Smartphones with physical keyboards were once a symbol of sophistication and efficiency, favored by business professionals and technology enthusiasts alike. However, with the advent of sophisticated full-touchscreen devices, the days of tactile keypads seemed to be forgotten. Fortunately, the DIY community is stepping in to revive physical keyboard nostalgia with projects like his Fairberry, as revealed in his Reddit post about this.
Fairberry, as its name suggests, aims to recreate the popular BlackBerry phone experience on its latest smartphones. A feature of this project is its open source nature, allowing enthusiasts to connect a custom physical keyboard to virtually any modern device. In this way, we offer a DIY solution that brings in those who crave old-fashioned haptic feedback.
At the heart of the Fairberry is a custom PCB designed by Dakkaron, tailored to integrate the BlackBerry Q10 keyboard and the latest smartphones. The versatility of this design means it can adapt to connect via micro-USB, USB-C, or Lightning ports, making it clearly compatible with a variety of devices. Originally conceived for the Fairphone 4, Fairberry's modular nature means it can be customized to fit any handset, making it a viable option for keyboard enthusiasts across a variety of platforms.
However, to get a custom PCB, you need to send your personalized design to a PCB manufacturing company. This allows individuals to tailor the assembly to their specific device requirements. In addition to the PCB, users also need a precision 3D printed housing to fit seamlessly into the smartphone. In particular, the recent update to version 3.0 of the Fairberry keyboard simplifies the assembly and customization process, increasing accessibility for enthusiasts looking to include such functionality on their existing smartphones.
Once synonymous with physical keyboards, BlackBerry held a special place in the hearts of users who valued a tactile typing experience. Fairberry allows enthusiasts to relive nostalgic moments with a modern twist, bridging the gap between past and present in an ever-evolving smartphone landscape.
As the DIY community continues to innovate and iterate with projects like Fairberry, the tradition of the physical keyboard lives on, providing a fresh alternative for those looking for a break from the monotony of touchscreens. Whether it's for productivity, nostalgia, or simply the joy of tactile feedback, Fairberry gives enthusiasts the best of both worlds: the timeless appeal of a physical keyboard and the latest features of a smartphone.
As I have a keen interest in technology, I always try to keep up to date with the latest developments in technology and gadgets. This includes smartphones and tablet devices, but also extends to AI and self-driving cars. The latter is my latest craze. Besides writing, I like watching videos, reading, listening to music, and trying out different recipes. Film is also a very interesting aspect for me and I will probably make a film sometime in the future.