This is the first time I built a keyboard!
A cheapino!
It took a little bit of time to get everything figured out, but I was able to finish that build relatively easily.
However, I am having trouble customizing the layout... I can't load it in the qmk.fm tool and when I upload a json file it gives me something that doesn't match my keyboard.
Also, the encoder currently types 'y' when turned right, I got 2 thumb keys working as spaces and I don't have a modifier key.
As far as I can tell, everything is soldered right, the diodes are in the right direction...
Did I mess up my soldering or is the cheapino firmware buggy?
Any app that can help me flash/customize my keyboard? I'll keep googling.
Thanks!
I'm all about DIYing things, but I'll never understand these fancy keyboards without the basic keys needed for a keyboard to function - number keys, function keys, arrows, etc. That extra 3 square inches of desk real estate is just not important enough to get rid of those things. I can appreciate the work put into something like this, but I just don't get the limitations.
I felt the same way but I have been using an ergodox for a while, so I already don't have a numpad which I didn't miss. I recently modified my ergodox firmware to map only 44 keys and removed the rest, similar to this layout. It is an interesting concept and I can appreciate how little I have to move my hands now. I don't miss the number row or function row, those were easy enough to get used to, but some of the missing symbols are harder to get used to. I want to try a few more changes before I decide if I like the smaller keyboards better or just want the standard keys back
This reminds me of those lowered mini trucks. You ever seen those? They are slammed to the ground. They cut up the bed where yiu normally haul stuff, and fit it with airbags to let it drop so low. Even at their higher settings to drive it, they are so low that they sometimes get hung up on a speed bump. So it can't haul stuff anymore. You can barely drive it, and almost all it's functionality is out the window all for a hobby and aesthetics. Yeah, I think these kinds of keyboards are the lowered mini trucks of the computer world.
And yet here you are participating in a community meant to discuss these keyboards.
I think there's definitely an element of bling, but there is practical utility as well. I spend 8h+ at the computer, I want it to be as comfortable as possible. Btw, if you think this keyboard has too few keys, check out the steno keyboard, used in courts all over so they can keep up with the speed of speaking: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stenotype