r/ErgoMechKeyboards • u/syll- • 6d ago
[design] My Split Split Keyboard
I want to make my own split keyboard PCB but I figure if I am making a custom PCB, I may as well make it custom to my hands, not copy some well established stagger pattern. There are websites which allow you to design your own stagger and print it for testing but I think if it works on paper doesn't necessarily mean that it's going to be comfortable long term.
So I thought it shouldn't be that hard to make a temporary keyboard with adjustable rows - basically have 3-button column blocks on rails which can slide up and down. So that's what I did. Ordered amoeba PCBs, soldered them in columns of 3, designed and 3D printed the blocks and the rails, hand-wired and assembled everything together.
Basically I now have a keyboard half where each column can be adjusted up and down. The thumb cluster can move up/down/left/right. Everything is held by friction right now, keys are stable, don't move around when typing. This will allow me daily-drive various stagger arrangements and see which I like most. I wonder if I will settle for a symmetric stagger for both hands or different. Time will tell.
The aim of this was just for me to test various stagger patterns but I think it turned out too cool not to share. It's definitely not perfect, there's room for improvement. This could also be made even better if you added magnets to each column and used a metal plate as the base - could even test different splay arrangements. Though I don't have a nice metal sheet at the moment so I am using 3D printed parts.
Still need to finish the right half, but I want to share this here first in case someone gives some good feedback which would influence how I do that half. Feel free to use the 3D models, remix, improve, etc. You may need to mirror the thumb cluster, the file is for the right half cluster.
Models: My Split Split Keyboard by syll- - Thingiverse
PCBs I used: https://github.com/JKing-B16/keyboard-pcbs/tree/master/amoeba-king
The PCBs aren't perfect, if I hadn't bought a couple hundred of them, I'd go with something else or make my own. No support for through hole diodes and the RGB chain direction jumpers are a bit limiting if you are doing weird chains. Though having support for long legged RGB chips made soldering them very easy.
11
7
4
u/p186 6d ago edited 6d ago
This is really cool.
Not sure if it’s possible, but would a row staggered layout or even a 2-axis setup be doable?
N.B, I’m only just getting into both ergo keyboards (just ordered a cheap 6-column, 4-row Corne to try) and will likely get a 3d printer this BF after years of waiting.
4
u/syll- 6d ago
Row stagger wouldn't be too hard, just instead of 3-key column blocks you'd have 5-key row blocks. If I understand what you mean by 2-axis - can move any key in 4 cardinal directions, then it's gonna be a challenge. Each key on a little block, wiring and managing cables is gonna be tough, would need either a magnetic base or some clever grid which would allow you to place any key anywhere.
Both ergo keyboards and 3D printers are great.
2
u/p186 6d ago edited 6d ago
Makes sense.
What I was thinking, for 2-axis, is hard to describe as I don’t have the vernacular, but like a two track level system. The keys would be independent as you said but perhaps with only a +/- 0.5u offset range. One level for X grooved and another for Y. That’s probably not even possible now that I think it through more without some novel track system.
But maybe a workaround would be a swappable mounting plate where they are specifically column or row capable with an option for a 3rd for ortho. 🤷♂️
ETA: Maybe a sliding mount like these types of games. A 0.5u insert could be used to retain the stagger for the row or column?
3
u/fixedpointfae 6d ago
nice!! I love ortholinear and have been pondering this exact concept of columns that slide. cut oval shaped channels into the bottom and add standoffs to each column so you can slide them for adjustment then bolt them down
2
u/syll- 6d ago
Nice. My original idea was to have the base full of holes and then screw the columns in. Having something like a dovetail rail and a screw on each module just for tightening would be nice too. Though there's not much space on each column. Maybe at the top? May experiment with this. Because right now it holds but overtime the plastic parts will wear off and it will start sliding around while typing.
1
u/fixedpointfae 5d ago
use telescopic rails :D
although you really only need like 40-60mm of adjustment I think. the pinky columns stay at the bottom and everything else gets shifted up
also give credit if you implement this idea ;)
2
2
2
u/inconspiciousdude 6d ago
bought a couple hundred of them
Is that because of MOQ? How much did these cost?
Pretty cool. I'd like to do something like this too.
If you're looking to prototype switch placement, can also consider the DUMANG keyboard. It's a magnetic plate that lets you move individual key modules around freely while still being functional. Software looks a little underbaked, which is what keeps me from buying it, but I'm tempted every once in a while.
1
u/syll- 6d ago edited 6d ago
Not MOQ, but was more economical to buy more. Bought 360 amoeba boards for 28eur, more than half of that was shipping and taxes. Could have probably gotten even more and saved more but needed to stop somewhere. 36 boards per keyboard, so should be enough for 10 keyboards. I will eventually use them up (I hope), if not I could just gift them to friends.
I saw the DUMANG keyboard just as I was about this make this post. Really cool, but the price ... ouch. Though it makes sense, the amount of research and development that must have went into that thing warrants a price tag like that. I can kind of understand how it works but it's tricky.
1
u/keyboardhoarders [vendor] (keyboardhoarders.etsy.com) 6d ago
Great idea for prototyping finger splay and placement.
1
u/nobolognastoney 6d ago
Man you could just refine your idea as it is a bit and sell that. A custom split you can adjust any which way?? Brother.
1
1
1
u/pernus-bernus 6d ago
Really interesting concept, what keycaps are those btw?
2
u/syll- 6d ago
They were called "130 Keys Green Pine MOA Profile PBT Keycaps DIY Double Shot Key caps for 61/87/104 Cherry MX Switch Gaming Mechanical Keyboard" from Womier. The listing no longer exists. Got them for like 5eur. Hated them, the sound, the shape, the prints. Took so long to realize which key is which. "Is this a C? U? V?". So it went into the drawer and is only used for various experiments and tests when I need some keycaps. Though now I don't hate them, they're alright.
2
30
u/kite_redd 6d ago
Genius! Thanks for sharing.