Split ergonomic keyboard project
- sordna
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Kinesis Advantage LF / Dvorak layout
- Main mouse: Logitech M500
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Red
- DT Pro Member: -
What I did was map all the keys I could with regular keypresses. That took care of most of my needs. For the rest (certain special keys, etc) I used right click, and selected the desired key from the menu. I was able to do my desired layout pretty quickly.
-
- DT Pro Member: -
Huh! I guess I should RTFM.
@gdaian - I can hit ctrl+alt+del pretty easily with an inch of wrist movement:
@gdaian - I can hit ctrl+alt+del pretty easily with an inch of wrist movement:
Spoiler:
-
- DT Pro Member: -
A little birdie sold me a couple of prototype boards late last year.
-
- Location: Germany
- DT Pro Member: -
looks like the cad files were removed from http://ergodox.org? hm?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?....
-
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Kinesis Advantage QD
- Main mouse: Evoluent VerticalMouse 3
- Favorite switch: Cherry Browns
- DT Pro Member: -
I mocked up the dvorak layout I posted several months ago in the massdrop configurator. It's not clear how the layer toggle keys will behave (toggle on key-down and key-up, or just on key-down), nor does it look like you can toggle layers on each side separately. I guess those features will have to be added manually.
https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?r ... 46ed86c48d
https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?r ... 46ed86c48d
- regack
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: IBM Model M (22 JAN 1986)
- Favorite switch: For customs: Cherry MX Green
- DT Pro Member: -
Ok, I'm not an expert, so I could be misinformed. From the simple keypad I made using a Teensy 2.0 each layout of the matrix is a separate layer/mode. So, because everything is in one matrix, if you wanted a mode with just one hand changed, you'd have a layer that alters just part of the matrix.Tafryn wrote:I mocked up the dvorak layout I posted several months ago in the massdrop configurator. It's not clear how the layer toggle keys will behave (toggle on key-down and key-up, or just on key-down), nor does it look like you can toggle layers on each side separately. I guess those features will have to be added manually.
https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?r ... 46ed86c48d
With the 3 "layers" you have, if you want it to feel like they are individually toggled, you'll end up with 9 combinations, and thus 9 distinct "layers".
It is probably possible to write firmware to handle changing just part of the matrix, but I don't believe that what is there now will be able to handle that.
L0 R0
L0 R1
L0 R2
L1 R0
L1 R1
L1 R2
L2 R0
L2 R1
L2 R2
-
- Main keyboard: doxKB
- Main mouse: G700
- Favorite switch: ergo clear
- DT Pro Member: -
The PCB files were never there. I have to ask bpiphany for the latest version and I will add the link.mintberryminuscrunch wrote:looks like the cad files were removed from http://ergodox.org? hm?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?....
-
- DT Pro Member: -
Dunno if you have it already, but here's the post where litster put his case design files up - in case you were planning to add those too.dox wrote:The PCB files were never there. I have to ask bpiphany for the latest version and I will add the link.
I get the impression (without having tested) that "toggling" layers will activate on press and deactivate on release; "push" should activate (probably on press) only, and "pop" should deactivate (probably on press) only.Tafryn wrote:I mocked up the dvorak layout I posted several months ago in the massdrop configurator. It's not clear how the layer toggle keys will behave (toggle on key-down and key-up, or just on key-down), nor does it look like you can toggle layers on each side separately. I guess those features will have to be added manually.
https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?r ... 46ed86c48d
And it's true that you can't change the layer on only part of the matrix at a time... But you could put each hand's modifications on different layers, and switch to them that way. The only thing that setup would keep you from doing is activating both layers at the same time with a single key - but even that will be possible once school lets me get to implementing macros.
It would be possible indeed - and I used to have it that way - but it was a bit more complexity than it was worth, I thought, considering that you can do the same thing with transparent keys + layer stacking + macros (which I was already planning to implement), and reduce SRAM usage at the same time, at only the cost of a small paradigm shift in layout design and slightly higher PROGMEM usage (which for the moment we have plenty of).regack wrote:It is probably possible to write firmware to handle changing just part of the matrix, but I don't believe that what is there now will be able to handle that.
-
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Kinesis Advantage QD
- Main mouse: Evoluent VerticalMouse 3
- Favorite switch: Cherry Browns
- DT Pro Member: -
I missed transparent keys on my first run through. Thanks for pointing those out. I think that copious use of transparent keys will allow per-side toggling of layers. I've changed my dvorak layout accordingly.ic07 wrote: I get the impression (without having tested) that "toggling" layers will activate on press and deactivate on release; "push" should activate (probably on press) only, and "pop" should deactivate (probably on press) only.
And it's true that you can't change the layer on only part of the matrix at a time... But you could put each hand's modifications on different layers, and switch to them that way. The only thing that setup would keep you from doing is activating both layers at the same time with a single key - but even that will be possible once school lets me get to implementing macros.
https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/?r ... a38d0ee940
You could have up to 4 independently stackable layers per side using this method. However, you'd probably want to arrange your layer-switching keys in more of a round-robin fashion if you had that many layers instead of the stair-step fashion that I have in this layout.
