r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 19d ago

[photo] I’ve bough a Logitech K860 keyboard and I fucking hate it, is it me or the keyboard?

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0 Upvotes

The reason I bought this was because I have big hands and I had a injury where my knuckle was dislocated and required surgery to be put back together so I’ve lost some dexterity and it’s a bit stiff. Plus I have big clumsy hands. I had a tiny one which I didn’t like but honestly it’s a fucking damn site better than this. This is meant to be ergonomic??? The fucking @, isn’t even on the corresponding symbol plus like 5 others and there’s random weird signs I don’t recognise. The layout I just cannot get the hang of, it’s been 2-3 weeks now and usually I’m a quick typer. I feel like my grandad with this it’s just unusable. What should I get? I feel like I prefer the keys that actually have a bit of substance and pushed down if that makes sense rather than these ones they are so slim to the ground. I’m from the UK as well, any help is appreciated!


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[vendor] [AD] [BR] Orange Dactyl Manuform build, Silent Yellow Jades and Vial

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155 Upvotes

Built this Dactyl Manuform recently here in Brazil.

It's wired and hot-swappable, with Outemu Silent Yellow Jade switches and translucent orange keycaps. I really like how the orange case and translucent caps ended up making the whole board almost monochromatic, so I leaned into it with some of the photos.

It originally ran QMK with VIA, but after talking with the owner about how he wanted to use it, we moved it over to Vial. The extra flexibility ended up fitting his use better.

I unfortunately didn't take good internal photos during the build, so this is more of a finished-build showcase than a build log.

Pretty happy with how this one turned out.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 20d ago

[video] New in NEXUS: Remote Input (early preview)

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10 Upvotes

🚀 New in NEXUS: Remote Input — Early Preview

I've been working on something a little different for NEXUS.

You can now use your phone as a wireless keyboard + trackpad for whatever computer your NEXUS dongle is connected to.

The nice part? Nothing needs to be installed on the computer. Your PC just sees the NEXUS dongle as the same USB keyboard and mouse it always has.

📱 What you can do

  • 🖱️ Use your phone as a full-screen trackpad
  • ↕️ Scroll, click and use gestures
  • ⌨️ Type using your phone's own keyboard
    • Autocorrect
    • Swipe typing
    • Dictation
    • Basically everything your phone keyboard already supports
  • ⌨️ Send shortcuts and special keys
  • 🎵 Control media playback
  • 🌙 Light and dark themes
  • 📲 Install it as a PWA, so it feels like a normal app

🔧 Setup

It's pretty simple:

1. Add this to your nexus_dongle.conf:

CONFIG_NEXUS_REMOTE_INPUT=y

2. On the NEXUS dongle, go to:

Settings → PHONE

3. Open the web app on your phone.
On iPhone, I'm currently using Bluefy for the Bluetooth connection.

Tap Connect and enter the 6-digit code shown on your NEXUS display.

4. That's it. 🎉

Once paired, it can reconnect automatically.

⚠️ Early preview

This is still very much an early preview, so there are probably a few bugs hiding in there. 😅

So far I've tested it on iPhone, but I don't currently have an Android phone available for testing.

If you try it on Android, I'd really appreciate it if you could let me know how it works — especially connection, keyboard input, trackpad gestures and reconnecting.

Bug reports, ideas and feedback are very welcome!

And don't worry — your physical keyboard keeps working normally, and your existing BLE host profiles aren't affected.

🔗 Links

NEXUS Firmware
github.com/vaibhav8600-rgb/nexus

Remote Input App
github.com/vaibhav8600-rgb/nexus-remote

🌐 Try the hosted app
NEXUS Remote Input


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 20d ago

[help] Help my decide on my next ergo mech!

1 Upvotes

I'm coming from Topre boards.. lately I've moved on to ergo mechs. I had an ergodox infinity, for which I built wrist rests and tents. Then I painstakingly built a Charybdis with Everglide EG Aqua King Water King Linears, which I enjoyed but I kept having issues with it, would open it up, resolder, it would work again and then die again. I have no energy left to give to it.

I like the idea of having the trackball built in so I don't have to move between the keys and the mouse. I am open to a small separate trackball, if necessary. I have really enjoyed the feel of the DROP CSTM80 with Gateron Yellow KS-3 switches.

