DIY Maker Creates Retro-Handheld PC With Mechanical Keyboard | What's Special About Penkesu

Amid the rise of high-end laptops and computers with powerful GPUs, it's safe to say that only a few handheld PCs exist at the moment.

Although smartphones are always up for grabs due to their portability, other handheld gaming consoles are stealing the attention of people in the market.

Regardless of their popularity, there are still a lot of DIY makers who continuously explore creating their own version of an ultra-convenient handheld PC like in the case of Penk Chen.

Here's what you should see behind his recent creation: an ultra compact PC with a mechanical keyboard.

A Glimpse of Penkesu

Tom's Hardware spotted earlier this week that a DIY-er developed Penkesu, a special handheld computer paired with a mechanical keyboard. If you are a fan of the Game Boy Advance SP console, you will notice that its hinges borrow a somehow similar design from it.

According to Chen, its creator, the machine relies on the Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W. There's also a clamshell lid that exactly slots in on its touch screen measuring 7.9 inches in length and 400 x 1280 inches in width.

There's also a Li-ion battery which compliments the creator's mission to only use a minimum amount of electronics on his invention. Additionally, the portable handheld PC features a USB interface.

Regarding its mechanical keyboard, Penkesu boasts its Kailh Choc V1 switches which go along with an Arduino controller. There are also keycaps and some wires to complete the electronics components.

As such, Chen was able to come up with a retro-style handheld computer that could possibly get its inspiration from the Raspberry Pi 400 keyboard in terms of its peripheral. The distinguishable difference that makes them unique from one another is only the screen.

Related Article: Valve Handheld Gaming PC vs. Nintendo Switch | Which One is Better?

Another Retro Laptop With Mechanical Keyboard

Interestingly, Penkesu is not the first portable laptop that contains a stylish mechanical keyboard. Despite the fact that more DIY parts are coming out for modern computers, they are not as compact as Penkesu.

Before Penkesu, there was the Raspberry Pi Cyberdeck Computer, as The Verge reported. Like Chen's own ultraportable laptop, it has a mechanical keyboard for typing purposes.

However, its compact design is nowhere to be seen. The components of the Cyberdeck PC were encased in a pelican camera case which is water-proof.

Over the past years, some companies began to roll out smaller laptop designs for some reason. Aside from their affordability and portability, it's a game-changer for people who want to seek more comfort in using PCs.

Despite this innovation, some could not catch up with the trend like what VAIO P did. Its handheld PC sits at a $900 price which is not that appealing for those who look for budget-friendly gadgets. Aside from that, its slow Intel Atom processor has ruined its usability.

Regarding Penk Chen, you can find his notes about Penkesu at Github. There, you can see a 3D-printed version of the parts.

For more articles about PCs, you can check our previous review about Aya Neo and Nintendo Switch. You can also read more about the Framework laptop which is completely customizable so can take advantage of its DIY repairs.

Read Also: Laptop Vs Desktop: How To Tell Which One Fits You Better

This article is owned by Tech Times

Written by Joseph Henry