ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

Rules

Keep it ergo

Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)

i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²

¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid

No Spam

No excessive posting/"shilling" for commercial purposes. Vendors are permitted to promote their products/services but keep it to a minimum and use the [vendor] flair. Posts that appear to be marketing without being transparent about it will be removed.

No Buy/Sell/Trade

This subreddit is not a marketplace, please post on r/mechmarket or other relevant marketplace.

Some useful links

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
251
 
 

Hey! Marshall here from Skree LLC. I'm so very lazy at posting advertisements and community updates but I figured I should get off my butt and do something.

So I've been at this for about a year. The rave reviews and many customers turned friends I've made leads me to assume my work is at least of pretty good quality! I make only wireless builds unless you want something specifically custom.

My dactyls can be ordered with whatever switches you want, they're all hotswap too! I produce custom keycaps to your specifications, including font, format, size, position, etc!

I've got lots of new stuff on the horizon! Choc dactyls, choc flexible pcbs, custom MCU-breakout boards that allow for near ZERO soldering thanks to the use of FPC and JST cables! Just assembled a pick and place machine for all custom pcb manufacturing!

You can check out my reviews, customer photos, and work at SKREE.us or etsy.com/shop/TheBigSkree

If you want any custom work at all let me know! I'm always looking for fun projects!

PS: If you want kinesis board work, be it foam, switchs changed, or even repairs I'm far quicker and have no "lead time" like the current other options!

252
 
 

CB34S is a 34 key column-staggered choc unibody keyboard that has wireless capabilities with the Nice!Nano and supports a Nice!View display. It's my second attempt at a PCB design and I couldn't have done it without the wonderful community.

The PCB is of course open sourced and can be found here: https://github.com/bubbleology/CB34S

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Yeah, it's a lot, isn't it?

This is the most feature-rich build I've done yet at Wylderbuilds.

It's a... (big breath in)... Full 6x7 Dactyl Manuform printed in translucent blue PLA with full hot-swap support, dual trackballs, dual OLED screens, dual rotary encoders, underglow RGB, running QMK... wheeze... with Vial support... gasp... on Pi Pico controllers!

It's not for jotting down grocery lists.

Well, unless it's the grocery list of the gods.

In other news, our back-to-school sale is still on. Get 10% off all orders of $50 or more with code ERGONOMICS-101. Sale ends on August 31st, so act... Well, that's like over two weeks away, so you've got time.

But feel free to browse!

Full Builds

PLA Case Prints

Resin Case Prints

DIY Build Kit

Cheers!

Andy @ Wylderbuilds

PS. The switches shown are my test switches used during builds. They're not included in the build as it's fully hot swap capable, so customers can use any switches they like. The switches on the left are Kailh Speed Copper and on the right they're Kailh Purple Pros. I didn't have enough of either for the whole, vast keyboard.

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submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by [email protected] to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Top is Das Pro 4, bottom is ErgoDox EZ

Love the customization and quickly learning to love the split keyboard. The non-staggered keys are going to take me a long time to get used to. I'm struggling with the bottom row and outer-edge keys the most.

Still happy with it but it's going to be a while before I can use it at work or for anything useful.

Edit*** Already doing a lot better! To be fair, this was an easier sentence...

255
 
 

X-post from Reddit. Two new keycap profiles for Chocs.

256
 
 

Hello everyone! I recently open sourced the Kaly42, a cheap split Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard and, to celebrate the occasion, have decided to tell the story of how I went from a standard mechanical keyboard to the CSTC40 and eventually to designing and building a new keyboard! The files are available here and the video here! If any of that interests you, please check them out, it would mean a lot to me!

257
 
 

Cross posting since I thought people in this community might also appreciate this trick.

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UT22 by Bubbleology (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by apfel to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Have been using the UT22 with the Taipo layout for a while now and am very happy with it. (Nowhere near my usual speeds yet, but very usable for recreational purposes!)

The case is Bubbleology's own closed-source design, which he kindly allowed me to get printed.

