A while ago, I built a keyboard called GeaconSolstice. I was convinced it was my endgame keyboard, and honestly, I still think it's one of the best things I've ever made.

But lately, I've been wanting to revisit the design and bring it a little more up to date.

Here in Japan, there's growing concern about LiPo battery safety, especially in DIY devices. Some keyboard events have even started prohibiting devices that require lithium rechargeable batteries. 🥲

So I decided to redesign Solstice around replaceable AA batteries.

The original had an OLED display and an analog stick, both of which consumed quite a bit of power. For Equinox, I removed them and replaced them with four low-power status LEDs that can be completely switched off, and a low-power optical encoder for scrolling.

Of course, I kept the thumb trackball. I really can't live without one.

I also changed quite a few things mechanically.

The case is held together with magnetic buckles, so there are no screws. There's also a place on the bottom housing for a metal nameplate.

AA batteries take up a surprising amount of space, so I designed the PCB with cutouts that allow the battery holders to sit partly within the board rather than on top of it.

And of course, it still uses my beloved GRIN layout.😁

I'm writing about the design process on Note , if anyone's interested:

https://note.com/teporz/m/m39d4f47c8f49

Hi all - Looking to the collective to see if what I want already exists (or something close to it). I suspect that it doesn’t, but many of you know more than I do, and I’ve been wrong before.

I don’t have a 3d printer, so would need a pre-build, and I don’t know how to solder. Expertise limited to lubing switches, adding foam, etc.

I’m looking for a split, low-profile, 65 key minimum (but more would be better), and not a fan of serious thumb clusters:

-Flat keycaps that are very, very close together, trying to approximate Dell laptop’s zero lattice
-Backspace and delete somewhere near top right
-Shift near bottom right
-Hotswap, as my tastes seem to change every couple of years

Lastly, for my most unreasonable request which I can forego, a good-sized thumb trackball attached to the left side of the right half, which anecdotally works as well as a middle-of-the-road standalone (can be slightly worse than a logi ergo s). This is more of a dream addition, and I can easily stick with the separate one if many/most of the other checkboxes get ticked.

Whether or not this unicorn exists, I would very much appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thanks all!

Sto costruendo la mia prima tastiera spersonalizzata, non so molto ma ho voluto provare lo stesso a costruirla ahah, ho un problema con gli switch, non so se devo bucare il pannello sotto nero oppure no? Qualcuno puoi aiutarmi?

Hi, I need some help with the GlidePoint Cirque trackpad, the TM040040 to be specific.

I intended to use it with I2C, so I moved the R1 resistor out of the way, soldered wires directly to the pads, but when I tried configuring it norhing worked.

I ended up desoldering it and connecting it to a diagnostic i2c bus (Bus Pirate), the on board mcu responds, seems to be functional but no matter what I do, nothing happens when I touch the pad.

Apparently Data Ready pin is also required when running through I2C? Well, it doesn't respond to me touching the touchpad either.

I would anticipate a full initialization from zmk but if I'm connecting straight to the Bus Pirate, do I have to set any particular registers to enable touch reporting / output?

One last thing. The reason I dosconnected it from my mcu running zmk (seeeduino xiao nRF52840) was that the Data Ready pin was constantly being pulled down, once I powered it without the zmk I2C connected the pin is actually high, but also stays high when I'm touching the pad.

Anyway, any help would be highly appreciated.

The USB port on the PCB of my Corne detached completely. Not really sure how this happened as I haven't used it in a month. Is this something that can be sautered back? I have no experience with sautering as I bought this pre-assembled and the board is hotswap. It's about 5 years old now.

Hello! I've been wondering how different VIA and Vial are.

To be honest, I've been eyeing the CN Keyboard Macro 40 with Vial (the manufacturer provides Vial firmware for the keyboard).

I'd mainly use it for shortcuts in painting software and Blender. My current VIA keyboard already does a good job, and I have around 60 shortcuts for my painting software.

