That is some cool caps you got there
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/
I got so lucky with these caps! Found the full Gabriele typewriter on an eBay listing in my area for 5€ 😅
Looks nice, well done. Friendly reminder for anyone interested to please use lead-free solder, especially for something like this.
Yup, big agree! Lead-free is perfectly fine, just have to crank that soldering iron up a bit.
Forgive my ignorance, but ELI5 on the lead solder debate? I was under the impression that lead solder produced joints that are less likely to crack, ergo it was better? What have I missed?
Most importantly, lead is very poisonous.
And while it is possible to use it in a safe fashion if you know what you're doing (thorough cleaning of everything it may have touched, especially your skin and everything you may touch again; usage of fume extractor), lead-free solder is perfectly fine to use, especially for undemanding applications such as keyboard PCBs.
It merely requires higher soldering temps around 300 degrees Celsius (I personally prefer 330 as a default, going up to 380 when desoldering).
Another thing to be aware of that lead-free solder doesn't fix is the fumes from burning flux. So even with lead-free solder you should use a fume extractor.
Why the modified Colemak layout?
this is the aptmak layout. I'm using it because i find it to be more comfortable than colemak, especially on my usual 28-key boards.
Definitely going to need to give this a once over. I've never even heard of apt before. Thanks for the info!
Edit: Forgot to mention that the keys are absolutely gorgeous. What kind of switches are you using?
Yea i can only recommend aptmak, super comfy!
In this build i have milky yellows, but i'm not super happy with them. My current favourites are the trash switch (linear) and kailh midnight pro yellows (semi-silent tactile).