What’s happened? Clearly taking inspiration from rotary dial telephones, Google is introducing a new keyboard that will turn heads in the office. Google Japan has announced the release of its new 10-dial Gboard, which brings a new way to type.
- The new Gboard features ten dials featuring a combination of letter, numeric keys, and function keys.
- To use this new keyboard, users rotate each letter till they stop.
- All rotating keys are fitted into a rectangular frame similar to a regular keyboard.
Why is this important? This isn’t the first time that the Google Gboard team has introduced a weird keyboard. With each entry into Google’s list of weird keyboards, the Gboard team shows just how innovative they can get.
- In 2019, the Google Gboard team demonstrated the use of its Spoon Bending board.
- In 2021, we got the Gboard teacup version.
- In 2022, the team showed off its Bar keyboard version.
- In 2023, we were introduced to the Gboard CAPS cap.
- Now, in 2025, the team is introducing its latest entry, the Gboard Dial.
- Clearly, the goal here is to revolutionize how we type.
Why should I care? Technology is fun, and so is trying out new things, and that is what the Gboard team did. According to the team, after looking at its previous keyboard entries, they realized they hadn’t tried one input method: rotation.
- The keyboard brings a nostalgic buzzing sound.
- Google’s Gboard team says it increases typing speed.
- While this keyboard isn’t available for sale, you can 3D print one for yourself.
Okay, what’s next? It’s hard to predict what the Google Gboard will come up with next. So, we just need to wait for the next keyboard introduction from the Google Gboard team.
- If you have access to a 3D printer, you might want to check out the open-source blueprints to make one yourself.
