Bento: A Steam Deck in a Keyboard | Hacker News Reader

Bento: A Steam Deck in a Keyboard

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334 pointsMichaelThatsIt96 comments

This is a project that had been eating away at me for a bit, sitting in the back of my mind.

It's a computer that fit's perfectly underneath an Apple Magic Keyboard, and has a compartment to store peripherals like a dongle or small mouse. It has no display, instead opting for XR display glasses.

The internals are the main board, cooler, and battery from a Steam Deck OLED. I bought the parts separately rather than gutting a perfectly good one.

The link is to the CAD files. I decided to open source it as I explore building a better one.

Feel free to jump straight to that, here's the origin story for anyone interested:

I started using the XREAL glasses a few months ago. they're great, easily my favorite "XR" product. It's built around the one killer app of XR, a virtual display. shedding all non-essential hardware into a small, lightweight package.

but I hate the redundancy. Whatever device I'm using it with, the built in screen goes unused. In parallel, I've also found myself extremely disappointed in each product calling itself a "spatial computer" despite being nothing but an overweight iPad for your face.

I wanted a real computer designed to be used with these glasses, and in the smallest package I could possibly achieve.

So I grabbed an actual iPad, downloaded Shapr3D and got to work. My iteration process involved jumping back and forth between my iPad and a 3D printer. I went through roughly 15 failed iterations getting the screw mounts, airflow, and ergonomics just right.

The final result is what I believe to be a true spatial computer. I've been daily driving and I'm pretty happy with the experience. It's currently running Ubuntu 24, but I may switch back to Steam OS, given it's better optimized for the hardware.

You should put at least the first three sentences from your comment into the project's readme.md file as I had no idea what a 'spatial display' or XREAL is for that matter.

Instead of carrying a small mouse, the case itself could be a trackpad :D

https://ploopy.co/trackpad/

I have one! It’s huge haha.

I’m still trying to figure out how to fit a full trackball in there…

haha.. now I wonder... a steam deck with dual trackballs instead of dual trackpads...

did you consider using the steam deck's trackpads? are they useful?

The thing in the top left corner is killing ploopy spectacularly:-\

> I started using the XREAL glasses a few months ago.

How's your eye sight? Any signs of fatigue?

I've seen people saying that they're fine for gaming and movie watching but too fuzzy for work...

I've been using the Viture XR Pro glasses and they're fine for occasional PC use but I don't like them enough to use a daily driver for work.

It's great for gaming and movies as you say, and also for adopting a better posture when using a laptop in a cramped space like a train or airline seat. But even with the individual focus wheels for each eye, it doesn't feel sharp enough at 1080p to replace a 24" or 27" screen on a standard desk layout.

If I had the option of one 24" 1080p monitor on my desk or XR glasses to use for 8-10 hours of thoughtful work, I would choose the monitor.

Regarding eye strain or fatigue, I don't notice any. The fact that the projected display appears to be 3-4m away probably helps a lot with that.

I've seen review from a guy who started losing sight with xreal glasses after a month of daily use (got better a week+ after he stopped) so I would only pay attention to long term users...

That's a pretty strong claim, do you have a source for that?

Sure but it's in Russian, https://www.iphones.ru/iNotes/otkazalsya-ot-ochkov-rasshiren...

Sounds like eye strain rather than any sort of physical damage. What would the mechanism even be?

The Air glasses are a bit fuzzy. The Xreal One Pros are far better. I can work all day in them, if I'm not going to be on any video calls.

No more than any other XR product. I can do the work I need to from it for the most part.

I’m asking AR vs monitors, not comparisons between AR products.

My bad. It’s as good as any 1080p monitor and it supports 120hz refresh rate. The FOV will be the thing that gets to you.

It will be a long time until I try because I have both astigmatism and dioptries so I’d need something pretty custom.

There are prescription inserts for it, including astigmatism and dioptries

Like Apple's? Single source and overpriced?

They list three different vendors on the site for prescription inserts (one per region), and there are other vendors who offer them, too. The partnered US vendor had them listed at $150 but I think some of the other options are cheaper.

I'm in the EU, I used HONSVR and paid $50, which seems reasonable.

using honsvr lenses with xreal now for a mild astigmatism and they're great.

Thank you very much for sharing the files and your experience! I just got my first XR glasses, Xreal One Pro, and had your link bookmarked to do something similar. I am very impressed with these glasses. Looking through ifixit I can't find the Steam Deck's mainboard. Where did you find it?

Ebay! But fear not! I’m working on a version based on the Radxa Rock 5B which is more readily available and has more kick than a pi 5.

Also doing the research on productizing the whole thing and sourcing a custom board.

I see. Need to check Ebay then.

