this post was submitted on 11 Oct 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

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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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128
Rolio 0.9 Update (lemmy.world)
submitted 1 year ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
18 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Hi All,

Here's ht latest update to the Rolio split keyboard. It's now almost done, it just needs some minor cosmetic and manufacturability tweaks.

The GitHub repo is here: https://github.com/MickiusMousius/RolioKeyboard

A quick run down on the features (so far):

  • The keyboard itself
    • Fully wireless thanks to the Nice!Nano controllers and awesome ZMK firmware
    • Excellent battery life, I've personally been getting 2+ weeks before it gets to 60% with the previous iteration.
    • A low profile, compact choc spaced form factor that is similar to the Corne
    • Additional "Sometimes" buttons on the bottom row just like the Sofle
    • Horizontal roller encoders on both halves
    • A backlight that is efficient enough to be used on battery
    • A robust chassis so that it can be treated like a normal keyboard
    • An FDM version for at home low cost production
    • A CNC option for a slick look and very premium feel
    • A travel case that can easily be made using any FDM printer
  • ZMK Keymap & Custom keycaps:
    • The keycaps are fully customized and match the ZMK keymap thanks to FKCaps
    • MacOS and Windows modes as part of the keymap to keep the "same" handy macros in both OSs
    • All of the symbols and special behaviors can be accessed using at most two keys
    • The settings keys and different modes are documented in the key caps themselves (easy to learn).
    • The keymap can be easily customized thanks to ZMK, the keycaps can also be customized to suit your needs
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[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 year ago* (last edited 1 year ago) (2 children)

This is my first time hearing about this. Looks really cool! Can you update some of the Aliexpress links?

These ones are dead:

  • 75V 0.15A Fast Switching Diode, SOD-123
  • EVQWGD001 Rotary encoder, dual channel, incremental quadrate outputs, with switch
  • Kailh Choc hot swap sockets PG1350
  • 30V Vds, 5.7A Id, N-Channel MOSFET, SOT-23
[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Links updated, let me know how you go!

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks, I’ll get that sorted later tonight.

Are you wanting to build one or just being helpful for those that might want to make one?

I have a few spare PCBs of the posted iteration, if you’re based in Australia I’m happy to send some on. Though I’d recommend waiting for the 1.0 release.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I'm considering building one. I'm not in Australia and think I'll wait for 1.0, but thanks for offering! I haven't soldered anything in a couple decades. Do you think it's still possible for me to do this when a guide is made?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Yes. It’s fairly straight forward and there are test points to check everything is soldered properly as you go.

There is one exception, the backlight has some very small surface mount parts, the SMD resistors in particular are quite fiddly.

My current thinking is to sell pre-soldered kits with all the surface mount parts done (LEDs withstanding). This way people only need to solder the controller sockets and encoders to get a functioning keyboard.

I will of course keep all of the design files freely available. If you order your own PCBs from JLCPCB you will need to order a batch of 5 so you’ll have some practice boards 😊

I’m still working on a cost effective way to solve the pre-soldering of LEDs. I’ve looked into reverse mountable LEDs, but I’ve yet to find something that meets the required criteria (price, color, efficiency and availability).

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Very slick! Love the custom legend key caps.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Me too, I highly recommend checking out FKCaps. The service is top notch.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (3 children)

Nice updates. I don’t know if it can give up my number row yet but I may have to consider it. Thanks!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Thanks.

I am working on a similar MX design that has a number row (Rolio Max). In addition to the roller encoders it’ll have these bad boys too:

https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Alps-Alpine/RKJXT1F42001?qs=6EGMNY9ZYDTsBzSTrhiL0w%3D%3D&mgh=1&vip=1

It’ll be much more of an at home board than one you can shove in a backpack. But I figure why not make an all you can eat board too.

I don’t anticipate having the prototypes even until December though as I’ve got a fair bit of work happening at the moment. In practical terms I guess that means no publicly available designs until early next year.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Sounds cool. Look forward to seeing it.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Having had a full numpad on one of my layers for the last few years, I hate having to stretch my fingers all weird to hit 6, for instance, when using my laptop's keyboards with a number row.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

I hear you, it’s a slightly bigger stretch, but on the other hand habits are hard to break. Also, if you’re a gamer I could definitely see the dedicated number row as a hard requirement, particularly if you’re not comfortable making custom layouts.

I still use a qwerty layout and have a number row in my numbers layer as it requires less re-training.

I suspect that layouts with a dedicated number row are a transitional form for most people that stick with it, I quickly moved away from the Sofle for example. As before though I can understand the desire for something different.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Having had a full numpad on one of my layers for the last few years, I hate having to stretch my fingers all weird to hit 6, for instance, when using my laptop's keyboards with a number row.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago

Yeah, I think I have to just buckle down and really get used to my layers. I got two orthos in front of me with different layers and I should just start practicing num layouts now.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Curious, how well rollers work in that location? Are you using index finger or thumbs for those?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 year ago

Index fingers, though you can use thumbs but that felt quite clumsy to me.

In the base layer they act as arrow keys. In the functions layer they are volume and zoom.

I’ve found the arrow key scrolling to be quite nice. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’re used to it regular arrow keys for text navigation feel clunky.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 year ago (1 children)

That is a mighty fine board you have there

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 year ago

Thankyou 😊