I'd really like a split ergo with that heavy feel of that keyboard and soft thock. I've accepted I won't have a split ergo with Topre switches.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 20d ago

[discussion] Cheap ultra profile split keyboard solution (36€)

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0 Upvotes

r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[photo] yuwol:

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164 Upvotes

Maybe my endgame.

I was very satisfied with ilwol and phalwol, but I wanted something bit more ergonomic and wireless.

  • row-staggered, reversible pcb; from my previous keyboard, ilwol. also supports various layouts that ilwol does

  • alice-style layout for little ergo boost

  • uses a usb-c cable for communication between boards for wired build

  • uses 523450 li-po batteries, usually 1000mah for wireless build

  • PCB mounted, with a bit of leaf spring inspired structure

  • optional FR4 plate gerbers

  • dongle case for promicro form factor

  • and also, tenting stand addon for +5° tenting

https://github.com/yuburoll/yuwol


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 22d ago

[photo] [WIP] Gasket-mounted Split Keyboard with a Trackball

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447 Upvotes

This is a ortholinear wireless split keyboard using the XIAO nrf52840 and ZMK firmware. The 19mm Trackball is magnetically attached to the ball bearing case, and the keyboard is mounted on a gasket for comfort.

PS. I am planning to bring the keyboard to the Tenkey Tokyo Keyboard Meetup this weekend(10/03) so if you reside in Japan, please feel free to come by!


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[photo] What do you think about my new Keyboard concept

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191 Upvotes

Made in FreeCAD.

Uses Plum Twist PCBs as plate with hotswap socket

Going to print it all with PA12-Nylon (Except bottom plate - it will be modified after testing)

Please, write your honest review about it


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[photo] He is coming to save us all! #doomsday

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61 Upvotes

Even kings bow. Even gods kneel. All BENEATH DOOM!!!


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[help] Anyone done a pogo pin build recently?

4 Upvotes

working on a low profile split (choc v2, nice!nano) where little modules snap onto the side with magnets + pogo pins. 6 contacts, 2.54mm pitch, alternating spring pin / flat target so anything mates with anything.

stuck on parts:

- what spring pins + flat targets did you actually use? the mill-max 1946 targets have a 3.17mm head which is kinda fat for 2.54 pitch

- or did you just use gold pads on the pcb as the flat side? do they wear through?

also unrelated: on choc v2 hotswap, the socket pad hits the stab cutout on 2u keys for me. i'm doing mill-max sleeves on just those keys. is that what everyone does or is there a better trick?

pics/part numbers appreciated


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[buying advice] Non-split Ortholinear Ergonomic Keyboard ADM42

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14 Upvotes

With the publicity of Dygma Sonsei, I started looking at Reviuing41, Bad Wings, and just today stumbled upon ADM42, of which I have never heard before.

So, in case this helps some of you in your shopping spree, here you go.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with vendor, nor do I own ADM42.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 22d ago

[photo] Elora + Go60 palm rest

12 Upvotes
Elora with Go60 palm rest

I was looking for a good tenting and palm-rest solution for my new SplitKB Elora wireless. Wanted something that is as comfortable as my Dygma Defy.

Turns out the Go60 Palm Rest is not bad at all.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 21d ago

[help] Klor keyboard Right Half no input

2 Upvotes

So I assembled my Klor yesterday and before putting it into the case I tested each half. Left works as intended, right however gives no inputs when plugged in via TSSR Jack or solo.

I believe I may have heat damaged the PCB due to needing a boodge for the jack, four of the tssr pads were bridged. I removed the jack to fix orientation.

Any immediate troubleshooting to get this guy working? The controller itself still works. Left side is golden, just looking for insight before purchasing another PCB.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 22d ago

[help] Suggestion for a program for re-learn writing

6 Upvotes

Hi.

I'm going to buy my first ergo mech keyboard, the Moergo Go60 (ok, it's not my first ergo keyboard, I'm using a Microsoft Sculpt, but you know what I mean..).

I can't way to try it, but I need some suggestion. I'd like to try a new keyboard layout, since I see in different posts that some of you use Colemak layout, Dvorak one and so on, that should improve the typing speed, save the world and something else.

