Skateboard Keyboard
What’s the worst thing you can add to a keyboard?
Wheels.
so I did that. I added four wheels, trucks and made it look like the iconic Penny Board.
Why, because no one else had done it before; ands its hard to be original these days.
The 3D Design.
I can’t remember exactly why I decided to design this keyboard, but regardless, it was a fun project that resulted in a fun novelty item to show off—though it's less fun trying to explain myself.
As for the design, it was pretty straightforward: create the iconic silhouette of the Penny Board, cut a hole to fit the model of the keyboard I had purchased, and ensure there was a hole for the USB connector.
3D Printing the board.
I’m fortunate enough to have access to a large-format 3D printer, so the printing of this project was seamless and completed in one part. Printed in textured PLA, there wasn’t much that could go wrong here.
I wasn’t designing this board to be a functional ‘skateboard’; it was more of a visual project, so strength wasn’t a necessity. That’s why the trucks are only attached with two screws.
Assembly.
I grew up ‘fixing’ and customizing my skateboards more than actually riding them, so assembly was a breeze. I added a foam backing along with threaded inserts to the cavity of the board, allowing the keyboard to be securely mounted while still maintaining a premium, stable feel during use.
However, due to the fact that the keyboard was on wheels, you’d notice it drifting away from you while typing. So, while this may be more of a photo opportunity project than a ground-breaking invention that blends work with transport, it was still a fun experiment.
