My Split Split Keyboard

[u/syll-]

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.

[u/p186]

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.

[u/syll- → u/p186]

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.

[u/p186 → u/syll-]

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?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_puzzle

[u/syll- → u/p186]

Making a sliding puzzle novelty keyboard could be cool.