Ex-Apple Engineer Turns Steam Deck Into XR Keyboard – Here’s How
▼ Summary
– A DIY project called “Bento” repurposes a Steam Deck’s hardware into a keyboard-integrated device, removing the screen and grips for a compact design.
– The project’s creator, Michael, was inspired by XR (extended reality) and the idea of a “spatial computer” focused on virtual screens rather than 3D elements.
– The Bento design files, including 3D-printable components, are available on GitHub for others to replicate or modify.
– The device features a split-body design due to constraints of a mini 3D printer, with revisions improving airflow, ergonomics, and aesthetics.
– Michael encourages community contributions, such as support for additional keyboards or hardware like Raspberry Pi 5, with ongoing updates planned.
A former Apple engineer has transformed the Steam Deck into a groundbreaking XR keyboard setup, merging portable gaming with spatial computing in an innovative DIY project. The creator, known online as michaelthatsit, recently shared plans for this unique build, allowing others to recreate the compact workstation using 3D printing.
Dubbed “Bento,” the project repurposes a Steam Deck by removing its screen and housing the hardware beneath a keyboard in a custom chassis. The right side features dedicated storage space, resembling a Japanese lunchbox, hence the name. Complete 3D printing files are now available on GitHub, including STEP, 3MF, and STL formats, along with accessory designs like a Magic Trackpad tray.
What makes this project particularly fascinating is its connection to extended reality. Michael, who previously worked on Apple’s Vision Pro, explained the motivation behind Bento: “The killer app for XR isn’t complex 3D interfaces, it’s simply having a massive virtual screen.” Frustrated by redundant displays in existing XR solutions, he aimed to create a minimalist computer optimized for spatial computing, where the keyboard becomes the primary interface.
Built using a BamuLabs A1 Mini 3D printer, the design embraces constraints, resulting in a split-body structure that others can replicate with similar compact printers. Recent revisions improved airflow and ergonomics with an angled wedge design, along with practical touches like travel-friendly keyboard protection and a wood-finish option. Thermal performance reportedly matches or exceeds the original Steam Deck due to reduced component density.
While the current files support Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the project welcomes community contributions for alternative keyboards, Raspberry Pi 5 integration, and Framework laptop compatibility. Michael hints at expanding Bento into a broader platform, encouraging tinkerers to collaborate on GitHub or follow his updates for future iterations.
For those intrigued by the intersection of gaming hardware and spatial computing, Bento offers a rare glimpse into DIY innovation, proving that sometimes, the most revolutionary ideas come from stripping away the unnecessary.
(Source: PC Gamer)
