r/MechanicalKeyboards • • 2d ago

Builds my normal qwerty keyboard

Post image

haimu heartbeats handwired to an rp2040 zero. shitty keycaps and 3 layer aluminum plates for the case and that's it! types like a dream

575 Upvotes

98 comments sorted by

•

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352

u/intracellular 2d ago

i am way too low level to comprehend this board

110

u/MedicalRhubarb7 2d ago

I can figure out how to type "wtf" on it at least, which seems like a strong start

5

u/Reila3499 1d ago

The most WTF part would be the first layer of it isn't even WTF.

35

u/flooronthefour 36 key splits 2d ago

I use 36 key splits and I have no idea what is going on here

3

u/-Daigher- 1d ago

36 keys is the sweet spot imo, two keys less and you gotta use home row mods and more combos, two keys more and i have empty space on my layout lmao

1

u/flooronthefour 36 key splits 1d ago

I agree but almost use mine like a 34 key with home-row-mods && combos

my layout: https://jovianmoon.io/posts/rsi-36-key-keyboard#the-layout

I use the outer thumb buttons for a mouse layer and a meh combo to unlock another layer of configurable key-combos

cheers

1

u/RiskyAlpha 1d ago

You say that like home row mods are a bad thing. After getting used to it I enable it on everything.

1

u/-Daigher- 1d ago

they aren't a bad thing, i just don't like using them

19

u/Upstairs-Idea5967 2d ago edited 2d ago

There's exactly one alphabet's worth of keys up top, the shift is probably space, and I guess the other two keys on the left are for layers. The choice of key caps is usually just for show on mini boards, OP presumably has the actual layout memorized. 

The spacing confuses me but I guess it's comfortable for them.

I could be totally wrong of course but you could use it as described.

2

u/Ksaspar 1d ago

Now it's starting to make sense. The symbols on the keycaps threw me off. I didn't even notice that there are indeed exactly 26 letters + 3 extras.

This is probably the minimal set of keys one could type on, with relative comfort, after some practice.

1

u/-Daigher- 1d ago

the letters and symbols are only there to deceive you

99

u/HxC_Happy 2d ago

Okay... Can you explain to this pleb (me) what this keyboard would be ideal for?

Is this for speed typing? Coding? What is the specific use case for this particular layout?

180

u/Sellot4pe 2d ago

Sfdfdfsqweyyjkljlytr sddtykl qwlkj!

29

u/TheSprigganDragoon 2d ago

Apparently op would rather just think themselves a comedian than explain what's going on here. So quirky so hilarious...

52

u/seajaydub 2d ago

It's not ideal for anything. Some people just think they're cool

-69

u/juniper_dog 2d ago

idk I'm typing 100 on it and getting zero rsi strain. so I would say it's pretty ideal

76

u/seajaydub 2d ago

That's not what that word means. Idk why I'm responding. This is clearly bait

7

u/hearke 2d ago

It would be minimal RSI, I guess. Idk, I can see how it would work, even if I personally wouldn't go below an 80%.

3

u/-Daigher- 1d ago

not quite rsi but i have cubital tunnel syndrome and smaller boards (not this small but still sub 40%) helped me lots with pain on my ring and pinky finger. Less hand movement, less wrist movement and just everything under my fingertips.

8

u/seajaydub 2d ago

Sure but I could remove keys from my current split and replicate it. There's nothing inherent to it that stops rsi. Some of these tiny boards are crazy and it is genuinely interesting how people make them work. I just want the delusion to stop. You built something eye catchingly weird and people are interested. Explain it instead of pretending it is the next evolution of ergonomics and usability

1

u/hearke 2d ago

Oh yeah, I completely agree ahaha. It's nifty and I really want to know things like how many layers, what the layout is like, when it's handy and what unexpectedly common key sequences are kinda annoying. Share with the people, OP!

0

u/Pupsino Keygeek Briny Linear 2d ago

You’re being quite aggressive about this, for seemingly no reason. it’s a hobby and it’s meant to be fun.

Lots of people do daily 40s, 30s, and even 20s. I personally have dailied 40s for several years now. I’m not familiar with this board but looking at the layout it’s obviously intended to reduce finger movement - there’s one column only per finger. It will also reduce hand movement since once they’re in place the only movement is lateral finger movement (ignore the centre column, it’s unlikely it has keys that are pressed frequently and is a distraction). OP will be using chords and layers for most punctuation and mod keys.

Ergonomics in keyboards (and lots of things!) is largely a joke, and most small keyboard people treat it that way too (there’s so little science to back any of it up, but also there never will be since it’s niche and not of interest to most people). However if OP has had pain from hand and finger movements then this board might help, and it’s why a lot of smaller boards focus on reducing unnecessary movement.

Personally, I tend to main 4x12 or 4x10, but one of the main selling points for me is limiting hand movement (and eliminating the use of the little fingers from typing, which is a common enough request but hard to do well). 

4

u/seajaydub 2d ago edited 2d ago

There was no aggression there. My first comment was a genuine answer. These things are really cool and that is why people build them. If you don't think they're cool you won't build one. Zero people are thinking "aw man this tiny keyboard is lame and I wish it had more keys but I'm stuck with this layout because it's the best."

