ErgoMechKeyboards
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
No Spam
No excessive posting/"shilling" for commercial purposes. Vendors are permitted to promote their products/services but keep it to a minimum and use the [vendor] flair. Posts that appear to be marketing without being transparent about it will be removed.
No Buy/Sell/Trade
This subreddit is not a marketplace, please post on r/mechmarket or other relevant marketplace.
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/
view the rest of the comments
Batteries require management with control circuitry normally on the MCU. This means you need to pick MCUs that support batteries.
You will also want a on off switch for the battery somewhere.
I always use LIR2450 button cell batteries where I can. The steel body makes them more resistant to damage where as pouch cells can't take much of a scuff.
They're very portable! Just make sure the battery can't be smushed if the board itself gets some pressure, and that it can't get poked by sharp / conductive things.
ZMK for the nice nano and XIAO nrf52840 should even report battery life! Your primary half (generally left) drains faster than the accessory half.
RGB / screens that aren't designed for low power are utterly destructive to battery life. I get ~1-2 weeks on 120mah splits. With RGB I'm lucky to get an hour.
You don't change these batteries as they're rechargeable. Most boards will function while recharging. I offer QI wireless charging on my boards if you request it.
Searching for LIR2450 lead me to coin battery holder with on/off switch. I haven't seen a build with coin battery holders like this yet. I'm more curious now.
Thanks for the reply.