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Ideally I would be looking for an affordable and customisable mechanical with sockets and open firmware that is a matrix rather than a specialised ergo/split.
by shirro 6y ago
Ideally I would be looking for an affordable and customisable mechanical with sockets and open firmware that is a matrix rather than a specialised ergo/split.
Most "enthusiast" ortho mechanicals seem to be smaller like the plank and appeal to the people who like layers. I know I don't enjoy lots of layer shifting with smaller keyboards.
I have been tempted to build something like an XD75 which is 75 ortho keys in a 60% size. I have also been considering doing a hand wire. More for the fun of making stuff than any necessity.
There are bigger orthos aimed at point of sale and ergo users but their features are a bit different.
- enriquto 6y agoI can vouch for the XD75; the version where you simply plug-in the switches is really straightforward to build. I'm still using the typematrix because my switches for the XD75 are too bulky and noisy, but may replace them in the future. Configuring the layout with qmx is also straightforward, and you don't need any layers with a large board like the xd75 (I only have one for the "firmware upload" combo).
- dsr_ 6y agoHave you seen that X-Bows is pre-selling their 3rd generation, now programmable with QMK? - ortho - angled but not split - replaceable MX-style switches - 86 keys - lights, no whistles