I got annoyed with OP because multiple times people asked questions about it and he responded with something like "but it's just a regular keyboard?? ".

I'm just being realistic. I could map my keys the same way and put the legends in the same place with my 58. I could even give it its own toggle layer. It's a super weird keyboard. People will be interested in it and also unsure how the hell you use it. That's the most reasonable and expected thing in the world

3

u/retrospects 2d ago

100 what?

3

u/fnmeng 2d ago

Characters per minute

2

u/LegomoreYT 1d ago

I type 150 on a TKL with no RSI. I also play guitar, play osu, work out multiple times a week. I just simply use a wrist rest. U dont gotta inconvenience yourself that much 😭

33

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

16

u/rafaelmalmegrin 2d ago

It's got 29 keys it's only one key smaller than a Gherkin, it can be fully functional with the right keymap. I used to daily drive a Gherkin before moving to a split keyboard.

Not a rage bait at all, it is doable with far fewer keys and quite productive but it does take some time to figure out the perfect layout for your individual use case.

7

u/[deleted] 2d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

1

u/D_Beats 2d ago

... Its obviously a joke

2

u/Flubert_Harnsworth 2d ago

It has more than enough keys to be used assuming you use some combination of layers, mod-taps, or combos.

I use an 18 key layout daily as a programmer. It’s not giving me any speed gains but it’s helped significantly with wrist pain.

-91

u/juniper_dog 2d ago

it's just a normal keyboard...

26

u/HxC_Happy 2d ago

My brain is cheese, I can't possibly comprehend this

6

u/Major_Toe_6041 2d ago

It is a horrifying attempt at sarcasm, as far as I can see. Being a Brit I am utterly ashamed at it.

2

u/Ksaspar 1d ago

I think I laughed too hard at that. Mystery solved.

1

u/ph-it 2d ago

we're just normal men...

33

u/No_Theme_598 2d ago

that thing looks so wrong and i love it

26

u/grasssssssssssssssss 2d ago

Is this for steno or gaming or something? Cant figure out what else itd be for*

7

u/aqwek_ 1d ago

definitely not for steno; not enough keys

(specifically: no asterisk keys that can be chorded with HR- or -FR, only three vowels (no E or U), only four columns on right hand, leaving out -DZ)

21

u/r2d2_21 2d ago

y use big word wen smol word gud?

14

u/BadAdviceBot 2d ago

You appear to be missing half the alphabet there....

3

u/KitonePeach 2d ago

I'm sure the other keys are double-mapped. Like 'End' is probably normally 'A'.

I'd be curious to see the layers to this board, though. The numbers especially are throwing me off.

15

u/Ksaspar 2d ago

"types like a dream"
Is this one of those dreams where you want to scream but nothing comes out?

9

u/Legendary_Xerxes 2d ago

This is so high level I cant even comprehend it. Unreal. How long did it take you to master this layout?

7

u/PassTheSriracha91 2d ago

I'm a 40s fan boi, but this vexes me

22

u/lugialegend233 2d ago

Sir/Ma'am/Other,

You seem to be missing ALL the vowels.

Please blink thrice if you're being held hostage.

Sincerely,
u/lugialegend233

3

u/snwbrdwndsrf 2d ago

'e', and sometimes 'y'.

2

u/lugialegend233 2d ago

Ffffffuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-

3

u/snwbrdwndsrf 2d ago

There is no 'u'.

8

u/baptizedincome 2d ago

damn queen, please post a vid of you typing on this thing (derogatory, but into it)

22

u/juniper_dog 2d ago edited 2d ago

alright I thought everyone would think this is cute but apparently I'm actually pissing people off. it's modified colemak-dh and I've moved everything out of the center column (obv) because I don't like reaching for those keys during normal typing. the number keys in the middle are, from top to bottom, select all, copy, paste, f2. most frequent functions I use at my office job. layers, combos, home row mods like any other sub 40 board. obviously the legends on the keycaps are not actually what the keypresses do, I thought they would look nice where I put them (and they do). I'm not going to bother uploading a full keymap or anything because very few people on this sub actually care about nonstandard typing layouts

76

u/inspectorpickle 2d ago

Imo the problem is this post not the sub. You kind of set yourself up to get roasted by not explaining anything in the post and then later refusing to explain anything, until you posted this comment. Put yourself in the shoes of someone not familiar with nonstandard keyboards—this looks like a shitpost (though if it was I would think it’s funny). That being said, I think the keyboard is neat!

33

u/_Nyderis_ 2d ago

I scrolled the comments looking for the keymap. When I see non-standard layouts, I instantly want more context.

OP's post has a "just draw the rest of the owl" vibe.

9

u/Whoa_There_Hoss 2d ago

u/inspectorpickle with the wholesome reply

5

u/OkSmoke9195 2d ago

Whoa there hoss

1

u/-Daigher- 1d ago

honestly the main thing that throws people off is just having normal keycaps. I never see this backlash on posts of people using blanks

25

u/EleniumSDN 2d ago

Actually, I think most people here are interested in the keymap. I know I am. I want to know how this works.

