I've dreamed about having a portable "cyberdeck" similar to this. With computers as small as a Pi Zero and hi-res screens as small as on iPad (ha!), the reality

I've dreamed about having a portable "cyberdeck" similar to this. With computers as small as a Pi Zero and hi-res screens as small as on iPad (ha!), the reality is closer than ever. I definitely plan on creating one after I go over one hurdle: the input device. Before you read what I have to say next: Yes, I know I could simply get a ThinkPad with an integrated TrackPoint keyboard. I like those a lot and they solve the problem, but I believe a more functional solution is possible. My goal is to create a custom input device that includes both a joystick mouse and programmable firmware via QMK. While a handy ThinkPad keyboard has several dozens of individual keys, I have found that things like dedicated arrow keys and F-row keys are unnecessary when QMK keymaps give me "layers" to shuffle around custom layouts. A 4x12 key build (48-keys) should be both enough and plenty when the point is to keep my fingers all on the home row anyway. It's been done before by numerous people in custom builds - creating mine is simply a personal rite of passage. Will submit to HN after completion.