My custom 40% keyboard is complete!
.
My requirements:
- Smallest possible size for portability. I move from workstation to workstation at my job. All the computers have the cheapest Dell keyboards with sticking or malfunctioning keys or some major problem. I want to be able to carry around my own keyboard without taking around a big slab of a keyboard.
- Must be wired. Because I'm moving around constantly, I can't really have a wireless keyboard that needs to be paired with every computer. And don't want to look after 2 separate halves floating about.
- QMK/VIAL compatibility. There are a lot of actions that need to be done repetitively at work and I need a lot of programmed macros. The microcontroller in my current office keyboard (also made that myself) has very little memory.
- I want a staggered layout as I need to regularly use normal keyboards and there's no space in my little brain for more muscle memory and relearning typing. Also everyone seems to split the keyboard with "B" going to the left side and I want it on the right.
- Silent operation in an office environment. I've uesd Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Silent Black Switches. I love how absolutely silent they are. The bottom-out is a bit mushy with the dampening rings, but that's a small price to pay for how well they're working out.
There are a lot of options for split keyboard builds online, but I wanted the 2 halves tethered securely. The only folding keyboard I found online was this, and this is a stupid way to fold a keyboard that doesn't really make the footprint much smaller.
I'm used to making things for myself:
laptop salvage emulation console, macropads, SFF PC, Hitbox controllers for fighting games, keyboards from a kit. So I decided to go ahead and make my own custom build keyboard.
Design:
I follow Joe Scotto on Youtube and made a couple of his macropads before (pictures linked above). I commissioned a 3D model of the case from my design and he did a great job. Found a local guy to 3D print for me. I've spent a bunch of weekends building, troubleshooting, refining and re-ordering parts....and now it is finally complete. I'm typing on this keyboard now. I'm back at work this weekend and looking forward to using this keyboard. I get endless questions about why this is required and how odd I am for being so obsessed with keyboards ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I wish I had more upvotes to give. Really nice job!
I’m personally moving towards 0 degree uniform key cap profile (going to test PBS) boards. For me that works the best as I don’t have wrist pain that steep angles cause.
So your board It’s very interesting also from that perspective.
Thanks for sharing!