Hardware Components

This page details all hardware components for the Sailfish Cyberdeck build, including the core phone, keyboard options, USB accessories, and optional enhancements.

Sony Xperia 10 V

The Xperia 10 V is the heart of this build. It's one of the best-supported devices for Sailfish OS with official Jolla support, and its compact 21:9 form factor works well in landscape for terminal use.

Device Specifications

Why This Phone?

• Official Sailfish OS support — Jolla sells licences specifically for this device
• USB OTG — External keyboards and hubs work properly
• Excellent battery life — 5000mAh gives all-day usage
• 21:9 aspect ratio — More horizontal space for terminal text in landscape
• Compact and light — 159g is very manageable for a portable build
• MicroSD expansion — Add storage for logs, configs, whatever
• Still functions as a phone — Normal device when not in cyberdeck mode

Keyboard Options

The keyboard is crucial for this build. You want something compact enough to be portable but large enough for actual touch typing. There are two main approaches: wired via USB-C hub, or Bluetooth.

Wired Keyboards (Recommended)

Wired connection via USB-C hub is more reliable and doesn't require managing another battery. The keyboard is always ready when you unfold the cyberdeck.

Budget-Friendly Options

The small Bluetooth folding keyboards commonly used in phone cyberdeck builds are usually terrible for extended typing — mushy keys, cramped layouts, questionable build quality. However, some cheap 60% mechs are surprisingly decent:

Switch Type Considerations

For terminal/coding use:

• Linear (Red/Black) — Smooth, quiet, good for speed. No tactile bump.
• Tactile (Brown) — Slight bump on actuation. Good feedback without the noise of clicky switches. Generally recommended.
• Clicky (Blue) — Loud, satisfying click. Annoying in public spaces. Probably not ideal for a portable device unless you enjoy hostile stares.

USB-C Hub

A compact USB-C hub connects the keyboard (and optionally provides pass-through charging). Keep it minimal — you don't need HDMI or ethernet on a device that can't use them.

Recommended Features

• At least 1x USB-A port (for keyboard)
• USB-C PD pass-through (optional but useful)
• Compact form factor
• Short cable or direct plug-in design

Example Hubs

Optional Components

External Battery Pack

The Xperia 10 V's 5000mAh battery is already excellent, but an integrated battery pack can extend sessions significantly or power the keyboard hub independently.

• Look for slim 5000-10000mAh packs that fit the chassis form factor
• USB-C PD output preferred for faster charging
• Consider Qi wireless charging pads if you want to avoid cables

Stylus

A capacitive stylus can be useful for terminal interactions when you don't want to reach for the touchscreen. The Xperia 10 V doesn't have active stylus support, so any generic capacitive stylus works.

Case/Screen Protection

If the cyberdeck chassis provides protection, you might not need a separate phone case. However, a screen protector (tempered glass) is still recommended to prevent scratches during assembly and daily use.

Headphones/Audio

The 3.5mm jack is a genuine advantage — use proper wired headphones or IEMs. The phone has stereo speakers but you probably don't want to be that person on the train blasting terminal beeps.

Bill of Materials

Minimum viable build cost estimate (UK pricing, approximate):

Measurements for Chassis Design

Critical dimensions you'll need for 3D modelling:

# Sony Xperia 10 V
Phone Width:    68.0 mm
Phone Height:  155.0 mm
Phone Depth:     8.3 mm
Screen Size:   6.1" diagonal (21:9)
USB Port:      Bottom centre

# Example: RK61 Keyboard
Keyboard Width:   293.0 mm
Keyboard Depth:   102.0 mm
Keyboard Height:   38.0 mm (with keycaps)
USB Port:         Left side or back (check model)

# Design Clearances
Phone bezel:      ~2mm all round
Keyboard flex:    ~1mm tolerance
Cable routing:    ~15mm channel
Hinge mechanism:  TBD based on design