A modder known as Flurples has done what many keyboard enthusiasts have dreamed of: he built a Framework Laptop 13 with a true mechanical keyboard, complete with rotary encoders and custom firmware. The result is a shockingly clean, if slightly chunky, portable machine that dramatically upgrades typing feel and sound without changing the laptop’s footprint.
At the heart of the build is a fully custom 60% board in the classic HHKB-style layout. Think compact and efficient, with the function row, navigation cluster, and numpad handled through layers. For switches, Flurples chose Kailh Choc Sunset tactile switches paired with MBK profile keycaps. The low-profile Choc stack keeps height in check and contributes to a crisp, snappy typing experience that still feels substantial. Three rotary encoders are wired in as well, giving quick dial-based control for tasks like volume, scrolling, or timeline scrubbing.
To get everything talking to the laptop, he engineered a custom internal USB hub that connects the keyboard to the motherboard. The hub occupies the space of one Framework USB-C expansion card, but he made clever use of the space by integrating a microSD slot, HDMI output, and a full-size USB port into the same module. That means all the extra hardware fits inside the original footprint. However, the hub’s complexity proved to be a sticking point—while the physical design is there, the hub was ultimately not functional in this iteration.
Some compromises were deliberate. The keyboard isn’t hot-swappable; the switches are soldered to the PCB. That choice saves precious thickness by omitting hot-swap sockets and can improve long-term reliability—a smart trade-off in a tight laptop chassis.
Powering the brains of the keyboard is custom QMK firmware. QMK is a favorite among enthusiasts because it unlocks deep personalization. Even without premium touches like Hall effect sensing, you still get powerful features that make small layouts feel big:
– Multiple programmable layers for function keys, navigation, and media
– Home row mods to turn letters into modifiers when held
– Mod-Tap assignments that combine tap and hold behaviors
– Tap Dance for multi-purpose key presses
Together, these keep the 60% layout flexible and efficient, minimizing the need to reach for external peripherals.
The final build looks surprisingly refined, with clean lines and a cohesive aesthetic that matches the Framework’s modular ethos. It is thicker than stock, but the payoff is a dramatically improved typing sound and feel—exactly what mechanical keyboard fans crave in a daily driver laptop.
Why this mod matters:
– It proves a premium mechanical typing experience can live inside a modern, modular notebook.
– It shows how low-profile Choc switches and MBK keycaps can balance thinness with satisfying tactility.
– It highlights how QMK can transform compact layouts through smart layers and custom logic.
– It pushes the idea of laptop expandability beyond simple port swaps into full input-system customization.
Flurples documented the design and build in a detailed video, including plenty of nuances that will interest makers and keyboard enthusiasts alike. Even with the USB hub setback, this project is a compelling proof-of-concept: a portable, modular laptop with a bespoke mechanical keyboard that looks purpose-built rather than hacked together. For anyone chasing the perfect on-the-go typing experience, it’s an inspiring roadmap for what’s possible.
