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Sp4m’s Modular Cyberdeck Creation Kit is a modular cyberdeck project, not a retail kit: it combines printable structural parts with materials and hardware the maker already had. In the version Hackaday covered at DEFCON 31, a removable Steam Deck served as the host, alongside a repurposed wired Apple keyboard and trackpad.
What the Modular Cyberdeck Creation Kit is
Hackaday reporter Brian McEvoy encountered Sp4m and the build at DEFCON 31. His feature, published August 22, 2023, describes a design approach rather than a packaged product or complete set of construction instructions: print parts that let a builder assemble a usable cyberdeck from those parts and other materials already on hand. Read the Hackaday feature.
The article documents one iteration. It does not provide a complete bill of materials, price, downloadable build files, or enough construction detail to reproduce the setup exactly. “Creation Kit” is the project’s name, not evidence that a commercially available kit is being sold.
How the reported setup is assembled
Steam Deck host
A Steam Deck is the host computer in the reported version, and Hackaday describes it as removable. The feature also says the hardware collection can work with many USB-C tablets. That is a broad design-capability statement: it does not list tested tablets, explain connection requirements, or establish fit and compatibility for a particular model.
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#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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Repurposed keyboard and trackpad
The build uses a wired Apple keyboard and trackpad that Sp4m had found discarded. The feature says part of the trackpad is covered by the assembly, but enough remains exposed for scrolling and mouse movement. Hackaday describes the arrangement as reducing the footprint by almost six inches; it does not specify how that measurement was taken.
Carrying structure and rail
The assembly hangs from a metal handle with a sling. The article also notes a printed Weaver rail. It describes the setup as battery-heavy but gives no battery model, capacity, measured weight, or runtime, so those practical details cannot be assessed from the feature.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
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- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
What modularity means for a builder
The project’s central idea is the combination of printable structure with available materials and repurposed devices—not a universal chassis with proven fit for every host. A useful way to assess similar builds is to look for evidence in five areas:
- Host interchangeability: Which computers or tablets have actually been fitted, and what interface and physical-fit details are documented?
- Fabrication: Which components are printed, and which depend on repurposed or otherwise available parts?
- Portability: Are total weight, battery capacity, and runtime reported under stated conditions?
- Input ergonomics: Can the keyboard and pointing device be used comfortably, and what footprint trade-offs are described?
- Durability: Does the modular structure remain rigid as components are added?
The Hackaday feature offers some design detail, but not consistent measurements across these areas. It therefore supports understanding the concept, not a quantitative ranking against other cyberdecks.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Contest context and a separate modular example
Hackaday’s September 7, 2023 contest roundup says each of the top three 2023 Cyberdeck Challenge entries received $150 in DigiKey credit, while special-category entries received $50 Tindie gift cards. Those are historical award details, not evidence that Sp4m’s build won an award or that either company sponsored it. The project feature was published while judging was still underway. See Hackaday’s contest roundup.
For a separate example of modular fabrication, MIT’s FabDeck documentation describes a portable fabrication and tool deck using methods such as FDM and SLA printing, laser cutting, and waterjetting, with materials including PLA, TPU, stainless steel, acrylic, and circuit-board laminate. Its author also reports limitations, including rail sag or delamination after several modules were added. FabDeck is a different project; those methods and durability observations should not be attributed to Sp4m’s kit. Read the MIT FabDeck documentation.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the feature does—and does not—establish
The reported build shows one way to make a wearable, modular cyberdeck by combining printed parts, a removable Steam Deck, and salvaged wired input devices. It does not establish universal USB-C tablet compatibility, provide a reproducible parts list, or document battery performance. Anyone considering a similar build would need to verify the dimensions, connections, power requirements, and structural performance for their own components.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
- Dual Converters, Infinite Potential：Includes 2× USB C male to USB A female adapters and 2× USB A male to USB C female adapters. Perfect for a wide range of uses—tablets with Bluetooth keyboards, expand USB ports on macbook, and more. Two different converters for all your daily needs
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- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
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