Google has designed this impractical keyboard with many use cases in mind

Are you tired of typing on your boring keyboard? Well, then Google Japan has a new concept keyboard that will blow you out of your chair. The company is having some fun and has revealed a GBoard stick version keyboard resembling a long ruler or stick. The project is likely a fun prank; even the website's URL gives that vibe. Gboard Bar is a physical keyboard that has all of its keys lined up in one row. Google's Impractical Keyboard is loaded with benefits, with the most important being that it allows users to find the key that they are looking for faster than ever before.

Like any good product, it all starts with inspiration. For Google Japan, that inspiration came from the fact that for years, many had focused on just the word "key" in the word "keyboard" and never really went further. In Japanese, the word keyboard translates to キーボード (kii-bou-do), so with キー (kii (key)) getting so much attention, it decided to focus on the ボー (bou) portion, which on its own translates to bow (staff/bar). Using this, it was able to come up with a new design, improving navigation when compared to a traditional keyboard by placing all of the keys in a straight line. Google Japan has said that Gboard Bar allows the user to minimize the need to look in all directions as they have to do on a traditional keyboard. They can just start at the beginning and go through each key until they find what they are looking for. Google keywords are the future and there is no denying the fact.

Being a DIY keyboard, you also have the option to arrange the keys in an ASCII code layout and even replace those you rarely use with emoji shortcuts instead. From the reveal video, it is suggested that the Gboard Bar relies on wireless connectivity and features a built-in battery. Additionally, gamers will be delighted to know that the design team is considering developing a gaming variant that would feature RGB lighting.

On top of using it for typing, Google has also designed the keyboard with other use cases in mind. You could also use it as a physical extension of your limbs to press buttons that are out of reach, a hiking stick for trekking, or even a ruler – tapping on a key will display a subject's approximate measurement on your phone or other compatible devices. A much appreciated feature is the net accessory which can be attached to one end of the keyboard so you can use it as a bug catcher.