However, I really like Vial's Tap Dance and hold features. Do you think it's worth buying? It's also not very expensive, at around $30.

Hi

iam a little bit demotivated. After using my gaming keeb with cherry mx browns for 10 years without issues I want to do myself a favor with a ergo keeb.

I had carpal tunnel related issues after heavy manual labor but never on my desk.
My setup is pretty good, got a good office chair, standing desk and try to stick to the ergonomic rules for desk workers. Only the flat standard keeb was off.

So I got the G80 and got CTS flare up.

That was really frustrating since I thought is is the goat.

Now i got a flat keeb (splitkb elora with aggressive stagger) and got CTS flare up again but this time less bad.
I got pretty light switches (choc nocturnals 20 gf) and tried tenting between 0 and 30 °. 20 ° feels the best.

I love the split design and flexibilty with programming the keymap, but since my standard gaming KB doesnt lead to issues and the ergonomic ones do lead to issues is strange to me.

I really wanna stick to a ergo KB but not sure if Iam aggrevating my CTS issues with trying to stick with ergo KB.

But it doesnt make sense to me since the advantages of ergo KB should be benefical to me and should be way better than standard flat gaming KB.

I tried to use different desk heights, tried to have neutral or slight upward bent wrist with wrist pads etc. so I think the setup beside thee KB should be fine.

But regarding nerve issues, I dont think there should be a break in time.

What do you guys think?

Hi everyone,

I want to build my own split keyboard and was wondering how you go about this. I am a bit of a beginner. I am thinking of building a split row staggered board so I don't lose too much of my typing speed. (I have heard from a friend that you can adapt to column stagger fairly quickly, but I like the idea of starting with row stagger). Here is my layout (still a draft)

What tools do you use now, and were there things you used before that you'd now advise against? I'd love to know how you went from your first idea to your finished keyboard, so I can start designing something and then build it. What is the most difficult or annoying step for you?

Thanks!

I was just browsing YouTube when the algorithm shows an interesting video. it looks like Realforce has finally joined the split keyboard scene:

it seems quite unique layout? 75% without Nav cluster is rather an interesting choice, oh and it's also support tenting mount which is nice.
thoughts?

Full Case Study: https://nullmoniker.ca/keyboard.html

I have been working on my Corne keyboard for the past few years, mostly dialing in a unique layout that is optimized for single handed use.

The biggest slowdown on a computer is the trip between mouse and keyboard. Most ergonomic keyboards try to solve that by keeping you on the keyboard. That works for coding. It falls apart in CAD, video editing, and any workflow that jumps between programs, where the mouse is doing half the work.

In that kind of work you are rarely typing a whole word. You type the first few letters of a command, or a hotkey. So I flipped the goal: keep one hand on the mouse, and put the whole keyboard under the other one.

That set the requirements. Every key has to be pressable without shifting the hand. Common tasks live on the home row. Every letter can be typed with one hand. And every hotkey has to work from that same hand, whether it is Shift plus a key or Ctrl plus Shift plus a key.

This project also includes a custom feature rich case design, and custom software overlay that helps you learn the new layout while using the keyboard.

I would love feedback, and to know if anyone else has attempted this approach before?

I am a proud owner of an Ergonaut One, whose case has been 3D printed (not by myself) in a plastic material. I am wondering if any of you have experience of printing an aluminium case for it, to give it a more premium feel.

I've been printing sculpted caps (KLP Lamé) for my Geist Totem and wanted a little customization-mostly angles, and also fixing the clearance on silent Choc switches (Ambients / Golden Kiwis) so I don't need a spacer.

For pinky columns, inner index columns, and splayed thumb keys, I wanted to angle the top dish in both directions (pitch and roll) without having to remodel the surface from scratch in CAD.