I am interested in a productized version - but only with x64 boards like the Steam Deck or one of the Framework mainboards. I don't want to deal with 3D printing and all that. The latter are larger than the Steam Deck, though. No battery for me though: I would use it after work, when I am near an outlet anyway.

> It's currently running Ubuntu 24, but I may switch back to Steam OS, given it's better optimized for the hardware.

Do you have specifics issues in mind ? Battery consumption ? performance ? Stability issues ?

This looks awesome!

> I bought the parts separately rather than gutting a perfectly good one.

Huh, I didn't know you could do that. Neat.

This is very cool! Love to see the Commodore 64 style of keyboard computer come back.

I got the Viture Pro recently and this would be fun to add to that. Ultimately I think this is a very nice form factor both for portable use with XR glasses, and for use with a USB-C dock at home. The XR glasses on the market are still a bit rough, but the nice thing about this kind of setup is that you can replace the computer and the glasses independently, so as the glasses improve (especially looking forward to glasses with high-quality waveguides) you can upgrade.

This project mentions a Framework-based version as a future idea. A similar Framework 13 build popped up in r/framework a few months ago:

- https://www.reddit.com/r/framework/comments/1jo7m8c/framewor...

Updated with a new mainboard from the Ryzen AI line:

- https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberDeck/comments/1kjknh4/vrxr_cyb...

GitHub repo with STLs and build details, with it running Linux and Stardust XR with non-spatial inputs on XREAL glasses:

- https://github.com/Pyro57000/fyer_deck

Ay love it. There’s quite a few similar ideas on r/cyberdeck. I just wasn’t satisfied with their look. I wanted something very clean. Something that blends in and could theoretically be used on a plane without drawing too much attention, but still nice to look at.

That guy commented in the Reddit thread I posted and I’m hoping to collab with him on the framework version if he’s down.

And here someone went the other way. She took a framework board and made a steam deck out of it https://www.printables.com/model/1051411-framework-portable-...

A bento/transformer type would be neat. One that can Switch between the 2 modes. Not clamshell or slide.

I’ve been hoping to see PCs in a proper cyberdeck form factor for years now, so it’s great to see them start to emerge. One thing I would suggest that creators consider is building in a smartphone or small-tablet capacitive-touch display to the right (or left) of the keyboard. That could serve as a trackpad while in VR/AR while out of VR it could act as a notification screen, a pinch monitor if the HMD is not working or not available, and so on.

I’m working on another revision with a module mounting system on the sides.

I almost built the trackpad in but it would’ve been a much more personal product, as I’m left handed so I would’ve put it on the left.

(In fact so am I!)

ayyy let's chat! open an issue on the repo to track it. I have some modules I've already designed.

Edit: lol didn't see the user name and thought you meant you're also working on the module system face palm

That's really cool. I don't think you should support another keyboard, there may be better ones from a certain POV but I don't think there's a better one that's not significantly thicker and any keyboard options will quickly multiply complexity with any SBC/computing options. You will go down a rabbit hole if you start taking requests here. I think steamdeck internals plus rpi5 plus latest framework internals with no other configs is ambitious but not too ambitious.

My hobby is miniaturizing everything. If I were to fork this project (and I would love to after about 10 other projects are complete), I would think about selecting one good dongle, "shucking" it any other needed things, integrating them, and then finding the minimum volume to fit my preferred travel controller[1] and preferred travel mouse[2]. Then, I would consider customizing the housings of those things to be even slimmer without customizing any electronics except for maybe making sure everything gets charged while stowed. I would also consider minor mods to the keyboard to get rid of the bulk of the usbc cable. Pogo pins plus some 3D printing should do the trick.

[1]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55DO1HDeCHQ. No longer available new but this is the only good slim dual analog controller I have found.

[2]Still looking for a good one

I’m glad you say that because I actually think the Magic Keyboard is good. Obviously if I made a product version I’d need to source an original keyboard, but I’d try to stick to something similar.

Originally I was going to use my HHKB studio, but opted for the Magic Keyboard for the slimmer design and the fact that there’s at least one in every school, office, or other institution across the US.

> Primarily out of frustration. The dominant players in XR keep promoting their hardware as “computers”, when really they’re an iPad for your face. The most you can do is browse the web, play games, and consume content. They’re overweight and over constrained.

I'm a fan of HMD programming in general so I love this project. But it should be noted that AOSP-based XR headsets can run pseudo Linux environments via termux + X: https://www.reddit.com/r/cyberDeck/comments/fc5sfr/oculus_qu...

Also if anyone is looking for a full-sized portable keyboard, I suggest https://www.protoarc.com/products/xk01-tri-fold-bluetooth-ke... which is my primary keyboard when I'm working remotely on my tablet. It is "pocket-sized" for certain definitions of "pocket".