The firmware I'm using can be found here. :)

259
 
 

Hi I'm new to building mechanical keyboard. Can I use this diode as a smd component for the corne keyboard build (https://www.lazada.co.th/products/1n4148-1n4007-1n5819-uf4007-sma-us1m-1n4148w-smd-rectifier-diode-schottky-diodes-1206-sod-123-sod-323-i4178566886-s16430479982.html) thanks in advance

260
 
 

Coming up with a new layout is HARD :D

The main constraints of a Corne-style keyboard is that there are much less keys available than what's necessary to write any latin-script language besides English.

One of the main design principles I had was to push all accented characters on an accent layer, breaking with Bépo where almost all of them are directly accessible (but need a full-size keyboard to work), despite some characters like é or à being much more common than Z or K for example.

My main goal was to optimize for French first, English second. Home row is pretty good for both and based on the Bépo layout, except U which seems pretty useless in English. Top row is OK I guess. More skewed towards French, but still rather optimized for both. Bottom row is good for French despite keeping the ZXCV cluster, the right part is not great for English. W and K are pushed to slightly less accessible positions because they are basically never used in French. But they are relatively common in English. So IDK.

261
 
 

Loving it so far. Moved from a Corne and the pinky stagger and especially the thumb cluster are so much more comfortable for me on this one.

Currently using Gateron Brown v3 switches and Cheap OEM profiles from Aliexpress

262
 
 

@ergomechkeyboards Num row feels different today but cat tail why.

263
 
 

My 3rd build - atreyu rev2

Layout:

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125
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by annoyed_onion to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Been using this for a while now, had a kinesis advantage 2 but wanted more customisation without paying a premium for the new advantage 360.

There's no led lighting so the battery lasts forever. Haven't timed it but reckon I get at least a month out of it coding 8 hours a day

Build details:

3d file: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2666676

switches: lubed Gazzew Boba gum pink silent Linear Bobagum - 5pin 62g spring

controllers: nice!nano powered by some 820mAh batteries

Keycaps: mix of YMDK DSA Profile PBT Blank Keycap Set for Ergo Ergodox and Glorious ABS-Doubleshot

Mouse: Razer Basilisk X Hyperspeed that have had their dodgy switches swapped out for Kailh Red Switch

Bonus pic of my messy wiring:

265
 
 

Just got the Keychrone Q11 with Keychrone k pro Banana Switches.

Feels nice, but to quickly increase the Thock, i added more foam (just used the foam form the packaging).

The sound is a bit un-uniform because of the build style, but the profile of the keyboard is nice and low.

i really need help for what to do with the left knob.

266
53
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by WFH to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Thanks to everyone here for the suggestions. Key pitch is now 19mm, I've removed the top row and added a second index column.

I'm not really pleased with the arrow pad placement, but I haven't found any better place yet.

I'm still working on the layout...

267
18
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by MickiusMousius to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Hi all, I made a chasis & travel case for my Corne so I could take it to & from work easily whilst testing the Corne form factor.

So far it has been working quite well for me.

Hopefully someone else might also find it useful.

In the mean time I'm working on a new keyboard design that has the same basic form factor as a Corne with the following additions:

  • Since I move between Windows & Mac I've added two additional buttons to the bottom row.
  • I've added EVQ encoders in the place of TRS jacks as the build is 100% wireless.
  • I've also increased the battery size to ~250mAh without changing build thickness.
  • I've added a single colour backlight circuit.
  • A fully 3D printable chassis & travel case.
  • Depending on the cost I'll also be doing an aluminium case, but I think that may be too expensive (I'll see I guess).

Boards are coming from JLPCB soon, if the whole thing works I'll open source it & post here.

268
11
Mechanical Musical Keyboard? (self.ergomechkeyboards)
submitted 1 year ago by nydas to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

I’ve never been much of a musical person. But my kid was playing with a toy piano the other day, pressing buttons and whatnot. I lay my fingers on the keyboard and thought “hmmm… kinda like the home row”.

So my question to the community: have any of you built musical keyboards? Did you post a blog or guide? At first I was thinking a choc switch with a custom long cap that was held off a pivot point at one end and attached to the switch at the other. But musical keyboards vary sound depending on how you press the note. So maybe Hall effect?

Anyway, keen to hear of any adventures down this road by others?