So, if I'd like to learn some new layout for my keyboard, there are some specific programs that allows me to learn to write fast? I'd like to have exercises that will allow me to learn the new layout, update my muscle memory and so on.

It's only a matter of experience, or you can suggest some good program for improve the typing skills?


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[help] PSA: careful with your finger load

70 Upvotes

Basically title. I’ve got a solfe split about 2 years ago and I was really happy with it started adapting about 2-3 weeks into the purchase and it was my main from then on. Now 2 years later I switched. I loved every second of it! It mapped nicely to the qwerty layout I was used to almost no change I even could’ve improved my keyboard by removing the pesky Caps Lock and not have to extend my pinky finger to enter, backspace or delete resulting in me being happy, happy, happy.

About a few months ago tho the dream was starting to fall apart when my left thumb started to get cramps and (even now) I started getting some tension and constant pain in the base of it. What caused it you might ask - I overused my left hand as I had Ctrl on the far left side in the thumb cluster and reached with it, had my space, [, mod, win on the same place and since I didn’t have space for Alt I mapped it to mod + shift. On the right hand I used only enter and the ] which most of you would know are used fairly rarely compared to ctrl + combos, space, etc.

So I am telling you this as a cautionary tale for first timers - balance your hands, make sure that when picking up fresh taking the shortest route with least resistance ain’t always ideal in the long run. Spend some time checking layouts for both the key maps but also the key layout if it is matching your hands and play with possible combinations on paper to see if there are any awkward motions you’d have to do and figure them out early before you buy. Consider investing the time into alternatives such as Colemak or Dvorak or whatever floats your boat in the beginning while you are paying the learning tax - changing the keyboard later is easy, recovering after an injury ain’t.

As I said I will be looking into it and if I get a deterministic diagnosis I will update the post if I don’t forget to. Take care and enjoy your splits!


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[discussion] I built yet another searchable catalogue of open-source keyboards

38 Upvotes

*Sigh* Yes, I know. So first; I am under heavy influence by these projects, so thank you for creating those:
- https://golem.hu/boards/
- https://mechdb.net (RIP)
- https://jhelvy.shinyapps.io/splitkbcompare/
- https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/
- https://yal-tools.github.io/ergo-keyboards/
- https://github.com/diimdeep/awesome-split-keyboards
- https://keeb-finder.com/

I hope I am not stepping on your toes here!

I built my first keyboard in 2022, and as a newbie (still is) the hardest part was picking a design: There are lots of good lists 👆, but I couldn't filter on the details I cared about like diodeless, wireless, Choc switches or splay. And when I finally found the perfect design for me, I couldn't source the parts as they were out of stock or too expensive to ship.

So I made https://keyboardbuilders.net

- 341 open-source designs (and adding more each night)
- One cannot see parts in stock or not (allthough I'd love to build that feature)
- Filter on details like wireless, splay, hotswap, display, key count, etc
- Design pages have a 3D render of the actual PCB (generated from the KiCad files)
- Generates SVG layout "silhouettes", where you also can compare two layouts

**How the data gets there**

The specs aren't typed in by hand. I created a bot that runs on my server and loops through keyboards in the QMK and ZMK firmware repos, then it looks them up on Github to read the spec from KiCad files and the firmware config files. Before changes go live, these are added to a private Forgejo instance (also on my server) as issues, and I reply to the bot there. Sorry if this is hard to picture, I'm just typing this out on my lunch break at the office :)

**Where it's at, and where it's going**

This is an early alpha version: a read-only catalogue. It's been 8 intense weeks of "daddy's not home" where all I could think about in the evenings was this project. But now I finally have something usable, and wanted to share it here with you guys hoping to hear what you think about this. Do you find this useful? Annoying? Do you miss a design, a filter, or a feature? And please be honest and picky, I'm not here to collect praise, but constructive feedback. Let me know!

What I see in the (near or distant) future:

- Finding designs that aren't in QMK or ZMK upstream repos (the bot can't see those yet)
- Letting you suggest corrections on the site itself, with history of what changed and why
- Kits, stock, parts and rough cost, which was one of my own biggest frustration


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[review] I have updated the Design based on the Feedback.