So I’ve actually been in XR for nearly a decade now. So I’ve tried every version of “dev in XR” I even spent the last 2 years trying to build an XR native dev platform.

The feedback was always “this is too heavy” for all devices excluding XREAL.

Also I wanted a device that didn’t feel like a hack. Something tailored to the experience.

I am very interested in this setup as well. I feel Bigscreen Beyond 2[0] has a very good balance of size and weight. But its VR and not AR. I can't wait to create something that does computing in VR well. Something that Simlula VR[1] has been trying for a while now

[0] https://www.bigscreenvr.com [1] https://simulavr.com/blog/intermediate-products/

Big fan of big screen. Darshan is probably the most level headed founder in all of XR.

That makes sense. Your compute puck based design is much more ergonomic. And if you combine it with something like SCOTTeVEST , you have a pretty good mobile XR form factor. Keep up the good work :)

>excluding XREAL

You mean you haven't tested XREAL or you didn't find XREAL as too heavy?

I'm asking because I have Viture XR Pro which are basically a clone of XREAL and I find them too heavy after a few hours of use.

I would really like a solution that wouldn't be as heavy and that would have clear displays where text would be readable from edge to edge.

It might be that your pupillary distance is bigger than what the viture can handle. I have a pair of crap glasses I'm playing around with, and supposedly you can get custom lenses that account for your pupillary distance.

> termux

I was excited about termux until about 3 years ago, when I saw that the app needed to be compiled against an ancient Android API version. Google seems indifferent to bricking this project... Today it's still breaking Fdroid updates:

https://github.com/termux/termux-app/issues/4120#issuecommen...

I was thinking of entirely removing the screen on my Framework, and using the Xreal Air instead. This is a really cool build, and it's inspired me to give the screenectomy a shot! I just hope I don't break anything.

Break everything! It’s how you learn to fix it. Just the other day I was in a full on panic having disassembled my toilet thinking a leak was “an easy fix.” It wasn’t, but I got it done.

Over the past few years, I’ve seen more and more people make headless laptop variations. I think this is probably a better approach than the OP, but it’s mainly about what kind of form factor you want (and how much you want to tinker!). Here is one such example:

https://epiren.medium.com/i-created-a-headless-macbook-pro-a...

But, you’re not alone!

It’s definitely easier but I dunno about better. A beheaded computer is not as pretty in my totally unbiased opinion.

I figured you'd have that opinion :).

It is completely a personal preference, but I think you can get closer to a "daily driver" experience with a beheaded laptop. Two reasons: 1) you'll get better performance. This would be a moot point if you were using a Framework motherboard (or the Steam board was more widely available). 2) form factor. I would prefer to carry around a thinner slate computer over a thicker lunchbox computer. This is just personal preference.

For most people though, I think adapting an existing laptop is an easier project than what you've been able to accomplish. Don't get me wrong - I'm impressed. And I also really like the idea of a headless computer with AR glasses as the display. I think it's a use-case that needs to be taken seriously.

Totally agree. I’m doing the due diligence to see if I can turn this into a real product. It’s gotten enough attention to give it some serious thought as a small batch product.

If I do, it would be with a custom board which would help shave down the size more considerably.

It should be straightforward! The only gotchas are if you want to preserve Wi-Fi. The antenna module lives in the lid assembly, so you either need to move it or use other antennas.

I wonder if you could replace the display with just more batteries, that way you can still close up the laptop for travel while having a lot longer battery life.

This is super nice as it's a native unencumbered linux environment.

I recently blogged about trying to do web development on the Quest 3, and although it kind of works, it's way more hacky (and performance is still lacking). The nice thing however about the Quest, is still being able to leverage virtual window placement in the space around you vs. the fixed 2d monitor approach here.

https://benkaiser.dev/web-development-in-vr/

What AR glasses are currently the best? Asking for a friend.

XREAL One Pros by leaps and bounds

The best of a bad bunch. These products are still far from amazing, moreso if you have a picky eye for clarity. And if you need the brightness higher, overheating becomes a problem.

Thanks!

very cool project

not long ago there was a post by a user also using glasses -- 85% sure they're the same ones -- but the goal was to replace a laptop display a fuller size one. I like that this project replaces the laptop with a SBC. I spent a decade and a half wishing that SBC would be a Raspberry Pi but ... welp, better late than never

You and me both, buddy. Instead I’m calling up SoM companies and seeing what they can build me for cheap.

This is a super awesome project. Truly the best of all worlds. A real keyboard, a beefy enough compute, an xr glass that has constant use case.

