A pocket-sized cyberdeck does not usually come from a candy tin, but one project has turned that idea into a working machine. Built by Exercising Ingenuity, the compact device squeezes a computer, display, and mechanical keyboard into an Altoids can while still keeping the core functions intact.
What makes the build notable is not only its unusual housing, but also the amount of hardware it manages to fit inside such a tight metal shell. The result is a small but practical platform for light computing and electronics prototyping.
Raspberry Pi Zero at the center
The system uses a Raspberry Pi Zero as its main controller. It runs Raspberry Pi OS and handles the peripherals packed into the tiny enclosure.
For the display, the build uses a 2-inch LCD connected over SPI. That choice helps the device stay usable while matching the very limited space available inside the can.
Input also gets special treatment. Exercising Ingenuity added a miniature mechanical keyboard with a diode matrix and KMK firmware, giving the cyberdeck a tactile typing experience despite its unconventional size.
Designed to work beyond a desk
To make the device usable without relying entirely on a fixed power source, the build includes a UPS Hat for power management. That module helps maintain stable power delivery when the cyberdeck is used as a standalone device.
Thermal control also received attention. Thermal pads were added to help move heat away and improve reliability inside the tightly packed enclosure.
Those choices matter because every component is forced to operate in a confined space. Without careful power and thermal handling, stability would be harder to maintain during use.
A tight fit inside an Altoids can
Packing a Raspberry Pi Zero, a screen, and a mechanical keyboard into an Altoids tin required precise planning. Each part had to be positioned and soldered carefully so the case could close safely without damaging the hardware.
To keep everything in place, Exercising Ingenuity added a custom 3D-printed frame. The frame helps hold the components steady and supports durability when the device is carried around.
Physical changes to the tin were also necessary. The hinge was extended so the lid could close properly without pressing on the parts inside.
The metal Altoids body was a practical choice because it is sturdy and easy to find. At the same time, its dimensions leave very little room for error, which made structural modifications an important part of the build.
More than a novelty project
Although the form factor is tiny, the cyberdeck was not built as a display piece alone. It includes GPIO breakout pins, opening the door to hardware experiments and light prototyping with external components.
A compact USB hub adds more flexibility. It allows extra devices such as a mouse, another keyboard, or external storage to be connected when needed.
The display setup also required software and interface adjustments. Raspberry Pi OS had to be matched with the 2-inch LCD through SPI settings and software configuration before the screen worked properly.
Visual details were added as well. Engraved labels mark the ports and GPIO pins, making the device easier to use, while the faceplate was painted to give it a retro look that fits the cyberdeck theme.
The finished project combines vintage styling with dense DIY engineering. Inside a familiar candy tin, it turns a simple container into a portable home for usable mini-computing and electronics experimentation.
