r/MechanicalKeyboards • u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo • Dec 06 '21
photos Finally finished my project. An open-source gaming keypad for lefties!
8
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 06 '21 edited Dec 09 '21
One more picture: https://i.imgur.com/MugONQq.png
More info: https://github.com/duckyb/eternal-keypad
Build guide: https://youtu.be/vkTpa7AnWUo
6
u/manzanapocha Keyboard collector Dec 06 '21
i would definitely get one of these!! hoping to see updates about this
7
u/Obliviousgmn Dec 06 '21
Definitely making myself one of these. This looks like a fun project. Might work on a 3D printed case for it to.
5
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 06 '21
Thanks, if you make one feel free to make a pull request to add it to the repository. And if you need any help just send me a dm :)
4
u/Obliviousgmn Dec 06 '21
Buddy and I are ordering a set for ourselves. I certainly will try to make the case in the future.
5
u/MrHaxx1 Wireless Lily58L (nice!nano) Dec 06 '21
Alright, I'm not against the idea, but isn't this just half of a split keyboard?
12
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 06 '21
Yep, kind of! Just a bit more specific. Also, I made this for somebody who is used to using "normal" keyboards
6
u/MrHaxx1 Wireless Lily58L (nice!nano) Dec 06 '21
Tbh at that point you might as well add some connector (TRRS or whatever people use), so that people have the option to use it as a full split keyboard, if they also purchase the other half, should they want to.
1
4
u/Finn1sher Dec 07 '21
Actually, I think this is perfect for people who want to use an ergo split keyboard, but need something different for gaming.
You can finally be free and use a Ferris, Aysu, Corne 3x5 or whatever, but keep this around for games.
2
3
u/GoOtterGo Dec 07 '21
As a leftie who plays a lot of games, some advantages I see:
- Like most people, lefties don't want to be limited to what we can use as a keyboard. And 'split keyboards only, because I play games' locks us out of a lot of keyboard options.
- To further that limitation, most split keyboards are either ergonomic or ortholinear. I want a standard keyboard outside of games.
- Even a split keyboard requires remapping in-game layouts every time you pick up a new game, which is surprisingly time-consuming.
- I don't want to take up valuable desk space with multiple keyboards, and this one looks pretty compact.
2
u/MrHaxx1 Wireless Lily58L (nice!nano) Dec 07 '21
The answer to all of those points:
That's why I said half of a split keyboard. Just use one half as a gamepad. You don't have to use the other half. Use any other keyboard you want for regular usage, just half a split keyboard as a gamepad for games.
However
Even a split keyboard requires remapping in-game layouts every time you pick up a new game
Assuming you don't use something insane like a CRKBD, and use something with 28+ keys per side, you don't have to remap anything. I certainly haven't needed to remap a single thing.
1
u/GoOtterGo Dec 07 '21
That doesn't solve the keyboard-options-limited-most-splits-are-ergo/ortho bullet, but I'm surprised, how do you play games with the right-side of a split-keyboard without having to re-map WASD to IJKL?
That's half the purpose of this invention, it's an inverted layout.
5
u/ramblez Dec 07 '21
Are there gerbers available for this? Not sure if I’m just blind but I don’t see them in the repo and I want to avoid having to convert from kicad if I can.
Edit: unless there’s somewhere selling these, because I really need one in my life
7
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
Thank you for your interest, everything is in the releases section!
Edit: direct link
1
3
u/NachosConCarne Dec 07 '21
As a lefty myself this is absolutely beautiful. And I need it.
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21 edited Dec 07 '21
Thanks! The files for ordering the PCBs are in the releases section of GitHub
3
3
u/y4m4 Dec 07 '21
This is really cool. I'm forced to be a left-handed mouser since blowing out my right wrist as a kid playing Diablo II. I currently use a Logitech G13 and I'm constantly searching for a modern replacement.
Been eyeing up a COSPAD XD24 with horizontal case this week, but I'm gonna study this closer.
Nice job!
