Openterface KeyMod is a compact, phone-driven input tool that emulates a real HID keyboard and mouse over USB and Bluetooth.
The goal is simple. When a device has video output but keyboard and mouse access is inconvenient, KeyMod helps you take control quickly and reliably.
We often work with edge devices and "hard-to-reach" computers in real environments, such as kiosks, signage players, set-top boxes, lab rigs, mini PCs, and temporary demo setups.
Network access is not always available or desirable, and remote desktop is not always an option. In these moments, we just need fast local input that feels direct.
- Plug KeyMod into the target device, (or pair via Bluetooth when it makes sense).
- Use your phone as a portable keyboard and trackpad.
- Switch profiles for different tasks, including shortcuts, hotkeys, and simple macro-style triggers.
- Unplug and move on. No software is required on the target, and we’re exploring optional input helpers on the phone side.
AI is showing up everywhere in daily workflows, so we’ve been asking ourselves a simple question: could a pocket input tool benefit from it too?
One direction we’re experimenting with is AI-assisted voice-to-input. Spoken phrases in different languages could be converted into text and typed on the target through HID.
This is early and very much a prototype-level exploration. We’re curious whether it would be useful for field work, quick configuration, and situations where typing is slow or inconvenient.
If you have real use cases for multilingual voice input, or strong opinions about what AI input should or shouldn’t do, we’d love to hear them.
Other areas we’re exploring- Input profiles for common workflows: setup, troubleshooting, maintenance, demos
- Programmable buttons for on-device quick triggers (experimental)
- Advanced layouts like keypad mode and gamepad-style mapping for retro games and emulators
- Improving the feel of control, especially pointer behaviour and reliability across OS targets
- 2-in-1 connector version: a flip-up USB Type-A plus Type-C design for broad compatibility
- USB Type-C version: a clean Type-C plug for modern devices and cable management
KeyMod is being developed as open hardware and open software.
As the project evolves, we plan to publish schematics, PCB files, firmware, software, and BOM so the community can learn from it and build on it.
KeyMod is currently crowdfunding on Crowd Supply.
Subscribe for build progress and launch updates.
What we’d love to hear from the Hackster community- What devices do you most often need quick local input for?
- Which workflows should we optimize first: server BIOS, kiosk setup, signage maintenance, lab automation, or something else?
- What would your ideal input profile look like: hotkeys, macros, layouts?
- Would AI-assisted input, like multilingual voice-to-text typed via HID, be useful in your workflow? If yes, what is the must-have behaviour?
Comments