How is the Xreal One Pro for extended use? My concern is I have to put up with low res screen as I code away.

It’s quite good! I have not the one’s and the one pros. The pros are a pretty noticeable leap in clarity and FOV in my experience, and the screen is as readable as any other 1080p monitor.

The coming of AR glasses has finally opened the market for "cyberdecks". I don't think they will be massively popular, but there is definitely an audience among geeks who travel a lot. I would totally buy one to pair with my XREAL One glasses.

The problem will be finding the right scale. LingLong had a crack with a limited kickstarter run, but they don't seem interested in following up with sustained mass-production.

This just makes me wonder what you can do with that GPU that's not gaming. Perhaps TinyLlama but is it good enough to be useful?

I’ve seen a few folks on r/localllama running small models on it! It’s a powerful little machine.

Sometimes people break their MacBook screens, and people sometimes turn them into "headless MacBooks". I've been wanting to get my hand on a cheap "headless MacBook" and add XREAL glasses to it!

I saw a guy use the Vision Pro's virtual monitor display with a headless MacBook.

> Raspberry Pi 5 variant: this is crucial, but I can’t find a good battery solution (i.e. a HAT of some kind.)

Check out the PiJuice HAT. It works great as a UPS for all RPi models.

Oh I posted this yesterday too

https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44309248

Out here trying to steal my thunder. Not today (or yesterday) sir!

But seriously appreciate the enthusiasm to share it. This was meant to be a small side project for myself and it blew up. Glad other people are getting a kick out of it.

Someone else posted it even sooner (https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44217204 8-jun-2025, with a better title than mine), but also without discussion. Very cool project!

"Apple Magic Keyboard" - what is the key travel for this keyboard? It looks rather suspicious.

If you're someone who has opinions on key travel the Apple Magic Keyboard isn't for you.

It’s a good middle of the road keyboard honestly. The only part that truly sucks is the arrow keys layout.

How much is the "middle of the road" in mm of travel?

Why did Valve not do this, or something similar with just the Deck MB in a box with USB-C?

Probably because the AR/XR glasses are not yet at a stage where they could be used by the general populace.

I have Viture XR Pro, the edges are still blurry and even though glasses have a miopia adjustment it has been difficult for me to get a clear image, not to mention the issues of IPD. Having a display at arms length still has many advantages over the face mounted displays.

That being said, as someone who feels the need to wipe any and every speck of dust off the display, the glasses have resolved that issue, it's just that they get heavy and painful after just a few hours of use.

In my opinion, we're not there yet, but I'm very optimistic for the future.

Valve already failed with Steam Machines. There's not a compelling enough reason for them to split production of the Deck into two divergent streams with lesser economies of scale.

Also, 'just' the deck in a box still needs the same regulatory approval.

This README is dozens of megabytes. Can't load it on my phone at all.

This is what I imagined computers would look like in the distant 2020s, as a kid!

All this effort wasted on using a really bad keyboard as a base.

why not use a Trackpad 2 keyboard with the mouse nubbin?

beautiful <3

Oh good. Another thing named “Bento”.

Yeah by the time I saw how over used it is it was too late.

I wonder if we're on the brink of a world where hardware development is as easy as software engineering. Projects like this make me think so.

If you asked me 3 weeks ago I’d think you’re crazy, but this was genuinely not that hard. Honestly I had never even touched CAD before this.

I think my next challenge is supply chain, sourcing a custom board, and figuring out unit economics for a product version.

Hardware development still has fundamental physical constraints that software doesn't - material costs, manufacturing complexity, and safety requirements create barriers that CAD and 3D printing alone can't overcome.

Yeah I'm learning that's the real hurdle. I'm doing my best to lean on others in the space to guide me through the process.

a lot of supply chain appears to be a relationship based economy. I may end up flying out to China at some point.

I noted in a different discussion here that I'm about to the point where my next computer is going to be a Raspberry Pi 500 w/ a second gen. Wacom One 13 display w/ stylus and touch and a battery, for which assemblage I'll make a folding tablet shell...

Or, maybe it will be a shell/case for the Pilet which I'll be getting from Kickstarter.

Development, yes. Production, no. That's really where the rubber meets the road. Upfront costs, profit margins, and scaling challenges, are not comparable.

Probably not, even something really fast like a 3D print still takes hours to “compile” so to speak.

But, it looks to be a whole lot easier than it used to be!

Most of the iteration process was just me staring at the printer waiting for it to screw up or to find out if I screwed up.

We need a really good physical simulation of the 3D printing/curing (or whatever they call it) process to plug in to the modeling software, somehow.

That's an awfully big Raspberry Pi kit you've made there. /s

Seriously, though, this is amazing work. Well done!

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