Hello everyone!
I’ve been exploring the possibility of a more simple way to design custom input options for the Framework 13 using mainly off-the-shelf components.
For example, something like a Thinkpad keyboard mod now looks to be quite doable without any custom PCBs, or similar electronics design experience. I found this adaptor for a classic Thinkpad 7-row keyboard, which converts it to a type C interface. And, I’ve also found this handy looking prototype input cover adaptor made by one of you guys.
It would almost certainly require a 3D printed, or otherwise custom CNC bottom chassis, as to create the space necessary to mount the keyboard (or other gizmo) so that it was recessed deep enough to avoid damaging the screen.
This guy has done something similar, fitting a low profile mechanical keyboard into a Framework compatible chassis. But this design doesn’t retain the original top cover (which is beneficial for simplicity), and it also requires a bunch of custom PCBs. It’s probably easier, although not as cool, to just use an off the shelf USB dock like this.
Anyway - it seems like it’s an issue of making it all fit together - which is easier said than done I realise, as I have near-zero CAD/3D experience outside of Blender. The idea I have so far is basically to design some sort of 3D printable lower case which could be easily modified to accommodate any sort of off-the-shelf input device (e.g. Wacom tablet, USB Keyboard, or otherwise), while slightly raising the hinge line so the device still closes and functions as a laptop. I realise this idea isn’t new, and has been discussed previously, but nothing has seem to come of it for various reasons.
If anyone has any suggestions, ideas, or wants to take this project off my hands (I’m a poor social sciences student out of my depth), please let me know 
Just an update! I’ll probably eventually make a separate post about this instead, but I’ve started working on a 3D printable lower chassis modified from the official mainboard case. It probably won’t be the best quality, but I’ll be sure to share the FreeCAD files once it is complete.
It’s not exactly what I described here originally, but it could serve as a decent starting point if I (or someone else) wanted to take up this project in the future.
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I think the easiest solution is probably to make a platform that accepts the new one key module or something similarly low-pro like the kalih pg1316s switches. it’s probably possible to hijack the usb line the original keyboard is connected to with 1 pcb, and to mount the keyboard on one more. this reduces the versatility (no drawing tablet) and now requires some more technical expertise, but it allows custom keyboards without changing the 13 form factor. the hinge raise is probably the hardest part of your idea, but it’s definitely possible
The only issue I can really see if retaining the original bottom cover, is that adjusting the hinge may cause issues with clearance and restrict its movement. The assumption I’m going off of for now is if the hinge is raised to preserve its originally intended dimension of motion, and the bottom chassis is resigned to accommodate for this, we could sandwich any kind of USB input device in between. I linked in my first post a little board someone had developed to use the USB 2 lines on the input cover connector, and maybe it would be possible to also use the modules from the FW16 through this?
I haven’t as of yet seen anyone attempt a 3D model of the lower chassis with all fittings included. What I have so far is a bit cobbled together, but it should technically fit with the original input cover and display pieces. Hopefully someone with actual design expertise can fork it and make something awesome eventually
