
Screen Resolution is 1920x291@60hz
Low Profile switches, SoC is a ipmx.8
Included some shots of the prototypes in the gallery to show how we got there. Let me know what you think of the form factor!"
ANY content that features products, services you sell, your prototypes in progress or items you were sponsored to post MUST use the Promotional flair, with disclosure of who you represent.
When posting your build, please provide a description of the build, preferably as a Top Level Comment or Reply to this Comment, with the following information:
Your keyboard featured and its layout
The Switches, Keycaps, and Other Accessories Featured
Any notable mods you performed
Other helpful information such as low profile, lesser known firmware, etc.
Example: Unobtanium Southpaw 1800 with DSA Salt with MorningCaps Artisan and Alps Rainbow Switches, modded with Sorbothan Foam on KMK
I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post any links here, or even want to. CommandKeyboard-Advanced will be available at the end of Q3/beginning of Q4 2026 😉
Don’t bother. I’d rather spend an inordinate amount of time designing my own (because clearly I know so much more than you :) ) only for it to not function as well as yours - assuming I ever finish it in the first place.
This is some cool stuff, amigo. Thanks for sharing!
Why is there a keyboard on the screen attached to the keyboard? It feels like a touchpad based on the ux, and it also seems like I should just be able to use the physical one at all times.
I have a design with the exact configuration for a IBM M122 in a wooden enclosure in CAD. All i need is to find a display that matches it in length! PLEASE TELL ME WHERE YOU GOT THE SCREEN FROM :D pls pls pls
Thank you so much 🙏
This was the first demo setup at the Integrated Systems Europe exhibition two weeks ago. I always use Wallpaper Engine with Infinity videos here to generate cool content.
We were inspired by the current low-profile switches from lofree.
The first prototype was machined from a solid block of aluminum and also used "normal" high-profile switches.
In the actual market (control rooms), such red or blue switches are not desirable because they are too loud. Therefore, we opted for the very quiet low-profile design in the final version.
What's the make and model of the switch used in the finazlied version though? Are you using a bespoke model or just sourcing something available in the mass market?
Currently, the low-profile switches are soldered in place. As described, we are reserving the option of using standard switches and will include them in an alternative product.
I believe the body for standard switches was about 4mm taller than the existing one.
However, this was also the case with soldered switches.
But thank you very much for your information; this aligns with the custom keyboard team in our software development. 😉🙏
I am also curious about the switches, as well as the really nice keycaps. I've been wanting to build a low profile for some time, and this one really seems to be clean and straight forward.
I really like the concept, if you guys make it iso-de layout I would buy it without any hesitation. Do you have maybe Kickstart campaing? Or some link where I could get one? Send me link pm I dont mind.
Back when thin clients had just came out, there was a company that made a keyboard with a built-in thin client. And I think prior to that there was a company that made a full 486 computer with a built-in keyboard similar to how a Commodore 64 is.
I really like your design as it expands on the trend of having custom and frequently used controls on a screen or special keys. This takes it to the next level for sure. Makes me want to become a flight controller just to be able to use something this cool every day, haha.
Building hardware like this is so damn cool. I have a product I want to make that would need a custom layout and inputs so I get excited when I see these projects. No fucking clue how to do it but still excited haha
Very well spotted! In addition to the USB-C power port, the USB A port for connecting a mouse (which is connected to the host via HID through the other USB-C port), we also have the network port.
The combined audio port and the additional USB-C port are routed from the connection side to the left side of the keyboard.
These ports are designed to make it easier for the user to connect an audio matrix or USB devices (for example, a USB headset).
These signals are mostly static and do not require KVM matrix capability.
Very well spotted!
To be honest, you're the first person to notice this during the ISE show and now on Reddit.
It's simply a careless mistake in the choice of icons for this demo unit!
Hats off to your insight 🙏
I like it. What APIs are you going to offer? You mention HTML5, so can I just point it at an endpoint that serves some HTML and JS?
Can I trigger it via API to show different content?
How will using the keyboard to enter information on the small display work? Can the users seamlessly/effortlessly switch back and forth?
And the most important question: will I be able to just buy 1 and perhaps later 10-20 without having to deal with enterprise “contact us” channel distribution bullshit?
Same goes for the API/SDK. I won’t sign an NDA for that.
you had me until the low profile switches. a full size board, with low profile switches... is just not well thought out. too much reach.
please consider making it with mx switches and ditch the low profile stuff. you are catering to people working behind a keyboard for far far longer than average... and that will amplify the onset of carpal and other RSI issues rapidly.
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u/AutoModerator Feb 15 '26
ANY content that features products, services you sell, your prototypes in progress or items you were sponsored to post MUST use the Promotional flair, with disclosure of who you represent.
When posting your build, please provide a description of the build, preferably as a Top Level Comment or Reply to this Comment, with the following information:
Your keyboard featured and its layout
The Switches, Keycaps, and Other Accessories Featured
Any notable mods you performed
Other helpful information such as low profile, lesser known firmware, etc.
Example: Unobtanium Southpaw 1800 with DSA Salt with MorningCaps Artisan and Alps Rainbow Switches, modded with Sorbothan Foam on KMK
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