this post was submitted on 04 Nov 2024
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

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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

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Does the keyboard I want exist? (lemmy.world)
submitted 2 weeks ago by spacemanspiffy@lemmy.world to c/ergomechkeyboards@lemmy.world
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This is admittedly a lazy post where I show that I haven't done much research.

Whenever I start searching around online, I find tons of smaller companies selling ergo keyboards or parts for keyboards, but they are always very pricey and don't match the layout I want. I quickly give up since it can take long to search store-by-store online.

The keyboard of my dreams has:

  1. All (104) the keys. This means arrow keys and as numpad. I like the layout of my current keyboard (below). I guess this is called a "full keyboard"?
  2. Mechanical and with plenty of clackedy clack in the keys.
  3. Corded with USB (I still miss PS/2 :))
  4. Is curved, similar to this one.
  5. Has the "Y" key on the left side of the gap! This is my biggest sticking point. I have realized that I type the "Y" key with my left hand 99% of the time and I don't want to change.
  6. I am also willing to investigate split design keyboards if the "Y" is on the left and a numpad can exist separately which I could put to the right of my mouse. But still I'd prefer that to be attached.
  7. I don't care about RGB or lights or much else. Take it or leave it.

For reference, this is my current keyboard and I actually quite love it. I just wish it was curved.

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[–] spacemanspiffy@lemmy.world 3 points 2 weeks ago (1 children)

You and another have suggested this. It may be the way to go. Any resources you'd recommend to get me started?

[–] Grimy@lemmy.world 4 points 2 weeks ago* (last edited 2 weeks ago)

Hard to say, I would start with a macropad. There are a lot of project out there so you can browse around until you find something you like.

Here is a recent one: https://hackaday.com/2024/10/21/zero-to-custom-macropad-in-37-easy-steps/

It requires quite a bit of skills and tools, although jlcpcb can solder on the components for you so you can focus on only designing if you wish.

I would use Kicad to make the schematic and pcb, and Fusion 360 for any 3d modeling. Fusion has a free non commercial version, you just have to find it. They kind of hide it on their main website.

I like phils lab on YouTube for pcb design stuff but he isn't exactly beginner friendly and mainly focuses on audio related things.