Kartoffelstolz(2026/06/30) life update:
Over a thousand days have passed since I started; not a single one without me thinking of this project, however, I am afraid things must continue at the same slow pace for a while longer.
The problem right now is not of funding, as all off-the-shelf components needed for development, including a 3D printer, have been acquired. The basics of CAD have been learned. The remainder of the components must now be designed.
However, the time in my schedule required to design said components is as scarce as DDR5 in the present day, due to certain life circumstances that cannot be solved by money alone.
Q: Will you lose interest in the project and fizzle out?
A: No. I have an aging X230 to replace and I will never compromise on the TrackPoint, classic keyboard, or easily upgradable parts. These goals can only be achieved with the completion of this project.
Q: When?
A: The closer my X230 comes to obsolescence, the more pressured I will be to work on this.
I. Keyboard
Re-implement the 7-Row ThinkPad Keyboard using Kailh Choc mechanical switches
- This is the main attraction, likely the bulkiest component, and can be tested independently of the rest
- Volume, power, and mouse buttons will be tactile keyswitches
- Custom one-off mechanical keyboards, including ones with a TrackPoint, are a proven concept. The PCB will be designed in KiCad.
- Unlike official 7-row keyboards that are no longer produced, this will be easily reproducible
TrackPoint
- Some enthusiasts have been able to group order the TrackPoint part separately. For now, I will harvest the TrackPoint from an existing ThinkPad keyboard.
- The 2-piece TrackPoint module from the ThinkPad T440~T480, P52s, or X240~X270 will be used as it should be easier to fit between the G, H, and B keys
Interface
- As the EC is open-source and already there, ideally use that. However, TrackPoint integration may or may not necessitate a RP2040 controller
- Interface over the connector otherwise used for the official Framework keyboard. There are enough rows and columns, but USB is also available if a separate controller is necessary.
II. 3D Modelling of Chassis and Fitment Testing
- Design and 3D print basic chassis prototypes to test fit, demonstrate function, and locate load-bearing points
- Chassis will be modelled in FreeCAD
- Interchangeable mainboards from Framework mean that there is no need to redesign and remake everything every two years!
- As with older ThinkPads, the palmrest area will be raised to be flush with keycaps while the lid "cups" over this raised area
III. Additional components
Worklight
- Re-implementation of the ThinkLight
- In fact, two of them because that would look cool
- Avoids the hassle of wiring up a keyboard backlight
Speaker kill switch
- Forgot to mute? Avoid embarrassment instantly and confidently without fumbling around for the keyboard shortcut!
- This will be worked in as an optional cutout
Chassis optimized for aluminium
- The final design will be optimized for CNC milling of aluminum
- Since I plan to use the finished product as my daily driver, the added structural and thermal stability will be important
Hardware Wireless toggle
- Will require a riser board with pads for the toggle.
Unresolved Matters
No Trackpad
- The proposed keyboard layout will not leave sufficient space for the official Framework trackpad without extending the laptop's footprint considerably.
Ethernet jack
- Requires either recessed expansion card bay, inbuilt dock adapter, or chopping a low-profile module off one of those Fujitsu laptops.
- Low-priority: most places I want to use Ethernet, I have to bring a cable anyway, so I simply keep the USB dongle with the end of the cable.
Swappable / Extended Batteries
- After talking with someone who designed a BMS, I learned that BMS programming sucks. Get everything working with the official battery first and tackle this later.
- The EC communications to the battery are open-source, so a third-party battery is possible
- A design for user-replaceable 18650 cells may be mutually exclusive with one that works with first-party batteries.
Sales
- Maybe. Only saying this because of minimum order quantities of custom circuit boards and the favorable scaling of CNC part costs. I may consider selling kits with only the custom parts.