Clawtype

The Clawtype is a wearable USB input device that combines the functions of a keyboard and mouse.

Can be used to interact with a computer in situations where it would otherwise be difficult to use a standard keyboard and a mouse, such as when wearing virtual reality goggles or standing/moving around.

Design

I've designed the frame of the Clawtype for my friend Akavel.

When he asked me to create something for him I immediately started thinking on possible ways to make something customizable, easy to manufacture and clean.

I love combining different materials and construction techniques and after a couple of days I've realized that using copper wires to connect all the different parts, would allow me to build something compact, lightweight and easy to customize

The combination of copper wires and 3D printing is the aspect I'm the most proud of :) It's something I've never seen used before and that I'm looking forward to experiment with in the future.
 

Parts

The following parts can be 3D printed.

• 8 x switch holders 
• 8 x keycaps
• 1 Palm plate

To complete the build you will need also:

• 8 x alps switches
• 4 x 30cm long  (approximately) copper wires of about 2 mm diameter
• A Velcro strap (approx. 15mm wide)

Have a look here for more details about electronics and firmware

Customization and Tweaking 

FreeCad, an opensource CAD application has been used to design the 3D models used in this build.

The provided a cad files should allow you to easily customize the different parts for your needs. 
 
I recommend to tweak the parameters in the "dimensions" objects. The most relevant dimension is the diameter of the holes for the copper wires. Getting this dimension right is crucial to get a perfect fit so that you can actually fit the wires without having them to slide out.

Starting from the V2 a piece has been added to test the hole dimensions accuracy, you can modify the dimensions of the holes by modifying the sketch of that body.

Future Improvements

Here are a bunch of things that might be improved in future versions

• support cherry MX switches

Versions

V2 (current) 04-2025

• improved palm rest 
  • added holes to mount board
  • added holes for Velcro strap
  • limited depth of holes for copper wires
  • changed shape and dimension
• added tester piece to calibrate hole dimensions for copper wires

V1 03-2025

The first version is a prototype