Ximi:
- integrated RP2040 controllers
- left Cirque trackpad
- right trackball (golden trackball from Perixx)
- dual rotary encoders
- dual haptic feedback
- audio buzzer
- 3 way thumb switches
- Gazzew U4 switches
- MT3 Pulse keycaps
- MJF nylon case printed by JLCPCB
this post was submitted on 05 Jul 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards
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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
Rules
Keep it ergo
Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)
i.e. no regular non-split¹ row-stagger and no non-split¹ ortholinear²
¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid
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Some useful links
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/
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Is there a less expensive option for a first time split ergo keyboard to give it a try before investing more money?
Most of the split kits are going to be around the same price. They start around 20. My Sofle kits were 25 each. You'd need to add a pair of MC's , switches, caps, which is where things get pricey. If you shop around you can find good deals. The PCBs and components represent a smaller part of the cost compared to the rest of the dressings.
I never found anything that I considered "budget". Even the cheapest split mechs on ebay are $100, and I don't think I'd trust any of those.
If you give up the mechanical part and just want to try a split, I'm seeing those starting around $40 shipped.
I have no problem spending the money on a good setup I just don't have the funds to be able to jump right in spending like $300+ before I even know if I like the split setup
If you can solder there's lots of inexpensive split PCBs available, e.g https://www.littlekeyboards.com/collections/new-products/products/corne-mx-hotswap-pcb-kit-v3
I can to a certain extent. Thanks I'll look into it!
I built my Cheapino for less than $50 USD https://github.com/tompi/cheapino
Would something like this be good to give the whole thing a try? Kinesis Bluetooth Freestyle2 Ergonomic Keyboard for PC (20" Extended Separation) https://a.co/d/34ydGWq
@Holyginz @Wheeljack
I’ve been using a Kinesis Freestyle/Freestyle 2 for years now (perhaps even for a decade?) I’ve worn the bumps off the f/j keys on the first keyboard.
I have two primary gripes. First the number 6 is on the left keyboard half. From a correct touch typing standpoint it should really be on the right half.
Second, between the original Freestyle and the 2, the insert key was moved to the ‘fn’ layer so you now have to hold down two keys to send insert.
@Holyginz @Wheeljack
I started with the Freestyle because that’s what my workplace had available for split keyboards without a built in number pad. (I wanted to move the mouse in closer)
Awesome! Thanks for the advice! I think I will give the freestyle a try and see how I like it then.
Yes. I built my Cheapino for less than $50 USD https://github.com/tompi/cheapino