-
- Main keyboard: TrulyErgonomic 209
- Main mouse: MacBook Pro Trackpad(only when keyboard can't)
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: -
I switched to using sticky keys a few months back and I would highly recommend it. Sticky keys are a good solution to chording gymnastics such as ctrl+alt+delete on ErgoDox because you don't have to press the keys simultaneously. Also, the tap twice to lock feature of sticky keys can be really convenient for repetitive chorded commands (zoom, advance cursor by word, next find result, etc.) and typing in caps (when you have remapped your caps lock for VIM or Emacs). It was fairly intuitive and only took me a day to get used to and I haven't looked back.
One downside is that if you are typing sloppy and hit the wrong modifier or double tap, you have to cycle through the states to clear sticky modifiers. Mac has a good sticky key state visualization that makes this easier to correct. Windows does not display the states as prominently by default but I don't use a widows box often enough to try to fix it.
When I get my ErgoDox I plan to write my own firmware with hardware level sticky key support. The two big gains I am designing for are multi-state layer modifiers (none-oneuse-locked) for symbol and numpad layers and a reset modifiers key to clear sticky states in one press rather than cycle modifiers individually. I have been using and tweaking a variation of this setup for a symbol layer sticky key with a TrulyErgonomic keyboard, PcKeyboardHack, and KeyRemap4Macbook for 3 months that I have been very pleased with and I am excited to get a few more keys to play with on the ErgoDox thumb cluster than I have with the TE.
One downside is that if you are typing sloppy and hit the wrong modifier or double tap, you have to cycle through the states to clear sticky modifiers. Mac has a good sticky key state visualization that makes this easier to correct. Windows does not display the states as prominently by default but I don't use a widows box often enough to try to fix it.
When I get my ErgoDox I plan to write my own firmware with hardware level sticky key support. The two big gains I am designing for are multi-state layer modifiers (none-oneuse-locked) for symbol and numpad layers and a reset modifiers key to clear sticky states in one press rather than cycle modifiers individually. I have been using and tweaking a variation of this setup for a symbol layer sticky key with a TrulyErgonomic keyboard, PcKeyboardHack, and KeyRemap4Macbook for 3 months that I have been very pleased with and I am excited to get a few more keys to play with on the ErgoDox thumb cluster than I have with the TE.
- BugBuster
- Location: Estonia
- Main keyboard: Microsoft Natural Keyboard Pro
- Main mouse: Razer DeathAdder 3.5G Left Hand
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Brown
- DT Pro Member: -
- Contact:
A bit off topic and it's Friday anyway: what strikes me when I'm reading about all these layers, transparent and sticky keys and macros - we don't need to have strong passwords for computers equipped with such keyboards, no intruder is ever able to type the password in even if he knows it
Unless he comes with his own keyboard Or finds your old normal keyboard in the closet... so don't ever store normal keyboards at home and your are already protected better!
Unless he comes with his own keyboard Or finds your old normal keyboard in the closet... so don't ever store normal keyboards at home and your are already protected better!
-
- Main keyboard: Laptop, MS Wireless Comfort 5000
- Main mouse: Touchpad, Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
I like it when my OS interface is as obfuscated as that. I have KDE setup so that, with no windows open or with all of them minimized, there's nothing at all visible except the desktop backgrounds. You have to press a mouse button to get to the task list, clock, tray, and other widgets, that hover over everything else. I use text launchers, too, and almost never use the task list/etc. myself except to check the time. It's just amusing to see people come to my computer and have no clue what to do. I smile at the thought of what it'll be like with an ErgoDox with blank keycaps ;p
- ne0phyte
- Toast.
- Location: Germany
- Main keyboard: HHKB Pro 2
- Main mouse: Mionix Avior 7000
- Favorite switch: Topre 45g, MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: 0003
KDE is never minimalistic though. If you want minimalism try xmonad or awesomewm + dmenu + bar or dzenheuristicist wrote:I like it when my OS interface is as obfuscated as that. I have KDE setup so that, with no windows open or with all of them minimized, there's nothing at all visible except the desktop backgrounds. You have to press a mouse button to get to the task list, clock, tray, and other widgets, that hover over everything else. I use text launchers, too, and almost never use the task list/etc. myself except to check the time. It's just amusing to see people come to my computer and have no clue what to do. I smile at the thought of what it'll be like with an ErgoDox with blank keycaps ;p
- Soarer
- Location: UK
- Favorite switch: F
- DT Pro Member: -
Maximal number of keys for n pins: floor(n/2) * ceil(n/2)
So, for 23 pins: 11 * 12 = 132
Teensy only has one LED, but the other (25th) I/O pin is awkwardly located in the middle of the PCB.
Anyway, far easier to write code for an 8 x something matrix, so: 8 * 15 = 120
So, for 23 pins: 11 * 12 = 132
Teensy only has one LED, but the other (25th) I/O pin is awkwardly located in the middle of the PCB.