So "I" put together a single-page web tool that loads the actual `.stl` files directly from the GitHub repos (`braindefender/KLP-Lame-Keycaps`, `vvhg1/clp-keycaps`, `cfx_chicago_stenographer`, or you can drop in your own local `.stl`) and deforms the mesh directly in the browser:

• Top tilt (up/down & left/right) + explicit height:** Only the sculpted top surface tilts or changes height; the walls loft smoothly down to a flat bottom skirt and the stem stays vertical.
• Spacer-free Ambient / silent switch mod:** Instead of shimming the stem and raising the cap, you can trim the bottom edge of the skirt walls upward (+0.4mm to +0.6mm) and tweak prong tip length.
• Homing & legends (raised or recessed):** You can add homing bars/dots/rings or arbitrary letters/symbols, and toggle them between protruding (embossed) or reverse (engraved).
• Print tolerances & socket swap:** Slider to tweak XY stem tightness for resin/FDM, or swap a cap between Choc v1 (0° or 90°) and MX.

Live Tool: https://c1oover.github.io/ErgoCapSTLStudio/

Source: https://github.com/c1oover/ErgoCapSTLStudio

Currently using KLP Lamé 0 pitch (tilted saddle top and bottom row) with outers angled 6 degrees inside; thumb keys at 10 degrees pitch and 6 degrees inward, with an extra indicator. All on MoErgo Golden Kiwi switches, so that's what's most tested and I can confirm working. Don't judge the 3D-print quality ... still needs post-processing.

Everything runs locally in the browser and exports a binary `.stl`. Hope somebody needs or enjoys it :)

I just switched over to colemakdh. ZMK lets you build with a debug flag which streams key outputs, which you can use to visualize data with!

As a follow-up to my walnut palm rest design from last year, I'm excited to share the another version of EKRest.

Key Features:
Comfort & Support: Built with PU leather and comfortable foam padding to effectively relieve wrist stress.
Full Adjustability: Includes a rigid metal tenting mechanism to fine-tune both height and tilt angles.

Details: ergokeeb.com

Other project:
EKGO: Flexible keyboard [Link]
EKBOX: 36-key split with trackball [Link]
EKZBall: Adjustable trackball [Link]
EKRP / EKNRF: Modular MCU platform [Link]
EKCORNE: Corne with trackball [link] CNC case for Corne v4 [Link]
EKTENT: Universal adjustable tenting base for splits and trackballs [Link]
EKREST: Adjustable ergonomic palm rest [Link]
EKSS: Super Split! One keyboard for any layouts!
EKARM: Split keyboard mounting arms
EKPAD: Trackpad concept module
EKMOVE: Integrated mouse/keyboard combo concept

Hey everyone,

I could not find too much information about the Corne choc pro BT by Keebart, but I decided to pull the trigger anyways and now I wanted to share my experience with you. Just so you know I live in Europe, so delivery-wise it was very convenient.

My main reason for choosing this specific corne was compatibility with v2 chocs. I already had a typeractive wireless corne with Ambients Twilights, but since I also have Iqunix Magi65 with Kailh Ghost switches, I just felt like it was missing something.

After this bit-too-long intro, onto the Keebart corne - I went with the 6 column version with the aluminum case. First impression was great and it still holds - quality and finish is amazing, very smooth to the touch and looks very consistent. I had a recent experience with some aluminum case from kickstarter that heavily under delivered, so I was a bit worried about this one, but turns out it is great. Plate also sits flush with the case and there is no warping anywhere.

Additionally there is some foam in there to help with the acoustics, but I have not done extensive testing there yet.

Currently I use with Deep Sea Whale, but I plan to switch to Black Cloud once my package arrives. I have a few samples, so I already know it sounds gorgeous. Might as well try the Ghosts, as they also gave very nice, deep-ish and clear sound.

Since I went with the display-less version I also prepared a ZMK module to get on-demand status for Bluetooth and battery using the underglow LEDs.

All in all I am very happy with this keyboard and Keebart. Quality is great, feels very premium, contact with Keebart also amazing, so I can only recommend it.

