This modder just transformed the Steam Deck into a cool mini PC inside a keyboard with ‘bento box’ functionality
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Handheld modders are creating a full circle for what the devices are made for, as u/michaelthatsit turns their Steam Deck from a fully fledged handheld into a mini PC embedded underneath the keyboard. Pairing it with AR glasses for a display, it still keeps the device relatively small, even if it’s not handheld, but creates a flexible and effective portable gaming machine.
Using an Apple Magic Keyboard keeps the size of the entire device to a minimum, especially since its height matches the Steam Deck board very well. As shown in the images and a look inside, it’s a very minimistic build, taking the barebones Steam Deck board and battery and fitting it inside a 3D-printed body.
Although the height matches well, the keyboard is wider than the console, which gave rise to the name and the reason for the bento box design. That results in convenient compartments where the Redditor decided to place a dock to charge and run multiple peripherals to the Deck simultaneously, given its limited ports.
Bento Steam Deck mod insides, Source michaelthatsit, Reddit
Bento Steam Deck mod, Source michaelthatsit, Reddit
“A game of constraint optimization”
The creator discusses the challenges of creating this mod for the Steam Deck. When a commentator simply asked, “How…”, there was a rather succinct answer.
Shapr3D, patience, and a LOT of 3D printer filament. I have a pile of failed versions
michaelthatsit
In the description, they also note that this is the first working version and a showcase of their current work. There are flaws in the design that they are still looking to fix. It also highlights some of the process and design changes that were necessary due to the constraints they faced during creation, and they aim to make it perfect to create a video showcasing the final version.
However, the main changes include creating a bento design on the right to utilize the empty space resulting from the size difference between the keyboard and console. That provides a convenient space for the dock and any extras you might want to add, but there is no real room for a mouse or touchpad. Therefore, they’ve opted to design a module that is currently in development, which can fit and work in the build.
Then there are the constraints of the tools, as the 3D printer used to make the shell was, in fact, too small to print it in one piece. That’s why this version comes in two colors and pieces together like a jigsaw to create the one final unit, making the most of what they have.
With a promise to keep going, it’s an interesting project to keep an eye on, as they will likely expand on it and release the files.
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