Anyway, far easier to write code for an 8 x something matrix, so: 8 * 15 = 120
-
- Main keyboard: doxKB
- Main mouse: G700
- Favorite switch: ergo clear
- DT Pro Member: -
PCB files and litster case files added to http://ergodox.org/Downloads.aspx
-
- Location: Netherlands
- Main keyboard: Filco MJ2 ANSI Mx Brown, Poker ANSI Mx Brown
- Main mouse: G500
- Favorite switch: Mx Brown, Mx Blue, Buckling Spring
- DT Pro Member: -
You might not believe me, but I was looking for litster case files twenty minutes ago when you hadn't added them yet Thanks
-
- Main keyboard: Laptop, MS Wireless Comfort 5000
- Main mouse: Touchpad, Microsoft Wireless Mouse 5000
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Blue
- DT Pro Member: -
I want minimalism plus modern styling and compositing. So... KDEne0phyte wrote:KDE is never minimalistic though. If you want minimalism try xmonad or awesomewm + dmenu + bar or dzenheuristicist wrote:I like it when my OS interface is as obfuscated as that. I have KDE setup so that, with no windows open or with all of them minimized, there's nothing at all visible except the desktop backgrounds. You have to press a mouse button to get to the task list, clock, tray, and other widgets, that hover over everything else. I use text launchers, too, and almost never use the task list/etc. myself except to check the time. It's just amusing to see people come to my computer and have no clue what to do. I smile at the thought of what it'll be like with an ErgoDox with blank keycaps ;p
But enough OT. Hail ErgoDox, etc. etc. ;p
- gdaian
- Location: Denmark
- Favorite switch: cherry
- DT Pro Member: -
@judascleric: You just made me start using sticky keys, and so far I love it. Very easy to get used to, it simply allows you to be a little lazy and spares you those awful finger contortions. I hope you release that firmware with the features you describe!
- Dan
- Location: Romania
- DT Pro Member: -
This is awesome, is there a commercial version planned or this will remain a DIY only project?
Do you know if this can be made to function wireless?
ps: it would be even more awesome if it could have integrated mouse control on each pad, in the form of pointing sticks. One for each hand.
Do you know if this can be made to function wireless?
ps: it would be even more awesome if it could have integrated mouse control on each pad, in the form of pointing sticks. One for each hand.
-
- Main keyboard: noppoo choc mini
- Main mouse: a cheap one :)
- Favorite switch: not sure yet
- DT Pro Member: -
Sorry for invade into this thread i am posting this into geekhack and deskthority ergodox's threads.
I have made a firmware for the key64 keyboard that i would like to share with you , i don't know if it could be useful for people who have been playing with the ergodox now but anyway is a free firmware that you can adapt to your needs.
The firmware have been in a testing phase for a while, it contains all the features described at the design page of the key64.
This initial firmware is a keyboard profile that compiles on top of the amazing tmk_keyboard firmware developed by Jun Wako a.k.a. "hasu" with some modifications.
For those who are interested please see the downloads page, then follow the instructions on how to compile the firmware.
I would like to finish the keyboard but my time is very limited, i know the ergodox have more fans than the key64 and it got the interest of the community the key64 fail to achieve; but if someone wants to collaborate with us we need a help with the design of the case, right now it appears more like a batman's keyboard, my idea initially was to make a wood case using a series of lasered cuts in wood one over the other and also a pcb plate to gain more stability , i see people prefer plastic, but i think (and is my personal opinion) wood give you a feeling of relaxation and is also a beautiful material.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
I have made a firmware for the key64 keyboard that i would like to share with you , i don't know if it could be useful for people who have been playing with the ergodox now but anyway is a free firmware that you can adapt to your needs.
The firmware have been in a testing phase for a while, it contains all the features described at the design page of the key64.
This initial firmware is a keyboard profile that compiles on top of the amazing tmk_keyboard firmware developed by Jun Wako a.k.a. "hasu" with some modifications.
For those who are interested please see the downloads page, then follow the instructions on how to compile the firmware.
I would like to finish the keyboard but my time is very limited, i know the ergodox have more fans than the key64 and it got the interest of the community the key64 fail to achieve; but if someone wants to collaborate with us we need a help with the design of the case, right now it appears more like a batman's keyboard, my idea initially was to make a wood case using a series of lasered cuts in wood one over the other and also a pcb plate to gain more stability , i see people prefer plastic, but i think (and is my personal opinion) wood give you a feeling of relaxation and is also a beautiful material.
Comments and suggestions are welcome.
- sordna
- Location: USA
- Main keyboard: Kinesis Advantage LF / Dvorak layout
- Main mouse: Logitech M500
- Favorite switch: Cherry MX Red
- DT Pro Member: -
Thought I'd post some photos that were emailed to the MD GB participants today. Lot's of aluminum! Although I won't be getting any of it; a while back, before the GB ended, I changed my order and am getting both my keyboards with acrylic cases (one classic, one full hand).