Gboard Goes Retro: A Dial-Up Keyboard for the Modern Age

Took a rest after work, placed a bet on TonyBet LV, read about new technology innovations.

Hey there — if you thought your smartphone keyboard was as modern as it gets, you might be in for a fun surprise. The folks at Google Japan’s Gboard team have just unveiled a wild concept: a retro-inspired keyboard that lets you dial letters and symbols rather than simply tap them. Yes, you read that right.

What’s going on?

In early October 2025, Google Japan revealed the “Gboard Dial Version”, a keyboard concept that replaces the usual rows of keys with multiple rotating dials — reminiscent of the classic rotary telephone you might have seen in old movies. The Verge+2TechEBlog+2

Here’s how it works:

• Instead of tapping a key for a letter, you insert your finger into a hole on a dial and rotate it until the stop. TechEBlog+1
• The device has about nine dials of varying sizes. The big centre dial handles the alphabet (arranged in tiers), and the smaller ones are for numbers, punctuation, and even the Enter key. TechEBlog+1
• It uses sensors to turn the dial motions into digital input — so while it looks like old-school tech, under the hood it’s fully modern. The Verge+1

Why did Google do this?

You’re probably thinking: “Why on earth would they go backwards to dialing letters?” Good question. There are a few reasons (and you’ll notice a mix of serious + playful):

1. A creative experiment
   This is very much a concept. Google Japan has done similar quirky keyboard experiments in the past (tea-cup shaped keyboards, super-long keyboards etc). The Dial Version fits into that tradition. The Verge+1
2. Nostalgia meets tactile design
   The design embraces mechanical feel — there’s something satisfying (and kind of weirdly calming) about rotating a dial rather than hammering away at flat keys. Even the returning motion of the dial gives users a moment to pause and “think” before typing again. yankodesign.com+1
3. Open-source maker appeal
   Google Japan made the design files, firmware, and parts lists available for anyone to build their own. So instead of launching it as a product, they’re inviting DIYers and makers to try it. TechEBlog

What does it feel like in use?

Imagine : you’re typing a message and instead of tapping “H”, you find the dial for letters, place your finger, spin until H appears (or you line up H), and release. The dial snaps back. Then you do the same for “e”. Then “l”, “l”, “o”.

It’s slower than a normal keyboard, certainly. But that seems to be kind of the point — the slower pace encourages a calmer, more deliberate typing rhythm. Google calls it a shift from pressing to turning. yankodesign.com

Some users online noted the vibe:

“This is fun engineering. … The practicality of said product would not be lost on these people.” Reddit

Practicality and release status

Here’s the deal:

• It’s not being sold commercially (at least for now). yankodesign.com+1
• If you want one, you’ll have to build it yourself (or find someone who does) because the design files are open-source. HeyUpNow
• It’s more of a design and maker statement than a replacement for your typical typing setup. In other words: cool concept, but not (yet) designed for everyday productivity.

Why it matters (even if you don’t build one)

• Design culture – it shows how even giant tech companies like Google can play with form, not just function.
• Maker community boost – by open-sourcing the project they invite creativity and let users build their own variations.
• Reflection on input tech – we’re so used to blazing-fast inputs; this slows things down and gets us thinking about the human side of typing.
• Fun factor – yes, on a geek level this is just plain fun. Retro aesthetic + tech twist = a project that grabs attention.

Final thoughts

If you asked me, the Gboard Dial Version is less about replacing your smartphone typing experience and more about showing what happens when you rethink something as basic as a keyboard. It’s playful, a bit absurd, but in that absurdity there’s insight — about speed, form, human motion, and nostalgia.

If you’re into quirky tech, maker culture, or just want to show someone that yes, tech can be weird and fun, this is worth knowing about. And who knows — maybe someone will commercialise a refined version down the line.