Framework Cancels Custom Low Profile Keyboard Module Due to Manufacturing Costs

Framework has cancelled its custom low-profile keyboard module project for laptops. The company stated that it was unable to bring material and assembly costs, alongside manufacturing yields, to a point where product economics functioned properly. The initial goal of the project, which began with the One Key Module Developer Program opened in December 2025, was to create custom ultra-low-profile keyboards and Input Modules for the Framework Laptop 16.

After three years of prototyping and gathering developer feedback, Framework decided the keyboard module could not become a sellable product. According to the company, per-key costs resulted in breakeven pricing that was too high to enable high volume sales. Neither Framework nor its suppliers could take on the manufacturing overhead of such a complex product at low volumes.

Hardware complexity also posed a significant challenge during development. Even expert DIYers and electronics tinkerers who collaborated through the developer program struggled to reliably assemble the One Key Module into their designs. Parts of the module proved too fragile for easy handling, which is problematic for DIY hardware projects.

Although the module will not see a wider release, Framework is giving away its remaining prototype development modules to those who helped build the project. The company also uploaded open source documentation and firmware for its laptop input module systems to GitHub, and highlighted early developer designs on its blog.