Best Alternatives to Gboard Kurukuru Version in 2025
Gboard Kurukuru Version is a whimsical conveyor belt keyboard from Google Japan that brings keys to your fingers instead of the other way around. With four rotating belts carrying 29 keys each, it's a fascinating experiment in ergonomic input. However, since it's not commercially available and requires DIY assembly from STL files and firmware, you might be looking for alternatives that offer similar novelty, ergonomic benefits, or programmable functionality. Here are the best alternatives to the Gboard Kurukuru Version.
Keyboardio Atreus
A compact, ergonomic keyboard with a split layout that minimizes hand movement. It's open-source, programmable, and available for purchase, making it a practical alternative for those seeking reduced finger travel.
ZSA Moonlander
A fully programmable split ergonomic keyboard with thumb clusters and adjustable tenting. It offers extensive customization and reduces hand movement, though it doesn't have moving keys like the Kurukuru.
Kinesis Advantage2
A contoured ergonomic keyboard with concave key wells that keep your fingers close to the home position. It's a commercial product designed to reduce hand and finger strain, similar in ergonomic intent.
Ultimate Hacking Keyboard
A modular, split mechanical keyboard with programmable layers and thumb modules. It allows for extensive customization and can be configured to minimize hand movement, though it lacks the conveyor belt novelty.
ErgoDox EZ
An open-source, split ergonomic keyboard that is widely available and highly customizable. It reduces hand movement and is a popular choice among ergonomics enthusiasts, but it's a traditional static keyboard.
Dygma Raise
A split gaming keyboard with programmable keys and thumb clusters. It offers a unique typing experience with reduced hand movement, but it's not a conveyor belt design.
Google Gboard Physical Keyboard (Concept)
While not a commercial product, Google's other Gboard experiments like the Gboard Bar Version or Gboard Stick Version offer similar novelty and DIY appeal. They are not direct alternatives but share the same spirit of innovation.
The Gboard Kurukuru Version is a unique DIY project that reimagines keyboard input with moving keys. If you're seeking a commercially available alternative that reduces hand movement, consider ergonomic split keyboards like the Keyboardio Atreus, ZSA Moonlander, or Kinesis Advantage2. For those who enjoy DIY and open-source hardware, the ErgoDox EZ or Ultimate Hacking Keyboard might be appealing. While none replicate the conveyor belt mechanism, they offer practical ergonomic benefits and programmable features that achieve similar goals of minimizing finger travel.