Split ergonomic keyboard project

pingbat · 18 Jul 2012, 19:38

The accumulated shipping could get expensive for all those parts. Will there be any chance of someone bundling parts before shipping?

Merijn · 19 Jul 2012, 00:01

These are perhaps the easiest parts to get, but I can get the diodes (1N4148) very cheap for about $0.55 per 100 (ex shipping to me and to you) perhaps I can even get them cheaper in larger quantities.

justcallmecrash · 19 Jul 2012, 00:14

What would be handy is a set of files that are usable on a 3d-printer. I have access to one where all I would have to pay for is the material to run through it. I think my printer guy uses SketchUp a lot.

Merijn · 19 Jul 2012, 00:16

When I spoke to someone who owns a 3d printer they said the plastic costs nothing, but you have to do a lot before you can print it. All that work costs some. And of course, it is slow what I remember from it.

dox · 19 Jul 2012, 00:19

I will post the *.stl (used for 3d printing) files from my model in a few days.
The result may vary depending on the printing process you use.

justcallmecrash · 19 Jul 2012, 01:16

Awesome! Thanks so much.

Of course, it won't really do us any good until we're able to get the PCB.

The_Beast · 19 Jul 2012, 01:19

dox wrote:I will post the *.stl (used for 3d printing) files from my model in a few days.
The result may vary depending on the printing process you use.

Not to be a nag but what about dwg files? I'm trying to help, if you don't want/need it, that's fine too

dorkvader · 19 Jul 2012, 05:40

I don't know about DWG, but I'm remaking the layer case in DXF, so we can at least get proper quotes from water/laser cutters.

The_Beast · 19 Jul 2012, 06:14

dorkvader wrote:I don't know about DWG, but I'm remaking the layer case in DXF, so we can at least get proper quotes from water/laser cutters.

That'll do pig, that'll do

, I can convert to dwg from dxf

ondast · 20 Jul 2012, 23:13

What kind of switches do we need for this, plate mounted or PCB?

Djuzuh · 20 Jul 2012, 23:58

ondast wrote:What kind of switches do we need for this, plate mounted or PCB?

Take pcb mounted, they work everywhere with a bit of work(you need to cut two feets away for a plate mounted plate).

ondast · 21 Jul 2012, 00:03

Ok thanks, they just seem to be harder to get ahold of

damorgue · 21 Jul 2012, 00:13

dox wrote:I will post the *.stl (used for 3d printing) files from my model in a few days.
The result may vary depending on the printing process you use.

Awesome

bpiphany · 21 Jul 2012, 01:10

Djuzuh wrote:
ondast wrote:What kind of switches do we need for this, plate mounted or PCB?
Take pcb mounted, they work everywhere with a bit of work(you need to cut two feets away for a plate mounted plate).

Or take plate mounted that work everywhere out of the box... =D

Although on this PCB all locations except the optional 1u width in the outermost column have holes for the PCB mount switches. All other locations except one pair of the optional 1u keys in the thumb cluster take switch mounted diodes as well.

All locations in the "standard" design take both PCB mount pegs and in-switch diodes.

ondast · 21 Jul 2012, 01:35

Is there any added benefit to using pcb mounted vs plate mounted in terms of sturdiness etc. I mean, if i need to cut away the two feet anyways, i might as well get plate mounts?

bpiphany · 21 Jul 2012, 01:39

For this board you are not going to need to cut anything off. The extra pegs should add some sturdiness, but mostly alignment in the case of PCB mounting. If you are going to get a case for your ErgoDOX you are going to have the switches mounted in a plate (at least I think all case options will be like that).

ondast · 21 Jul 2012, 01:50

Roger that, thanks for the help.

dox · 23 Jul 2012, 02:21

Files for the case are now available in STL and STEP format here: http://ergodox.org/downloads.aspx

The single slope version is the version I got from shapeways and it have a slope similar to a regular keyboard.
The double slope have the same slope as the single sloped one + a bit of tenting.

damorgue · 23 Jul 2012, 13:23

Those buttons doesn't seem to work for me, but you can see where they link in the source, so it is all good.
Eg: http://ergodox.org/Downloads/Case/Doubl ... ftcase.zip

Merijn · 24 Jul 2012, 10:35

It seems like regular 3D printing would cost a 100 Euro already for the effort that goes into it.

dirge · 24 Jul 2012, 11:05

long as the plates are made cases shouldn't be too hard, sheet acrylic, modeling saw, glue, job done.

Dandelan · 26 Jul 2012, 05:41

That is great. I would just offer a few suggestions.

I know its the Key 64 concept but it really needs a row of F keys on the top.

You should also make all the keys fully programmable or remappable. You should have keys for volume and a few Macro keys.

So, if it were up to me, you should increase the number of keys. Whats the point of being minimalist when some of us need F keys in stuff we do.

I use a kinesis advantage but actually prefer the freestyle. the freestyle keys are membrane and wear out in like one year or less if you type a lot but are more comfortable. I don't like the curved shape of the kinesis which is not friendly for large hands. Flat is better than curved in my opinion.

Put me down for an order...

Icarium · 26 Jul 2012, 09:39

Dandelan: I understand that you didn't want to read the entire thread but all those things have been discussed (some at length) and the design is very final. Several people agreed with you so maybe at some point there will be a version more to your liking.

TDub · 26 Jul 2012, 11:32

Incredibly cool project! Has anyone thought about doing a wooden case DIY style? I think with the layer case model, it should be possible and for significantly less then 200$. The most challanging would probably be the layer that the keys get mounted on. So maybe a hybrid, with the mounting plate bought somewhere and the rest of the case DIY.

If there is a group buy with shipping to europe, I might also be interessted in buying 2 pcbs, if it is possible to reduce the cost of the case.

justcallmecrash · 26 Jul 2012, 16:27

I'll be doing a wooden layer-case for mine and I'm not doing a plate. If you take a look at the cad for the PCB, you'll see that the switches are intended to be PCB mounted (the medium-sized holes either side of the switch), so a plate is really not necessary.
I'm getting pretty excited about this coming to fruition. Any further information?

JesuswasaZombie · 26 Jul 2012, 22:58

The more I look at this thread the more I realize how bad I want one of these. An aluminum Ti anodized case would be awesome, maybe through one of the guys doing the poker cases?

dirge · 27 Jul 2012, 08:20

This feels so close I'd hate to add another 6 months if cases had to be included.

I'd rather have kit without case and have a group buy for cases after. Or the layered plate option with the kit.

regack · 27 Jul 2012, 22:22

I registered here just so I could officially add myself to the list interested in getting a set of the PCBs. Luckily I have a busload of diodes left over from my last DOX-based project (

).

ondast · 29 Jul 2012, 23:27

dirge wrote:This feels so close I'd hate to add another 6 months if cases had to be included.

I'd rather have kit without case and have a group buy for cases after. Or the layered plate option with the kit.

I agree, just a full parts list and the pcb would get alot of people started

justcallmecrash · 30 Jul 2012, 21:21

ondast wrote:
dirge wrote:This feels so close I'd hate to add another 6 months if cases had to be included.

I'd rather have kit without case and have a group buy for cases after. Or the layered plate option with the kit.
I agree, just a full parts list and the pcb would get alot of people started

I'm with you. Say, when will this be announced in the Group Buys section? I figure we'd better get something official together so we can get an accurate count.
I'm still in for the two I originally indicated.