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Keyboards and Open-Source

cullmann.io

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11–20 of 36 posts

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#11

Post by nico_h »

Naac wrote: post #9

I'm currently looking for a split, wireless ( bluetooth or not ), QMK compatible firmware keyboard that doesn't cost over $300. Or alternatively, an existing one that has an alternative open firmware option. It seems like something that checks all of these boxes just isn't available.

You can post on r/MechMarket or ask the creator here https://southpawdesign.net/collections/all if he will make one for you. Then you can ask on r/ergoMechKeyboard

I think for wireless you better look at ZMK instead. (Kinesis are coming up with a new split wireless model this year, but probably outside your budget).

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#12

Post by ZeroGravitas »

Naac wrote: post #9

I'm currently looking for a split, wireless ( bluetooth or not ), QMK compatible firmware keyboard that doesn't cost over $300. Or alternatively, an existing one that has an alternative open firmware option. It seems like something that checks all of these boxes just isn't available.

Im not sure how much it will cost, and I don't think its fully released yet but the new Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro is roughly in this area.

ZMK rather than QMK though, checked price (not sure if final) but the model with the open firmware was $439 for their initial run.

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#13

Post by nico_h »

Naac wrote: post #9

I'm currently looking for a split, wireless ( bluetooth or not ), QMK compatible firmware keyboard that doesn't cost over $300. Or alternatively, an existing one that has an alternative open firmware option. It seems like something that checks all of these boxes just isn't available.

Depending on how DIY you want to be you can possibly source all the parts yourself to save on (third party) labor costs. From handwired to fabbing open source PCB to asking a third party to assemble one for you.

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#14

Post by nico_h »

mkdirp wrote: post #10
stephc_int13 wrote: post #5

For those who are on the fence, looking at the mechanical keyboards and wondering if they are that great, I've been there and contemplated the idea of building one for a few years. It's a rabbit hole, and the cost can easily pile up, not even talking about the time spent studying all the possible mods and brands and styles, but at the end the satisfaction is there and I think that my custom keyboard is built to last…

> It's a rabbit hole This is my issue. I really want a mechanical keyboard, but the amount of choice is insane, and the price difference between different ones are insane. Sadly these days it's hard to separate fact from fiction when it comes to products. All of this, and I have very basic requirements too (at least I think so). 70% keyboard layout, needs to be somewhat quiet, and I don't really want to pay an arm an…

https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/f5h3d6/s...

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#15

Post by Symbiote »

I was warned by a colleague that this was a rabbit hole, then warned by people online, and I'll pass on that warning now.

I tried to help by updating and better-presenting an existing list of ergonomic mechanical keyboards: https://aposymbiont.github.io/split-keyboards/

I'm using an ErgoDash¹ with a 3D-printed tilted stand, but I intend to assemble a Lagrange² "soon".

¹ https://github.com/omkbd/ErgoDash

² https://github.com/dpapavas/lagrange-keyboard

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#16

Post by criddell »

skocznymroczny wrote: post #6
stephc_int13 wrote: post #5

For those who are on the fence, looking at the mechanical keyboards and wondering if they are that great, I've been there and contemplated the idea of building one for a few years. It's a rabbit hole, and the cost can easily pile up, not even talking about the time spent studying all the possible mods and brands and styles, but at the end the satisfaction is there and I think that my custom keyboard is built to last…

I had a phase of seeking mechanical keyboards. But I felt like it's a downgrade for me, and whenever I voiced my concerns, people would just tell me I got the wrong switch, I have to do this mod, or buy this expensive keyboard and then it will be amazing. But it never did. I went back to a scissor switch keyboard and I love it. I even like some membrane keyboards, such as dell kb-522 or even cheapo ones like Logitech…

I've gotten used to a cheap keyboard (Logitech K750) and I'm thinking about buying a few for backups because it's getting to be a pretty old product. It probably won't be long before they stop selling them.

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#17

Post by aix1 »

I really like my keyboards wireless, specifically BLE (so no receiver dongles).

I also like them to have long battery life (months).

I don't care for backlight LEDs.

Is there existing open-source firmware that would tick these boxes? I couldn't find anything last time I looked.

(I own and love an HHKB Hybrid Type-S, but am curious to what extent it can be replicated -- and then tweaked -- using open-source designs that already exist.)

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#19

Post by salamandersauce »

aix1 wrote: post #17

I really like my keyboards wireless, specifically BLE (so no receiver dongles). I also like them to have long battery life (months). I don't care for backlight LEDs. Is there existing open-source firmware that would tick these boxes? I couldn't find anything last time I looked. (I own and love an HHKB Hybrid Type-S, but am curious to what extent it can be replicated -- and then tweaked -- using open-source designs th…

ZMK maybe? It supports Bluetooth low engergy at least.

Re: Keyboards and Open-Source

#20

Post by cptMayhem »

aix1 wrote: post #17

I really like my keyboards wireless, specifically BLE (so no receiver dongles). I also like them to have long battery life (months). I don't care for backlight LEDs. Is there existing open-source firmware that would tick these boxes? I couldn't find anything last time I looked. (I own and love an HHKB Hybrid Type-S, but am curious to what extent it can be replicated -- and then tweaked -- using open-source designs th…

ZMK firmware. This is happening right now btw:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/moergo/glove80-the-incr...

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