Remember the satisfying, thunderous clack of a 1990s IBM ThinkPad keyboard? For many tech enthusiasts, that tactile feedback is the holy grail of typing experience, a feeling largely lost to the world of slim, chiclet-style laptop keys. But one modder, known online as Nori, has done the unthinkable: they’ve successfully built a full, enthusiast-grade mechanical keyboard into a modern Framework Laptop 13, transforming it into a sleek, all-aluminum powerhouse that looks like it teleported straight out of a 1990s computer lab.
This isn't just a simple plug-and-play mod. It's a breathtaking feat of engineering that blends nostalgia with the bleeding edge of repairable, customizable technology.
The Dream: Why Combine a Mechanical Keyboard with a Laptop?
For the uninitiated, mechanical keyboards use individual physical switches under each keycap. This provides distinct tactile feedback, an audible click, and a generally more robust and satisfying typing experience compared to the squishy, quiet membrane keyboards found on most modern laptops. They're beloved by writers, programmers, and anyone who spends hours a day typing.
However, their size has always been a barrier to portability. Laptops demand thinness, and mechanical switches are inherently taller. Modder Nori, a self-professed keyboard enthusiast, saw the Framework Laptop not as a finished product, but as a perfect starting point for a dream project. Framework's entire ethos is based on user-upgradability and customization with its expansion card system and easily removable components. Nori simply took that philosophy to its logical, albeit extreme, conclusion.
The Build: Engineering a Modern Classic
The process, which Nori meticulously documented, was far from simple. It required a brilliant combination of off-the-shelf parts and custom fabrication.
The heart of the mod is a Keychron K3 ultra-slim mechanical keyboard. Nori chose this specific board for its low-profile optical switches, which provide that classic mechanical feel while keeping the height to a minimum. But the real magic lies in the integration.
The stock Framework lid, screen, and webcam were entirely removed. In their place, Nori designed and crafted a custom CNC-milled aluminum panel that houses the keyboard. This isn't a flimsy 3D-printed part; it's a solid, precision-milled piece of hardware that gives the laptop its stunning, industrial-grade '90s aesthetic. The keyboard sits flush within this new aluminum lid, creating a seamless and incredibly durable look.
But what about the screen? The modder ingeniously relocated the laptop's original 13.5-inch display to an external housing, effectively making it a modular desktop setup when needed. For true portability, the entire unit closes up like a classic clamshell, with the keys safely tucked away against the deck.
You absolutely have to see the build process and the final product in action to appreciate the craftsmanship. Thankfully, Nori has shared a detailed video overview of the project.
The project has sparked immense excitement and admiration within the tech communities online. Over on Reddit's r/MechanicalKeyboards, the post detailing the build has garnered significant attention, with users praising the ingenuity and flawless execution.
A Testament to Framework's Repairable Vision
While this mod is undoubtedly an extreme example, it perfectly illustrates the potential of the Framework Laptop's design. Unlike a MacBook or a Surface Laptop, which are sealed units, the Framework is built to be opened, tinkered with, and fundamentally changed. Nori's project is the ultimate expression of that freedom.
It proves that the device is more than a laptop; it's a platform. For those who don't want to mill their own aluminum panels, Framework offers official options, but the fact that a mod like this is even possible speaks volumes about the company's commitment to right-to-repair and user innovation.
Could You Build One?
For most people, this remains a spectacular, one-of-a-kind project. It requires advanced skills in CAD design, access to a CNC machine, and a fearless approach to modifying expensive hardware. However, it also serves as inspiration.
If you're looking to dip your toes into the world of mechanical keyboards without a full-blown mod, starting with a high-quality low-profile board is the way to go. The keyboard used in this build, the Keychron K3, is a fantastic and accessible option for anyone wanting to elevate their typing experience on a desktop.
The Future of Customization
Nori's mechanical keyboard Framework Laptop is more than just a cool mod; it's a statement. It blurs the lines between a portable machine and a desktop powerhouse, between mass-produced tech and personalized craftsmanship. It hearkens back to a time when computers felt substantial and unique, all while being built on one of the most forward-thinking platforms available today.
It makes you wonder: in an era of repairable hardware, what's the next impossible mod we'll see? One thing is for sure—the community is watching, and Framework has given them the perfect canvas to create on.