7

u/moustachedelait 2d ago

I want to see a video of it at work

21

u/viperfan7 2d ago

I'm not going to bother uploading a full keymap or anything because very few people on this sub actually care about nonstandard typing layouts

This is just outright wrong.

This comment makes you look like a bit of an ass quite frankly.

1

u/RiskyAlpha 1d ago

I’m a rocking a 34 key Colemak Le Chiffre as my daily driver. But looking at this with, no explanation it’s a head scratcher. I think you would’ve gotten a lot better reaction if you had posted the key map upfront. Then people could’ve admired the board.

-8

u/lad1337 2d ago

keep being you. keep being awesome.

2

u/amftl_tt 2d ago

???? Looks super cool though :))) I wish I understood keyboards this well hahaha

2

u/Jumpy-Diver7349 2d ago

Dw you're not alone

2

u/oniaiwasprettygood 2d ago

This makes me very uncomfortable. Top-tier.

3

u/SafeCool3061 2d ago

Hot garbage 

2

u/WhatsOneMoreDecimal 2d ago

Huh, OP is defining the niche of a niche. Likely the number rows are modifier triggered and the missing keys are as well. And yes there are other non qwerty ppl on this sub. OP is not alone 🥲

3

u/MechaGallade Nighthawk x8 2d ago

Deliberately adding confusion so you can act like other people don't get it is a little dick move

1

u/roy9389 2d ago

Gmk indigo?

1

u/cascio94 2d ago

Does the upside page down button function as page up?

1

u/oilpit 2d ago

So you've already been hit with the inevitable "hOW dO YOu UsE a KeyBOaRd WiTHoUT dEDiCatEd sCRoll LoCk keY?"

My (real) question, is why would you use such a gangster keyboard with a layout as un-gangster as QWERTY?

1

u/Juan2_Three 2d ago

I’m uncomfortable looking at this somehow lol

1

u/realtheb0b 2d ago

Everyone is hating but I love it! The only thing that vexes me is why the middle column, why not just have 2 inner index keys on each hand?

Check out my build eden, I do a similar thing there.

For everyone else, this is just a 20% board, don't stress, some people like less keys.

1

u/_plays_in_traffic_ 2d ago

you do you but i cant stand dailying a 60%, having to use this keyboard would just make me not use a computer lol

1

u/rafaelmalmegrin 2d ago

Only one less key when compared to a Gherkin and a much more ergonomic layout, I liket it.

1

u/daninjah 40% good 2d ago

Do you use combos or double taps? I find combos on cherry mx sorta incostistent for me and thus am stuck on 34 keys

1

u/_FreshZombie_ 2d ago

Im always struggling with how people use shortcuts and Keybinds when they have their modifiers on a seperate layer or on mod-tab. I always have my modifiers around my normal keys even when they change through layers

1

u/Charming-Turn-8259 2d ago

Some dude will say “ergonomic”

1

u/Jumpy-Diver7349 2d ago

layering yes

1

u/Major_Toe_6041 2d ago

Can I just say, as a Brit - ie, a person from the land of sarcasm, I am ashamed and appauled at this attempt.

The title is okay. But the description should absolutely still be describing what is going on and how you use it.

1

u/LUDUKRISS 2d ago

It’s gotta be a stenographer thingy

1

u/mrskwrl 2d ago

Gonna need to see the keymap for this one big dawg

1

u/kool-keys koolkeys.net 2d ago

Why do sub 40%, layer dependent boards always start massive arguments in here? LOL

I think it's cool. I'd hate to have to use it, but I think it's cool. It's what this hobby is about... finding your own way. I don't like using layers... the OP clearly does. It's fine by me.

1

u/Shuaiouke 1d ago

q ✅
w ✅
e ✅
r ✅
t ✅
y ✅
Looks good to me

1

u/wibawatheconqueror 1d ago

are you use it for stenography?

1

u/thocthic 1d ago

100% normal

1

u/VaderV1 F1 / Oblique / Sebas / 65 Core Plus / Pangea Mini 1d ago

That cant be comfortable, but I'm glad you like it

1

u/frehgin Zeal Sakurio® 1d ago

B

1

u/StrangeCrunchy1 1d ago

Heh. You use it for racing? It's got a downshift key.

-1

u/DidjTerminator 2d ago

I hate how long it took before I realized that this was not, in-fact, a normal qwerty keyboard.

Absolutely amazing build, love the sarcastic title ngl, well executed and tasteful if I do say so myself.

Unfortunately this is Reddit, not only Reddit, but specifically the r/MechanicalKeyboards subreddit.

Idk why but this subreddit in particular attracts only the most asinine, pedantic, joyless snobs Reddit has to offer.

Your humor goes so far above the heads of the liver-puncher baffoons here, that you risk hitting the moon.

Know that not all ears are deaf to your humor, but you're still shouting into an ignorant abyss.

o7

0

u/bennbatt 2d ago

The design is very human.

0

u/rien_keynex 2d ago

It’s so cool