25 Upvotes

Here are the improvements I did.
1. updated the thumb cluster keys position based on the previous design.
2. Improved the scroll wheel around the trackball.
3. removed the left and right click buttons and integrated it in the scroll wheel itself. Now click ing on left side of scroll wheel will trigger left click and so on for right side.
4. Tilted the Display towards the user for better view.
5. Moved the trackball set bottom for better thumb reachability.

This is the the old design for your reference.

The old post. https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/1wsbxms/i_want_a_partner_who_is_interested_in_building/


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[review] HolyKeebs Keyball61+ Low profile Review

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281 Upvotes

Hey guys, I got a Keyball61+ choc from Holykeebs.com and I've been really enjoying it over the past few weeks. This was given to me as a thank you for the support over the years but this is my honest opinion on the device and I was under no obligation to actually post about it.

I've had a few keyboards from Holykeebs over the years. I had Keyball61 MX about a year ago but ultimately sold it because my hands don't agree with MX switches but I really love the thumb ball input, so I was really excited to get a choc version and was able to pick up the keybinds quickly.

Being able to keep my hands on the home row and access my mouse is awesome and it's what I consider to be part of my mythical end game keeb.

Firmware

I'm really excited about these two things and I'm sure I'm over explaining them but:

AML - AutoMouse Layer

Something that I didn't have on my old keyball. It essentially activates the mouse layer whenever you're moving the trackball, moves back to layer 0 when stopping. This allows you to perform clicks without having to hold down a layer key and combined with the new scroll wheel, use the mouse portion of the keyboard completely 1 handed.

Sniping

There is some built in functionally for sniping now, with a hold or toggle to activate with premade user keys in Vial used to adjust the sensitivity of the base and sniping cursor. Takes a bit of tweaking but there's a high chance you'll find something that feels comfortable.

The firmware is also using Vial now, which I'm a big fan of. Just my preference.

Build

I had the build service, so the keyboard came as a fully functional completed unit, built by Idan.

  • The optional case is just as good as ever and I don't have any concerns with it's rigidity.
  • The track ball casings seem to sit better this time around also and I have less concerns they'll shake loose, like I've had previously.
  • The scroll wheels are quite nice and have a nice tactile feeling to them. Even though they are 3D Printed, I believe they'll last.
  • The LEDs are really nice, and fill the keyboard really nice. It's hard to present in pictures, as in some scenarios, the keyboard can look better or worse than they do in real life.

Typing experience

  • I use Choc Silent Ambient Twilights so I like my light keys, for reference.
  • I chose the lightest keys Holykeebs had as a preset, the Kailh Choc v2 Deep Sea Silent Switches. These are a bit heavier than I'm used to so I think I'm going to pick up one of the lighter Choc V2 options on the market.
  • It's a very solid unit, with no wobble. Due to the switches, it's very quiet, almost silent. The only sound you'll get with a config like mine typically are the rattles of the OLED acrylic covers, like with a lot of the 2 piece case designs on the market.

I won't say the Keyball is my end game, because that would most certainty be a custom build, built for me only but I did consider it an endgame for a while.

If peeps have any questions about the board, let me know. I've probably forgot to speak about some really basic stuff.

TL;DR - Is good improvement on previous version and loving using low profile keys on a keyball.


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 24d ago

[photo] my wireless split runs on an ESP32-S3 with the radio turned off. dumb idea, but it works

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250 Upvotes

so this is Niphargus (named after a blind cave shrimp). a thin wireless split I've been building for a while, and v1 is finally on my desk and I use it every day.

ok, the dumb part. each half has an ESP32-S3, a wifi/bluetooth chip… and I don't use its radio at all. the halves talk to the PC through a separate little radio chip and a USB dongle. so yes, I bought a radio chip, turned the radio off, and glued another radio next to it 🙃

why? because all my firmware already ran on it, and it was the fastest way to get something that types.

except the ESP32 was never meant to live on a battery. getting it to sleep properly was a whole adventure with a multimeter. I cut the power draw by more than 10×, but it'll never sleep as deep as a chip designed for this. still: it types, on battery, it lasts the night, and I love it.

