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Split keyboards and how to build them

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Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#211

Post by Symbiote »

sethammons wrote: post #204
Symbiote wrote: post #166

This repository was abandoned for a while, so I remixed/forked it into a gallery view with filters. It can be easier to get an overview, or search for something specific (e.g. only a traditional "Microsoft Ergonomic" layout). https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/ There's also http://xahlee.info/kbd/diy_keyboards_index.html which has reviews.

Missing the cloud9 split ergo

The Cloud Nine C989?

It's there, under "Traditional" since the layout is fairly standard (no thumb keys etc).

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#212

Post by dhagz »

I've been in love with minimal keyboards for about a year or two now. I used to use a MiniVan Rev2 as my daily driver. Then I bought a GergoPlex on a whim and couldn't believe how amazing it was. I love the lack of weird stretches in the default key layout, and the chording engine Germ made for it is amazing and really makes it feel like I have a full-size keyboard. And being able to have the two halves exactly shoulder-width apart helps me keep a neutral position for my arms. All it's missing is tenting, but that's easy to do myself.

All in all, I highly recommend getting (or building) a split keeb.

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#213

Post by andrewla »

The one feature that would have me consider using one of these keyboards would be the duplication of the center keys.

An early training as a classical pianist has given me fairly good hand posture, so I've never had any wrist pain or anything despite doing a great deal of typing. It also means that my hands float, so I can reach keys that require some lateral motion, which means that keys like TYU/GH/VBN are crossover keys for me -- I might hit them with either hand.

So the obvious design for me would be to have a split keyboard that has those keys on both sides. Why choose a split? Just duplicate the keys!

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#214

Post by ahelwer »

simtel20 wrote: post #156
ahelwer wrote: post #26

Earlier quoted context omitted.

These exist, look up Goldtouch. The two sides can't fully separate but they move far enough apart that I haven't had an issue.

I had old gold touches but gave them to my cousin when his arm and wrist pain became far worse than my own. I bought more, but their newer designs (circa 2005 or so, I think) resulted in the ball joint breaking on 3 keyboards before I stopped buying them. I can't be sure if they have fixed the breaking joint problem, but I'm curious about your experience - how long have you had yours and how will has it endured so f

Currently I've had mine about six months, but I rarely adjust the ball joint so don't think I put much stress on it.

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#215

Post by kaz-inc »

andrewla wrote: post #213

The one feature that would have me consider using one of these keyboards would be the duplication of the center keys. An early training as a classical pianist has given me fairly good hand posture, so I've never had any wrist pain or anything despite doing a great deal of typing. It also means that my hands float, so I can reach keys that require some lateral motion, which means that keys like TYU/GH/VBN are crossove…

My ergodox config has that feature. Interestingly, I also played piano as a kid and I've had no problems floating my hands, though I hadn't made that connection before.

https://configure.ergodox-ez.com/ergodox-ez/layouts/3qeVW/la...

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#216

Post by alexpotato »

I recently switched from a standard layout to split by purchasing a Koolertron programmable keyboard.

Main reason I bought it vs the Moonlander:

- Cheaper

- On Amazon

- got it in Overall, I would recommend it as an intermediary step if you are looking to test out a decent and easily purchasable/returnable split mechanical keyboard.

I have a more detailed write up on my thoughts here: https://twitter.com/alexpotato/status/1350530940561457155

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#217

Post by randmeerkat »

3np wrote: post #146
randmeerkat wrote: post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It’s not just a Bluetooth adapter, the ergodox has a wired connection between the two halves as well. Really I want to everything to be wireless.

Ah right - I don't really see that as an issue (when do you ever want to split them in a way the cable becomes problematic? also you now have two individual units to hook up with battery) I guess this is why you don't really see many attempts. But maybe something like this will do the trick? https://wiki.seeedstudio.com/Grove-Serial_Bluetooth_v3.0/

I’m very broad so my keyboard is split wide, it comes almost to the end of the cable so having two wireless halves would make a nice difference. The shield looks promising, but with all of my other projects I just lack time to hack together a keyboard.

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#218

Post by randmeerkat »

gravyboat wrote: post #96
randmeerkat wrote: post #84

Earlier quoted context omitted.

It’s not just a Bluetooth adapter, the ergodox has a wired connection between the two halves as well. Really I want to everything to be wireless.

I'm using an Ergodox EZ which I really enjoy and I'm hoping wireless plus a trackball is in the next iteration. Even just being wireless (or a wireless add-on) would be great.

That would be epic. I asked the Ergodox folks about it and they said they’ve experimented with a wireless Ergodox EZ but there’s problems with latency with the two halves being wireless. So I’m skeptical that they’ll produce anything soon.

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#219

Post by bbkane »

presentation wrote: post #62

I love the split layouts, I'm using a Redox Wireless as my daily driver :) Though I wonder, DIY keyboards usually focus on stuff like nice mechanical keyboard action, which to be honest I don't really care about that much. I would kill for a fully wireless Redox-like layout keyboard that has enough keys so you don't need to memorize weird chords to do things, just used normal chiclet keys, is as small and light as po…

This is exactly how I feel! If you find something, plesae reply here soI can buy one too :)

Re: Split keyboards and how to build them

#220

Post by 1MachineElf »

betwixthewires wrote: post #45

I'm curious why none of these split designs ever feature a trackball on the right half integrated into the board somehow. There are plenty of FOSS trackball designs, it seems like it would just make sense, especially for ergonomic designs, to have a trackball set up where you don't have to move your hand over to move a cursor. Also I don't understand why they're always missing function keys.

The best build log I've ever seen for a split keyboard featuring a trackball is the Oddball 2. I discovered it yesterday. It has a parametric design that's editable in OpenSCAD, so if it's too small for you, adding more keys should be easy.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/kxsniq/o...

https://atulloh.github.io/oddball/

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