Recreate Flux type Keyboard for Framework

Creators & Developers
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1

Anybody remember Flux? That keyboard with the maglev buttons over an HD IPS screen.

Did you want one? Yeah me too.
Since it still hasn’t come to market I’d like to work on a similar capability for Framework.

This is exploratory for the moment as I don’t even know if this can be made thin enough to work. But any ideas, feedback, help would be appreciated.

First I need to figure out the dimensions of the keyboard module.
Then try to decypher how thin the components can be and find sourcing options.
Power demands are also something I need to figure out.

2

Welcome to the forum.
Why are you looking to make the keyboard for Framework specifically? Would it align with Framework by being an open hardware design and / or open source firmware? Framework Laptop 13 or 16?

3

Is it possible to have powerful enough magnets for maglev without triggering the lid-closed sensors? Personally, I have no interest in the screen because I don’t look at my keyboard, but I’d potentially be interested in a maglev keyboard if the experience is better or if it eliminates difficult/fragile parts like scissor switches.

4

The Flux keyboard is only $540.

5

The lid close sensor is near the bottom on the headphone jack board in the Framework 13, so I don’t think it will be too much of an issue. The one possible issue I see is the fan, as the magnets in the keyboard could possible interfere with the magnets in the cooling fan’s motor. The cooling fan is directly under the keyboard, so the magnets may have a larger effect on it.

6

Thank you for the insight about the magnets that is exactly the feedback I am looking for. Any more advice on the platform would be appreciated.

7

I’m open to suggestions on key alternatives. Response time is important but what most appealed to me was the screen and projection onto the keys combo.

8

also the maglev switches would likely trigger the lid closed hall effect sensor

9

I think the magnetics should be fine. The keyboard controller can filter out the (predictable) noise from the fan, and the lid sensor shouldn’t be that sensitive.

The bigger problem I see is the keyboard thickness. From the top of the key to the bottom of the backlight pcb is 3.8 mm according to Is, or will there be, room for an ultra-low-profile mechanical full-size keyboard and a Sensel touchpad? - #2 by dosssman

So a screen + pcb + magnets might be too thick.

And maybe the laptop version should use an e-ink screen, to save battery power.

10

Welcome to the forum

This will likely be the biggest dealbreaker.
But I think you underestimate how sensitive the lid sensor is. Several people have made threads about their Framework going to sleep randomly & it was discovered to be a nearby magnet. Or have commented about it. Placing the Framework on top of another (closed) laptop, a cell phone next to the Framework (magnet in the speaker maybe), etc.

11

Thanks!

The hall sensor that is listed on all the Framework 13 variants might be configurable, but I can’t find the datasheet for that component.
If it’s a switch, not a sensor, then replacing it with a switch which requires a larger magnetic field might be doable.

12

Yeah, I can’t turn up any datasheet either. I see it listed as a YB8262 hall sensor.