Framework

Blog post: https://frame.work/blog/previewing-the-framework-wireless-touchpad-keyboard

We’re excited to preview the Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard, a compact keyboard with integrated touchpad that is excellent for living room use, setting up computers, and mounting into sim rigs. As we were developing Framework Desktop and using it in these scenarios, we found that there was just one popular keyboard in this segment, and it was one that neither we nor the broader community particularly liked. We knew we could do better, and so we did! Our keyboard uses the same great-feeling mechanical key structure and touchpad architecture that we put in Framework Laptop 12. A highly power-efficient Nordic nRF54 radio and open source ZMK Firmware enable pairing four BLE and USB-A Dongle hosts along with wired USB-C connectivity. In addition to the dongle, which is storable in the back of the keyboard, we’re developing a USB-A Adapter Expansion Card that allows it to sit flush in a Framework Laptop or Desktop.

We partnered with Lite-On for this keyboard, the same manufacturer we’ve worked with now on the keyboards and touchpads we’ve shipped in every version of Framework Laptop over the last 5 years. The overall design is slim while still being rigid, and the bottom cover is translucent black, giving you a view of the internal structure and electronics. The keyboard has 1.5mm key travel and full 19mm key spacing just like our laptops. The 68.8mm x 85.6mm touchpad is a clickable Windows Precision Touchpad, meaning it supports multi-finger gestures on both Windows and Linux.

On top of this being an easy to use, convenient keyboard, we brought the Framework product philosophy throughout. We’ve released open source surface CAD to enable development of 3D-printable mounts and accessories, which is ideal for the sim rig use case. As with all of our products, the rechargeable battery is easy to replace and will be available in the Marketplace. Finally, the Control Board that contains the core electronics is a module that we’re making available separately in the Framework Marketplace to enable makers to use it as a base for their own wireless keyboard designs. We exposed 28 I/O pins from the nRF54LM20A microcontroller to allow a wide range of key matrix options.

We’re sharing this preview of Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard to give developers an early start on building around it. To grow the ecosystem faster, we’re also kicking off an initiative to provide Control Boards free to developers. You can apply to join through this form. The Framework Wireless Touchpad Keyboard will be available later this year, and we’ll keep you up to date as we complete development and manufacturing of it.