On a Mission to Add the Missing Keys to a Framework Laptop
Matthew actually uses the PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End keys, so now he is on a mission to add those missing keys to his Framework Laptop 16.
A single product design can never please everyone, which is why the entire Framework company is built around modular design and customizability. Matthew got a Framework Laptop 16 and has been happy with it, aside from one critical oversight: missing PgUp, PgDn, Home, and End keys. Unlike most of us, Matthew actually uses those and so now he is on a mission to add the missing keys to his Framework Laptop 16.
This project isn’t complete yet, but Matthew is logging his process and it is already interesting. Matthew’s documentation is compelling because it gives us a look into Framework’s commitment to enabling modification and how real users can take advantage of that. I don’t own a Framework laptop, but I’ve been considering purchasing one. If you’re like me, this should provide valuable insight.
Framework’s whole deal is modularity, customizability, modability, and hackability. In this case, they’ve proven that with a handful of resources to help Matthew complete his mission:
- The one-key module – People can purchase a self-contained module with the same key used on Framework keyboards
- Community support – The community and Framework have developed a DIY magnetic attachment solution, complete with orderable ferromagnetic threaded inserts
- Reference designs – Framework supplies a RP2040-based PCB design in KiCAD for users to perform modifications like this
- Official support – Framework liked Matthew’s idea, so they provided him with the One-Key Modules he needs to pull off the project
It is hard to overstate how cool that is. Can you even imagine getting all of that from Dell, Lenovo, or Apple? I certainly can’t. Framework isn’t paying us and this isn’t an ad, but I’m impressed by the way they’re doing business.
At this point, Matthew has a solid plan and all the resources he needs to pull it off. He just needs to put all of the pieces together to make it happen. And I’m eager to see the result, so I can add it to the list of reasons to grab a Framework laptop.