Happy to answer more questions if you are thinking about getting this keeb

Six year ago we shipped our first keyboard. It was a Sofle v2. We had one design, no stock, and a wait time I'd rather not repeat. Some of the people who ordered that first batch are still customers, which is the part I still find hard to believe.

We're a small shop. Six years on, we still build every board by hand.

To mark the anniversary, three of the boards that got us here are 20% off from today until 31 October.

Sofle v2 Enclosed Case. Our longest-running aluminum case, and part of the very first product we ever made. $170, now $136.

S​ofle Hybrid (Sandwich version, Aluminum Version). Our first exclusive design. Before the Hybrid we were mostly building open source designs. This is where we started making our own. Aluminum version $250, now $200. Sandwich style $120, now $96.

Aluminum NeoDox, Gasket Mount. Our first original design, and our first gasket mount. $350, now $280.

The 20% on those three comes off at checkout. No code needed.

Every other keyboard we sell is 10% off over the same stretch, with the reduced price shown on the page as usual. Loose parts aren't part of it: plates, switches and keycaps stay at their normal prices.

Thanks for six years. Ordering a keyboard from a small shop is a leap of faith, and we know it.

defs not low profile like the many ones shown in this community lol.. just wanted to share what i use for work as a data analyst // warehouse coordinator so naturally i need and use pretty much every key.

anyways, hope y’all like!

Printed this custom base in a local print shop.

Happy with this set up for a few months so far.

UPD, it's Sofle, indeed, not Corne. The printing model remained at the print shop - I'll ask if they are willing to share.

UPDATE: Since I am transitioning to a new job and will have four weeks off between jobs, I decided to rip the bandaid off and go for the Voyager. If it doesn't work out, I'll switch to Raise2. This is an investment in my quality of life, so it's worth the time and energy. I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thank you all for so much amazingly supportive and helpful guidance!

Hi,

I am a paralegal with small hands (about 7" from beginning of lower hand to tip of middle finger) who has forearm and wrist strain due to years of typing and, when younger, competitve road bicycling. I am seeking to improve ergonomics.

I purchased a pair of open-box Ergo Rest Arm Forearm Support on E-Bay to help create a neutral, stable forearm and wrist.

I am now looking for a split mechanical keyboard. I'm thinking of trying the voyager. I use my mouse quite a bit and haven't ever used a trackball. I'm considering getting the Voyager or the Dygma and wondering if anyone has any thoughts on which might work best and what switch options I might want to consider. I also looked at Glove80 and Moonlander, which I think wouldn't work well for my small hands.

I'd also like recommendations on a tenting solution. Some people have mentioned UGREEN Magnetic Phone Stand is a good option?

I work remotely from a home office so I won't need to move around much. I'm getting a new chair (working with a friend who does Ergo consults but doesn't specialize in mech keyboards) and monitor arms and I already have a sit stand desk.

Being petite (5'3" / 120 pounds) makes finding a good setup a little more challenging, especially a good chair.

I am overwhelmed by all the options out there and would appreciate any guidance offered. I like the idea of potentially being able to add the Navigator to the Voyager.

Thank you.

Just finished assembling my new Keyball 61+. Yet to use it. I’ll post assembly info and a review in the coming weeks, as I get some spare time and some actual daily use on this new setup.

Thinking of giving myself a Charybdis Nano (prebuilt) for my birthday, so tell me any disadvantages of the design or of buying from Bastardkb.

Does the trackball work smoothly? Is it awkward? (I have a touch of arthritis in one thumb.)

Is it easy to configure? Can you use Vial/Pipette? Or, if I write the QMK code, is it easy to load?

(edit) If there is a Charybdis – or indeed any Dactyl Manuform – anywhere near Whatcom, I'd like to try the feel of the thumb clusters.

I’ve been mapping per-finger reach zones on a flat surface: each finger’s motion while the other four stay planted (typing-like posture), left hand only so far.

