The OLKB-Terminal, created by Jeff Eberl, is not a foldable or battery-operated device. It is portable in the sense that you can move it from one place to another. While it may not fit the traditional definition of a cyberdeck, its appearance certainly aligns with the cyberpunk aesthetic. It is perfect for those intense coding sessions in a dimly lit hacker’s den of the near future.
Jeff has generously shared all the necessary information for you to build your version of this sleek machine. He does mention that some hardware choices were made based on availability, and there may be better or more cost-effective options out there. For instance, you can swap out the Raspberry Pi 4 for a different single-board computer. However, changing components like the LCD screen might require adjustments to the 3D printed parts.
The slim mechanical keyboard used in the OLKB-Terminal, a crucial element in the design, is a standalone open-source project by Victor Lucachi called VOID30. It is a 3D printed, 30% handwired ortholinear keyboard running the QMK firmware on an Arduino Pro Micro. Although there have been a few modifications, such as using a USB-C Arduino clone, the keyboard remains true to the original design. If you admire the keyboard but don’t need a cyberpunk terminal, you’re in luck.
On the software side, Jeff has connected the OLKB-Terminal to his Home Assistant system. This setup provides a visually appealing network status display, allowing him to control home devices directly through the terminal’s seven-inch touchscreen. Since it is essentially a Raspberry Pi at its core, you can customize it to suit your specific needs.
While cyberdeck projects are currently in the spotlight, it’s refreshing to see designs that bring the same aesthetic to desktop setups. Whether it’s the striking retro designs by Oriol Ferrer Mesià or modern upgrades to vintage hardware, personalized computers that are easily upgradable and repairable don’t have to be limited to portable devices.
Image Source: Unsplash