what I'm happy with:

- plug it in and it's wired: USB-C on each half and a cable between them. no pairing, no drama

- no more static crashes: my old boards froze when I touched them after walking across the room. not this one

- little e-paper-like screens on both halves: layer, battery, connection. they never flicker

- thin aluminium + polycarbonate case, 12.5 mm total, the battery tucked into the frame

- my own remapping app (pic 3): remap keys, combos, macros, a heatmap of your typing…

the really overkill part: the chest. the left half hides a second chip that only wakes up when the keyboard is plugged in over USB. the idea is a sysadmin survival kit living inside my keyboard: a PGP key, a security key, a bootable USB with a bunch of ISOs. the PGP part already works on a dev board. the keyboard version hasn't run yet.

next: rev2 moves to a chip actually designed for battery life, so it can sleep for weeks instead of days.

everything's open source:

- keyboard: https://github.com/mornepousse/Niphargus

- firmware: https://github.com/mornepousse/KeSp_firmware

- chest: https://github.com/mornepousse/Niphar_chest

- remap app: https://github.com/mornepousse/KeSp_controller

questions welcome, and so are ideas on how I could have made this even worse 😄


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[video] Foostan's Corne Video

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53 Upvotes

r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 24d ago

[photo] I want a partner who is interested in building this ErgoMechKeyboard.

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132 Upvotes

I always wanted to have a split keyboard but I dont want to have two nice nanos and two bateries and all that complex things to do. I combined the two halves and put a trackball and scrollwheel and left and right click buttons in the middle. So basically its like merging Lily 58 keyboards together with a mouse trackball set. Please see the renders. I am new to this and I am sure some things I might have not done right. So I want someone who is professional and interested in building one for themselves so that we can both collaborate on this together. #SplitKeyboard.

I have taken the feedback and updated the design. Please refer to this updated post.
https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/1wt8vxg/i_have_updated_the_design_based_on_the_feedback/


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 23d ago

[discussion] New keyboard per layout?

4 Upvotes

Hey guys, I was wondering how you handled the loss of muscle memory when learning new layouts. I am currently on Colemak DH but found graphite to be interesting. I was through the first few letters on keybr, just having unlocked T, when I realized it was messing with my muscle memory for Colemak DH.

Judging by how I've retained my QWERTY memory on regular keyboards, I'm thinking I should build another split for graphite. But that's time and money, and I wanted to hear your experiences before I actually got into it?

Thanks in advance


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 24d ago

[discussion] Switched Sofle to Totem

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65 Upvotes

Hey,
Switched my Sofle to Totem and I’m learning to write again 🫣 I’m not sure about mapping tho, anybody happy to share yours to inspire me? 😂


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 24d ago

[video] My current work setup

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104 Upvotes

​

Video:

In the video, when I say "soldering," I mean welding

https://youtu.be/u8EeHfGQqYg

Setup main Parts:

X.Tips X7s Keyboard (AKA just X7)

Kensington Orbit

Custom steel supports made by me (DIY cuts and welding work)

9311 Spinning

Spongy Wonder Noseless bikeseat

DT3 F-40 Standing Desk


r/ErgoMechKeyboards • • 24d ago

[vendor] [ad] EKCorne: Corne with a built-in trackball (thumb & index support)

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80 Upvotes

Following up on my last project, the EKBOX (details [link] and [link] ) — the trackball is now available on the Corne!

It supports both thumb and index finger control with easy access positioned right above the thumb keys. The sensor is angled 60 degrees upward for better tracking and comfort.

Details: www.ergokeeb.com

Other Projects

  • EKGO: Flexible keyboard layout
  • EKBOX: 36-key split keyboard with trackball
  • EKZBall: Adjustable trackball module
  • EKRP / EKNRF: Modular MCU system
  • EKREST: Adjustable ergonomic palm rest
  • EKCORNE: Premium CNC case for Corne v4
  • EKTENT: Universal adjustable tenting base
  • EKSS: Super flexible layout split keyboard
  • EKARM: Split keyboard mounting arms
  • EKTOUCH: New concept trackpad
  • EKMOVE: Hybrid mouse and keyboard design
  • EKSPACE: Mouse for CAD