269
 
 

Took some getting used to - but after only a day I'm already back up to my usual typing speed and loving this setup!

Kensington Trackball Riser: https://www.printables.com/model/263594-kensington-slimblade-stand Moonlander Tent Kit: https://www.printables.com/model/385536-zsa-moonlander-tent-kit

270
 
 

My first design! Github link to the repo with pcbs and 3d printed components: https://github.com/dnlbauer/corax56-keyboard

271
 
 

Looks lovely. But too expensive for my wallet :(

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Help me pick a keyboard (self.ergomechkeyboards)
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by YellowAfterlife to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Some context: I write code and play videogames, primarily on Windows and currently on a Logitech K860, which I've been thinking of replacing with something that is less wide and/or two-piece. In looking into this I have discovered that there's quite a number of keyboards that fit my criteria, so I could use some help figuring out what's more likely to be a good choice.

What do I desire:

  • US-like QWERTY layout
    (LShift next to Z, horizontal or otherwise reasonable-sized Enter)
  • TKL (or otherwise not too wide)
  • Split
    (ideally two-part, but the classic 15(?)-degree triangle in the middle is also okay)
  • Probably a normal staggered layout (I touch-type, but it's not strict home-row typing)
  • Normal arrow keys
    (read: separate keys not requiring an Fn press/layer switch; Up-arrow being above Down-arrow)
  • Home/End keys next to arrow keys, or accessible via Fn+arrow
    (or a couple useless keys next to arrow keys that could be remapped)
  • A Delete key somewhere in that area
    (or another useless key that can be remapped)
  • Digit keys
  • A Windows/Option key

Nice to have:

  • F-keys (to use for keyboard shortcuts)
  • Tenting
  • (detachable?) palm supports
  • Wired connection or optional cable.

Things that don't mean too much:

  • Lighting
  • Key labels and their durability
  • High-end macro recording (key codes can be remapped on PC side)

Misc:

  • I've not owned enough mechanical keyboards to have a switch preference beyond "shouldn't take much force to press / shouldn't be too loud".
  • I can assemble and disassemble devices, but probably wouldn't find time to solder.
  • Not particularly limited in terms of budget - been a few years since I've last got a fancy keyboard.
  • I'm used to low-profile keyboards, though it's more about travel time and how much the keys poke out of the keyboard than actual key cap height.

What else I've used that's worth noting:

  • MSI GK-701 (non-split)
    Bought to see what was the fuss with Cherry MX brown switches, but couldn't get used to how tall this thing was (~4cm).
  • Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Desktop
    Very good keyboard layout, somewhat stiff (?) keys and clicky F-keys.
  • HAVIT HV-KB390L (non-split)
    A pretty pleasant TKL low-profile keyboard with Kailh white switches that I used for a little while before going back to split keyboards.
  • Logitech K860
    Better keys than Sculpt, but full-sized.
  • Perrixx/MoKo/etc. Foldable Keyboard (aka B.O.W. keyboard)
    It's a pocket comedy split keyboard. Not very high-quality, but beats typing on the phone, you know?
  • Logitech K280e (non-split)
    A curious low-profile, quiet (rubber-domed?) office keyboard that I use with secondary devices.

Considerations so far

Sculpt-likes (one-piece ~75%):

  • Perixx PERIDUO-606
    A mouse wheel in the middle?
  • Perixx PERIBOARD-613 B
    This one has a 4:1 Enter key. I think it's for people that like their RShift keys.
  • Perixx PERIBOARD-335 (TKL)
    A mass-market-ish keyboard with mechanical switches? That's neat. Not hot swap, but still!
  • Lenovo Go Wireless Split
    Apparently Lenovo made a conventional TKL split keyboard once.
  • BC Split Ergonomic
    Seems like an almost 1:1 replica of Sculpt layout, except for distribution of F-keys. UK layout only, I think?
  • X-Bows Knight
    Column-staggered, has a 2x2 Backspace key, and the most obnoxious website I've seen as of late.
  • Truly Ergonomic 229 Mechanical Keyboard
    A similar design to X-Bows, but with a more symmetrical layout. -Truly Ergonomic CLEAVE
    A slightly different design with a handful of large keys for your thumbs.

