this post was submitted on 30 Oct 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

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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

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Hi. I've been using Dactyl Manuforms for quite a few years now. Settled down with a 5 column with an extremely sculpted SA keycaps and bobba u4t switches. I use only 2/3 thumb keys regularly but enjoy having more.

I'm interested to know if anyone thinks an alternative is worth trying ? Any input would be appreciated!

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[–] DanL4 3 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (4 children)

I'd love to try it out! Looking forward to it.

Do you intend sharing it in this sub?

Now to look for a good and not too expensive place to print it :-)

Edit: Forgot to ask - is it too thin to handwire? Was hoping to keep it cheap.

[–] demibyte 2 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Yes I will share on this sub. Since you are interested though you are welcome take a look at my github early. Added a 3x5 version of the case there as well (not tested printing).

Hand-wiring shouldn't be much more difficult than my first build with per key pcbs. It is pretty thin though and assembly will be a bit tricky regardless of how it's wired. For printing I've only tried with MJF and SLS and I didn't really take into consideration any limitations of Resin or FDM printing. I don't think there is anything that would make printing any of the parts with those techniques (though maybe some parts are a little thin for FDM) so keep that in mind.

[–] DanL4 2 points 1 year ago (2 children)

Wow, Thank you! For the 5 column fix especially. That's very generous of you.

I know next to nothing about 30 printing, I intend to order it from some service. Any settings I should ask for? Which would be altogether better, MJF or SLS?

[–] demibyte 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

You're welcome, like I said was easy enough to chop off a column.

I'm in more less the same boat as far as printing goes. Either MJF or SLS will be fine. This iteration as MJF previous was SLS. MJF is a little nicer imo. Smoother surface finish and it can be dyed black. SLS is a little cheaper though. I used jlcpcb and didn't ask them to do anything special.

[–] DanL4 3 points 1 year ago

I'll look at the design and maybe order it this evening.

I'll also see how easy it could be to connect a xiao ble controller instead.