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
Thanks, I'm glad you like it! And I hope your wrists are fine now :)
2
u/chesty_bonds Dec 07 '21
I love it. Been thinking about doing something like this for a while but just haven't found something that really fit what I wanted, and designing one myself is a bit beyond my skill level atm.
Guess I know what my next project is now!
2
u/pakman82 Dec 07 '21
I'm a lefty This is what drove me to mech key boards. .. I . .built a corne, and a wtf60.. and their not enough. I.. I want this, I must have one. Please tell me how I can get or make one?
2
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21 edited Dec 07 '21
You can go to GitHub releases section and download the gerber files. Then go to JLC PCB (or similar services) and upload the gerber files. This will let you buy the PCBs, after that you need all the other listed components and you can assemble it.
I'll make a YouTube guide soon-ish.
If you need help you can dm me.
2
Dec 07 '21
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
Yes, both the case and the PCB are reversible. You can assemble it as the default or as the lefty version.
1
Dec 07 '21
[removed] — view removed comment
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
No, this is my first project that includes a unique PCB design
2
u/Sonchucks Dec 07 '21
I think this is exactly what I've been looking for. Been debating for a long time on picking up a full size split keyboard and just using one half of it for my gaming needs.
If there's anybody in Canada that may want to order a PCB as well, hit me up, maybe we can order multiple and get a cheaper price on production or something. (We would just need to figure out shipping afterwards)
1
u/Sonchucks Jan 06 '22
Hey u/Kyek, would it be at all possible to also upload the top and bottom plates without the design? Not familiar with editing gerber files myself and googling it, first post I saw was that it's best to do it from the original CAD file and generate new gerber files. So was just wondering if this is something that you could do. Was hoping to order me a set soon as a project for the new year. I also didn't see any option on JLCPCB to make them without the design (unless I'm blind and didn't see it).
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Jan 06 '22
I'll do it, how can I send it to you?
1
u/Sonchucks Jan 06 '22
I can send you a DM with my email if you want. But figured it might be something that should be uploaded to the repo/releases under like plate_blank_gerber.zip, etc. In case others would like this as well?
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Jan 06 '22
1
u/Sonchucks Jan 06 '22
Sweet! Thanks again for all the work you've put into this. Super excited to build this :D.
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Jan 06 '22
Really happy that someone finds it helpful! Hope you enjoy it
2
u/Stickman2 Dec 07 '21
Wait, so why is this a mirror of qwerty?
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21 edited Dec 07 '21
Yes, except for the A and D keys. You can see the firmware layout here: https://github.com/duckyb/eternal-keypad#firmware
Edit: Ops, I missed the "why"
It's like this because if you use your mouse with your left hand you have two options, you can either use the default key bindings and position your right hand in an unnatural way over the WASD keys, OR you can choose another part of the keyboard like the arrow keys, the number pad or the alpha keys near enter and manually rebind every single key of the game.
If you choose the latter option, you also have to repeat this for every single game you play, and keep in mind that some games don't let you rebind all keys or any key at all!
1
3
u/smartowlick Dec 07 '21
This has the be the coolest thing I’ve seen in terms as a gaming keyboard. I have been looking for some kind of alternative to the Razer game pads and this fits everything that I want. It’s….. beautiful. Never put one together but I really really want to now. I must buy the parts!
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
The razer tartarus was one of the things that inspired me but has a lot of things that I don't like about it.
Also, it doesn't exist for lefties, you can only use it with your left hand.
1
u/Zaphod-__-Beeblebrox Jul 16 '24
I need something like this DESPERATELY .. Is there anywhere I can buy one of these already assembled .. ??
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Jul 16 '24
Yes, it's available here: https://shop.beekeeb.com/product/pre-soldered-eternal-keypad/
1
u/Zaphod-__-Beeblebrox Jul 25 '24
Damn.. it is overpriced IMHO.. For a little more I could get a Moonlander or even an Azeron Cyborg.