Two-piece (pre-assembled):

  • Goldtouch V2 (>75%)
    A seemingly normal rubber-domed keyboard.
  • Kinesis Freestyle2/Pro/Edge (>75%)
    A similar layout. I guess this one made it big because every other split keyboard post I find includes a sponsored listing from Kinesis.
    And what's the difference between these? Switches, programmable buttons, and lighting?
  • Matias Ergo Pro (>75%)
    That's a quirky layout, but technically has all the buttons.
  • Cloud Nine ErgoTKL (>75%)
    A fairly Sculpt-like layout with a couple extra buttons.
  • Core Mechanics Project: 0001 (>75%)
    Pretty good layout and a couple macro keys too. A clean look.
  • Perixx PERIBOARD-524B (75%)
    A perfectly normal two-piece layout.
  • Goldtouch Go!2
    The wireless/scissor edition of the seemingly normal keyboard, now with a couple sacrifices and navigation keys on the left.
  • R-Go Split Break
    This is a different kind of a compact comedy keyboard, except it's a wired PC keyboard.

Two-piece (kits):

  • Mistel MD770 (75%)
    An (almost) perfectly normal layout that's split into two halves.
    650L seems similar sans the f-key row.
  • YMDK Split 64/75/84
    All QMK-based I believe?
  • Keychron Q11 QMK (75%-ish)
    Also a pretty normal layout featuring two knobs.
  • Keebio collections (65%..>75%)
    I've not even heard of some of these switches before, but Cepstrum looks intriguing.
  • Sinc R3 (>75%)

One-piece (kits):

  • Keychron Q8
    That's not how you curve a keyboard.
  • Feker Alice 80 (65%)
    A very sensible layout sans the relocated Win-key.
273
 
 

Alps SKCC green. Switches and caps were stolen off an IBM Pingmaster.

274
 
 

Hi all,

I'm happy to share my latest "remixed" boards that are evolutions of an unsplit/unibody design that I originally released at the beginning of this year. These designs are heavily inspired by and borrow aspects from a number of other keyboard designs, including bad-wings by Hazel and revxlp by Pete Johanson.

The remixed designs use Kailh Choc switches with moderate spacing (i.e., not too close). These can have either 55 keys or 64 keys. For each of these sizes, I created a variant that uses a Xiao Seeed module and another variant that uses the Waveshare RP2040-zero module.

Image

Image

For me, it was important to have inverted T-clusters for navigation. These boards have two clusters, one of which has the arrow keys, and the other has Home/End/PgUp/PgDn. I also wanted to minimize the amount of pinky finger reach on the 64-key designs (since I have relatively short pinky fingers).

275
29
submitted 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) by wylderbuilds to c/ergomechkeyboards
 
 

Of course, we're having a back-to-school sale! I mean, who isn't?

Get 10% off any order over $50 with checkout code ERGONOMICS-101.

Looking foward to going back to school? Yes? No?

Well, regardless, when writing those searingly insightful love sonnets to mitochondria, or another paper noting the potential link between neutrinos and hiccups, or your groundshaking thesis on the global seismic white noise caused by earthworms, please, PLEASE don't cramp up your fingers on those fugly membrane laptop keyboards.

Let your elucidations flow freely onto the digital page with a Dactyl Manuform ergonomic keyboard!

From minimalistic 3x5 kits to monstrous 6x7 beasts with ALL THE KEYS, we've got you covered.

Options abound: Single and dual trackballs, OLED screens, rotary encoders, underglow RGB, and now BLUETOOTH wireless.

We offer full builds as well as PLA or resin case prints and whole kit parts for a full do-it-yourself build.

Full Builds https://wylderbuilds.com/shop/p/dactyl-manuform-build

PLA Case Prints https://wylderbuilds.com/shop/p/made-to-order-dactyl-manuform-cases

Resin Case Prints https://wylderbuilds.com/shop/p/dactyl-manuform-resin-print

DIY Build Kit https://wylderbuilds.com/shop/p/manuform-diy-kit

Type like a GOD.

Cheers!

Andy @ Wylderbuilds

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