What is it?

This is a 40% layout keyboard PCB with through holes for attaching a Raspberry Pi Pico W as the brains of the operation. The Pico W runs open source CircuitPython keyboard code with a ChatGPT function where typing becomes a conversation between you and the AI. Pressing the Esc key three times disables the ChatGPT function. It is also fully programmable.

Why did you make it?

This keyboard started as a project for the 2023 Halloween Hackfest, where it won third prize (!) in the form of the Haunted Keyboard. In that iteration, the ChatGPT integration was a spooky entity that responded to all typing with cryptic predictions and observations. This Tindie iteration of the keyboard reimagines the ChatGPT integration as a helpful assistant, but you can program it to be anything that you want it to be.

What makes it special?

This PCB and Pi Pico W combination with custom code allowed me to implement WiFi enabled AI access directly from the keyboard itself, with no need for an auxiliary program on a computer. The left space bar acts as a modifier key to switch layers, and it may be a 40% but it has all its arrow keys.

Features

• Powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico W
• Runs open source CircuitPython
• Fully programmable
• Accepts Cherry MX-compatible plate mount switches - solder on
• Accepts six underglow NeoPixel LEDs
• Uses micro USB for power and programming

Anomalies

• This keyboard works best with XDA or other uniform keycaps (not sculpted keycaps), because it uses multiple keys in different orientations and positions.
• Because the keycaps are used in different positions, not all legends will match the actual keys. For instance the split spacebar can be accomplished with the number pad 0 and + keycaps. A consideration for this is to use keycaps with blank or low visibility legends, or just embrace the chaos of having the legends be different from the keys.
• This keyboard takes two 1.75u keys, one for the Shift key and one for the Backspace key. Using a standard 104 or 108 keycap set it is impossible to find two 1.75u caps, as only the Caps Lock key is 1.75u in a standard layout. My workaround for this is to use a 1.5u keycap for the Backspace key, which leaves a small gap. One could also order a single additional 1.75u keycap.
• When installing into a case, the top left mounting hole on the plate does not align perfectly with the mounting hole on the PCB. Use with caution, as a screw with a large screw head may get stuck.

What's included?

• 1 Keyboard PCB
• 1 Keyboard Plate
• Open source code with ChatGPT integration (written in CircuitPython)
• Optional Raspberry Pi Pico W

What will you need to get yourself?

• Cherry-MX compatible plate mount switches (you will solder them on)
• Keycaps (XDA or other uniform profile)
• Two 2u Cherry snap-in PCB mounted stabilizers
• Micro USB cable (or Micro USB to USB-C adapter and any USB-C cable)
• Raspberry Pi Pico W (for wi-fi functionality) or regular Pico (if you don't want the AI)
• Headers to mount the Pico
• Open AI account (you will need your own secret key)
• A Wi-Fi connection for the AI to work
• Six NeoPixels (for optional underglow)
• Case (I made one out of walnut wood pieces from the hardware store)