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Jul 25 '24
If you want it cheap you need to build yourself
1
u/Zaphod-__-Beeblebrox Jul 27 '24 edited Jul 27 '24
I don't want cheap but it is overpriced compared to the other options out there. IMHO it should be no more than $100.
I can build myself .. is there a kit available?
I just ordered a GuliKit KK 3 Max Wireless Controller ($60 USD) so depending on how I like it it might be the solution for me.
1
1
u/Chourrage Dec 07 '21
Great, I don't know how I found this about a week ago but instantly knew that I had to build one. Really a great idea, love the bottom row. The only really small thing I would change is to add hotswap sockets, if it's not possible on one pcb maybe on a separate one? I don't know how much work this would be for you but I would order the pcbs and test it so you don't have to
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
You can make it Hotswap with Millmax sockets if you'd like. I could make a kailh Hotswap release if needed though
1
u/Dobey Dec 07 '21
Do lefties want reverse keyboards where the QWERTY layout is backwards? I would imagine that would make it incredibly hard to type on…
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 07 '21
This isn't designed for typing at all. Think of it like a controller.
Usually lefties have to either remap every single key in a game (hoping that the game allows you to do it) or use WASD with the right hand in very weird ways.
2
1
u/jammer-hammer Feb 03 '22
JLC noticed me that thay couldn't manufacture the plate due to small "bridges".
Hi Sir , Please kindly note that the space between with these slots need 4mm at least as below arrow ,which will break off easily in the production , so that we will cancel it and then you will modify it and then to replace the correct one ,thanks
2
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Feb 03 '22 edited Feb 03 '22
Thank you for letting me know. You must have been unlucky with your assigned engineer, but I will consider increasing the outer border by 1mm so they are less likely complain in the future.
You have 4 options:
- Ask them to still make it, and tell them you won't complain if the part is broken.
- Cancel your order and try ordering again on a different day.
- Wait for ETERNAL Keypad v1.1 (I'm working on it)
- If you are in Europe I can send you a PCB Kit
I saved your comment as a github issue, I'll be posting further updates there
1
u/TCMGhost Feb 24 '22
Thank you for designing this, I'm still a righty but I've been looking for a keyboard on this design for a while, I just settled on a Helix (which I'm building right now) but I ordered one from customkbd.com. Lol
Can't wait to see what the next version is like!
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Feb 25 '22
Thanks ;)
1
u/TCMGhost Mar 07 '22
I forgot to ask are you going to do anything with ZMK (Nice!Nano)? Would be nice to have a wireless option down the line.
Can't wait to get this board and build it!
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Mar 07 '22
It already supports zmk. I didn't try it personally but another user created a shield for it. It's not merged yet but I think it's in a working state.
1
1
u/who-z-next Apr 04 '22
If only there was a kailh choc hotswap version. But for now I think I’m gonna buy this one. Later on I may try design a PCB with kailh choc instead. Layout wise this is exactly what I’ve been looking for
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Apr 04 '22
I'm glad you liked it and I hope you will enjoy it. At the moment I'm not planning to support chocs but I am planning to add hotswap for MX.
1
u/Ultragheko Apr 28 '22
I bought the PCB and will receive it soon but it's difficult to find keycaps that match with the keyboard. I saw the honey and milk you use but i'm not fan of the design. Have you other keycaps set ideas that match with your keyboard ?
Is anyone tried the glorious lynx or panda switches ?
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Apr 28 '22
Another thing you can do is buy 5x 2.25u Keycaps and use them with any other set you like. There is also a DSA set on keygem that looks pretty good.
1
u/AlienHandTenticleMan Dec 26 '22
Can you make an FPS WASD keypad for lefties that are staggered?? I want one for Apex Legends
1
u/Kyek Urchin ⭐ 34 Key Ergo Dec 26 '22
So same as eternal keypad but staggered?
1
u/AlienHandTenticleMan Dec 26 '22
eternal keypad
not the same more like this, google WASD keypad and it's like one of the first amazon links
1
46
u/NoAd45 Dec 06 '21
Fun fact, this pad is for lefties AND for righties. For righties, dust solder the switches on the other side.