Project Hub /Basic Analog & Power Electronics/Discrete & Component Electronics/Pickle Pi

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RASPBERRY PI

₹5,000 – ₹15,000

6 – 12 Hours

Partial Kit

Pickle Pi

Pickle Pi is a custom-built portable tablet that combines a Raspberry Pi (originally Zero 2 W, later upgraded to Pi 4), a 7-inch Waveshare touch display, and an ultra-compact Gherkin 30% mechanical keyboard.

Originally published on Hackaday.io

View original tutorial

Parts You'll Need

This project is sourced from another site, not written by us — this list is our best match of their components against what we stock, not a verified bill of materials. Always check the original blog (linked above) for the actual parts list before buying.

Raspberry Pi 3 - Model B+ 1.4Ghz 64-bit quad-core Processor with 1 GB Ram (Original) Rs. 5,400.00
2-Slot 18650 Holder with Protective Cover and On/Off Switch – Case Rs. 109.00
400 Points Mini Solderless Prototype PCB Breadboard High Quality Rs. 89.00
MB102 Adjustable Breadboard Power Supply Module (3.3V & 5V) for Arduino & Raspberry Pi Rs. 139.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Male 20cm Rs. 45.00
Jumper Wire 10 Pin Male To Female 20cm Rs. 45.00

Selected: Rs. 0.00

We don't carry yet: LCD (generic / unspecified)
Prototype Kit / Sensor Kit / Starter Kit
Arduino Leonardo / Micro
Screws / Nuts / Standoffs / Hardware
AA / AAA Battery + Holder
Header Pins / Terminals / Connectors
XDA profile keycaps
3mm black perspex sheets

Browse all components

How It Works

The Pickle Pi functions as a fully integrated, portable Linux tablet system powered by a single-board computer running Raspberry Pi OS. The core processing unit communicates video signals directly to the 7-inch Waveshare 1024x600 touch display, providing both visual output and a graphical user interface navigated via touch inputs managed by software like touchegg and xdotool. For text input and system control, an ultra-compact Gherkin 30% mechanical keyboard—built with Gateron Yellow switches and XDA profile keycaps—utilizes an onboard Atmega32U4 Pro Micro controller running QMK firmware. This controller registers keystrokes and transmits them via USB to the central processing board. The entire hardware assembly, including custom-cut 3mm black perspex sheets and brass spacers for structural housing, is powered independently in the field by a high-capacity 10000mAh battery pack. Users can interact with the system visually through Chromium or Puffin web browsers, or develop and execute scripts using Thonny, making it a complete, self-contained mobile computing platform.

Why Build This

Design and fabricate a custom cyberdeck enclosure integrating structural perspex panels, brass spacers, and compact electronics.

Program and compile custom macro keyboard layouts using an Atmega32U4 microcontroller running QMK firmware.

Deploy a portable Linux workstation powered by a Raspberry Pi and a high-resolution touch display for field computing applications.

Real-World Application

Portable compact computing, minimalist field-typing, and custom cyberdeck development.

Skills You'll Learn

Embedded firmware flashing

mechanical keyboard matrix programming

single-board computer hardware modification

custom enclosure fabrication

touch display integration

mobile power management

Safety Precautions

Exercise caution when modifying and cutting down single-board computer components (such as removing ethernet ports and trimming GPIO pins) and when handling stripped lithium power bank batteries.

Technology Tags

RASPBERRY PI

GHERKIN KEYBOARD

QMK

CYBERDECK

PYTHON

LINUX

3D PRINTING/PERSPEX CONSTRUCTION

MECHANICAL KEYBOARD

ATMEGA32U4

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any mechanical keyboard switches with the Gherkin kit?

The kit specifically utilizes Gateron Yellow switches, but any standard MX-compatible mechanical switch can be used depending on your tactile preference.

How is the Atmega32U4 Pro Micro connected to the main computer board?

The Pro Micro connects via a standard USB interface to handle HID keyboard inputs processed by the QMK firmware.

What software environment is used for running applications and writing code on the device?

The system runs Raspberry Pi OS, allowing you to use tools like Thonny for Python development and Chromium for web browsing.

Gallery

This page is part of Kitkraft's Project Hub — a curated collection of electronics & robotics projects gathered from the maker community to help students and hobbyists discover and learn to build. Kitkraft does not claim authorship of the original project, and makes no representation as to the accuracy, completeness or safety of third-party source material. The summary and "How It Works" explanation above are AI-generated, rewritten with reference to the original tutorial — not a reproduction of it. Full credit and a direct link to the original source are provided above. If you're the original creator and have a concern about how your work is represented here, please contact us and we'll address it promptly.

Kitkraft Project Hub — curated from the maker community, credited at the source.

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