Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
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
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Updated my planck a few months back, but thought I'd reshare here.
Board: Planck v6
Case: Wenge
Switches: Boba U4 55g (black)
Caps: DSA
I love that the image is marked 18 because it is indeed sexy asf!
I don't know a whole bunch about these smaller % boards, but I know that they have like, "layers" so one key can have multiple functions, right? How many layers does this one have and how long until you think you're home get used to it?
If you’re not familiar with layers, the best way to describe them are ‘multiple shift keys’. Keyboards already have multiple layer keys:
Basically it’s a key that when pressed in combination with a second key makes that second key return a difference value to ‘normal’. As keyboards get smaller, the simplest way to accommodate things is to add additional layers - a layer for numbers, and then you can remove the dedicated number keys; a layer for arrow keys and then you can remove these too.
You then get more complex with one-shot keys, home row mods, tap-dance etc.
I’ve been using a 36-key keyboard for a year or so now, and wouldn’t go bigger. Currently waiting on a PCB to be printed that is 24 keys. Will be interesting to see how I go with that one!
Didn't mean to mark it as 18... I'll see if I can fix it.
You're right: Layers are essential. I use three primary layers -- colemak dh, numpad, and nav -- along with several combos. Another key feature is what are called Callum-style mods, which are essentially "sticky", one-shot modifiers.
I've been using this layout for quite awhile now, so I'm pretty used to it. It took a month or so to switch from qwerty to colemak, but the switch to ortholinear (like this one) and column-staggered took under a week. Switching to home-row mods took a day, and switching from those to Callum took about a week.
Great looking keyboard
Gorgeous case & lid / wrist rest. What did you use for key blockers?
Just some black acrylic. Not my idea, but I'd have to go diving through reddit to find the original.
If I may be so bold, you may be thinking of my white-on-white Planck that I posted to Reddit a year or so ago, that I blanked with acrylic rectangles and double sided tape.
Yep -- that sounds like it! Great idea and sleek look.