Crazy Google Japan keyboard design switches keys for dials — the Gboard Dial Edition shows why the software team isn't allowed to design hardware

Google Japan's Gboard team has created the Gboard Dial Edition, a unique keyboard design that replaces keys with dials inspired by rotary telephone input. This open-source design showcases the team's hardware innovation beyond software keyboards. The Gboard Dial Edition aims to enhance user experience by reducing typing strain, offering a calming input method, and improving input speed with concentric rings. The team plans to develop custom dial-based keyboards for various uses and has shared detailed design files for enthusiasts to recreate. This unconventional keyboard design represents a fresh approach to physical input devices.