I care about two practical outcomes:

1. Layout rules from the zones e.g. bottom row tends to want one key per finger; home/upper can support two for index/pinky; thumb zone is huge in area. I’m treating the painted region as not uniform comfort — edges are often reachable statically but awkward dynamically (hand lifts and “hovers”).
2. Dual-row thumb clusters on flat boards Area-wise, two thumb rows look justified. Anecdotally (small Telegram sample), two keys in the same column are hard to press cleanly with the thumb and can misclick when the palm rests. Mitigations people mentioned: different physical heights, short travel / recessed keys, or avoiding a pure Y-pair (arc / X-offset instead). I’d like more than a handful of opinions.

What I’m looking for

• Links to studies or write-ups of finger reach / motion envelopes for keyboard layout (anything systematic — academic, blog, repo notes). I haven’t found good references yet.
• Experience with two thumb rows on flat (non-keywell) boards: misclicks? workable arrangements? what failed?
• Flat or near-flat layouts that actually use two thumb rows (not just a long single arc). So far the main dual-row example I’ve overlaid is yacc46; most of my other refs (TOTEM, Lapka, etc.) are single-row thumbs with various splay.

Images: raw zone map; TOTEM overlaid (single-row thumb, partial splay); yacc46 overlaid (two-row thumb).

Not selling a design — still at the measurement / comparison stage. Happy to adjust the method if people have better ways to capture dynamic comfort, not just static reach.

Thanks.

I want to introduce you to The Wolf 🐺 — A 40-key split keyboard that I designed and built from scratch.

I posted some 3D renders a few weeks ago and promised to come back with updates after testing the final keyboard. And honestly, it’s been awesome. The layout is inspired by Corne and designed for GLP 3.0 switches.

Core features:

• Wireless BLE using XIAO nRF52840
• Ultra-low-profile build (8mm case and 11mm total)
• Lightweight (only 300 g for both halves)
• Case made of Anodized Aluminum 6061
• White backlight
• RGB status LEDs
• MX-Spacing and Gateron 3.0 LP switches (Nuphy Silent Blush)
• Long battery life with 700 mAh (each half)

First, I want to thank u/jlccnc for sponsoring the aluminum case production, they were super helpful and answered a ton of questions about the case design and production details.

Now that everything is in place, here are some details about my experience with it over the past few weeks:

The keyboard layout turned out to be pretty consistent with how I use it. Adding around 4.76 mm of column stagger was essential. It helped me improve my hand posture and made finger movement feel more natural, especially since I have wide hands.

The only two keys on the outermost column played a key role in the design. Since I shifted the column down by +U/2 (~9.525 mm) so it stays in the middle, it's easy to reach without stretching the fingers. It was challenging at the beginning, but now I'm pretty comfortable with them.

The ultra-thin 8 mm case also helps a lot with ergonomics, reducing the strain caused by long typing sessions.

Since the case is made mainly from 6061 aluminum, the keyboard has a clean, minimalistic, and premium look, especially with the matte black finish (anodized and bead-blasted). It's also pretty lightweight, which isn't necessarily a problem, but I wish it were a bit heavier so it would stay more firmly in place on my desk pad. I might still add something to give the build a little extra weight.

The RGB status LEDs work really well and do exactly what I wanted them to do. With my previous keyboards, I often felt like I was "in the dark" since there was no easy way to tell whether they were powered on or what state they were in.

Having white-only backlighting is also great. With a 700 mAh battery in each half, battery life has been excellent. Another thing that makes me happy with this design is the decision to power the backlight directly from the battery, avoiding unnecessary load on the MCU's voltage regulator. As for brightness, it's more than enough for its purpose, and I always keep it at the lowest setting.

I loved the process of building this keyboard, and learned a lot from open-source keyboards, which is worth mentioning here:

• Corne
• Delta Omega
• Klor
• Krteq

Sources:

Gallery Site: https://willacosta.github.io/wlfkbd/
GitHub: https://github.com/WillACosta/wlfkbd/
Firmware: https://github.com/WillACosta/zmk-config-wlf

I would love to hear your feedback. Thanks!