A 3D Printed Keyboard Case Turns an Old Samsung Phone Into a Mini Laptop

A clever hardware modder has resurrected the sliding keyboard, a nostalgic feature from older smartphones, by adding one to a Samsung Galaxy Note 10 . This surprisingly affordable project, detailed by Reddit user AdmiralSym, utilizes a Bluetooth keyboard and trackpad from a readily available TV remote (under $30 on Amazon).

The beauty of this mod lies in its simplicity. No soldering or complex programming is required; the wireless connection is seamless. The most intricate part involved designing a custom 3D-printed case with a sliding mechanism to house the keyboard.

The resulting device bears a striking resemblance to the classic Motorola DROID phones, but with a significant upgrade: the Note 10 's expansive 6.8-inch display. This transforms the smartphone into a mini-laptop, especially when used with DeX mode, Samsung's desktop-like interface. Simply slide the keyboard out to enjoy a nearly 7-inch screen paired with a full keyboard and trackpad.

While this isn't the first attempt to bring physical keyboards back to modern phones (Samsung briefly explored this with the Galaxy S7/S8, and Clicks offers keyboard cases for several current Android and iPhone models), AdmiralSym's DIY approach offers a unique and customizable solution. The 3D printing files are freely available, though they are specific to the Note 10 .

Clicks, a company producing physical keyboard cases, recently expanded their offerings to include Google Pixel 9/9 Pro, Motorola Razr 2024, and the Samsung Galaxy S25 series. These cases provide a full-time keyboard below the screen, reminiscent of older BlackBerry devices.

AdmiralSym's project showcases the ingenuity of DIY modding and provides a satisfying, functional, and nostalgic alternative for those who miss the tactile experience of a physical keyboard on their smartphones.

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