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I read through this a while ago while deciding on a design for my next dactyl-manuform build, and I'm unfortunately struck that in 5 years, we still don't have

I read through this a while ago while deciding on a design for my next dactyl-manuform build, and I'm unfortunately struck that in 5 years, we still don't have a good opensource trackpoint design. I wouldn't necessarily expect that one would pop up in a vacuum, except for these three data points: 1) The Cambrian explosion of 3D printed, custom, hand wired keyboard designs -- dactyl -> dactyl-manuform -> tracktyl (trackball based), entire companies build around kits and designs that have to be hand assembled, r/ergomechkeyboards, discord channels for things like bastardkb.com, etc. 2) The similar, if earlier days, explosion of trackball designs: see the long discussion at the Verge [0]. 3) Equivalent popularity when available of trackpoint style pointers -- thinkpad keyboards and Unicomp clone Model M's with trackpoint built in (though with the cardinal sin for Linux use of not having a middle click option. It seems like we're overdue for a good trackpoint module that I can build into the frame of a serious manuform style keyboard without having to use a 16mm piercing to extend the point past a full mechanical key. [0] https://www.theverge.com/22958439/trackball-diy-building-ploopy https://www.theverge.com/22958439/trackball-diy-building-plo...

boomskats 4y ago
I think that (like me) you overestimate the size of population looking for an opensource trackpoint design. For your trackball example there's the Ploopy [0], but even there we're still dependent on something like the PMW3360 sensor board (which afaik isn't open). I just can't picture how designing and manufacturing a new trackpoint board from scratch - one that competes with the excellent Trackpoint IV modules that are used in the also excellent TEX[1] trackpoint keyboards - would ever be profitable, or worthwhile given that there are patents and licensing issues to deal with. If, OTOH, you're just after a trackpoint module and a stem extension that works, check out the Sprintek SK8707 on Jonas Lang's Trackpoint Groupbuy discord [2]. [0] https://ploopy.co/ https://ploopy.co/ [1] https://tex.com.tw/products/shinobi?variant=16969883648090 https://tex.com.tw/products/shinobi?variant=16969883648090 [2] https://discord.com/channels/812728566940303362/ https://discord.com/channels/812728566940303362/
- fragmede 4y ago
  Lenovo also makes a NON-MECHANICAL keyboard that otherwise hits the mark - https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-TrackPoint/dp/B00F3U4TQS/ref=sr_1_4 https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-Trac... that also pulls down demand for an opensource trackpoint design that attaches to a mechanical keyboard.
  - stevesimmons 4y ago
    Also available in a cordless Bluetooth version, btw.
  - psychomugs 4y ago
    The Bluetooth version is my endgame keyboard and I’ve already bought spares, and will likely buy more. The Bluetooth version can also pair through a USB dongle, enabling fast switching between two machines without replugging.
  - nahuel0x 4y ago
    Be careful, you can't swap the Fn/Ctrl keys on Lenovo external keyboards, it can be a deal breaker for many.
mtlmtlmtlmtl 4y ago
I had the Unicomp with the trackball. The trackball was terrible, and in an annoying spot(above the numpad?!) where moving my hand to a mouse was more ergonomic anyway. Never got used past trying for the first few days. Complete waste of whatever the extra cost was. YMMV.
- dharmaturtle 4y ago
  I obtained a Charybdis [0] last month - the trackball is right at your thumb. My hands virtually never leave the keyboard. Honestly I'm still trying to get my WPM back up to where it used to be, and my homerow mods are occasionally misfiring, but on the whole it's been a positive experience. [0] https://github.com/Bastardkb/Charybdis https://github.com/Bastardkb/Charybdis
  - mtlmtlmtlmtl 4y ago
    Damn, that's pretty close to my dream keyboard right there, thanks! Though Ideally I'd prefer something like a clit mouse near the home row, with 3 click buttons on their own row under the modifier row. With the Atreus design which is what I'm using currently. Switched to a split ortholinear keyboard to force myself to relearn typing with touch, because I had this crazy ad hoc 5 finger system that was typing at up to 110wpm, but really messing with my nerves. Back up to 100+ WPM and my wrists are much happier. Keep at it, you'll be flying again in no time.

boomskats 4y ago

I think that (like me) you overestimate the size of population looking for an opensource trackpoint design. For your trackball example there's the Ploopy [0], but even there we're still dependent on something like the PMW3360 sensor board (which afaik isn't open). I just can't picture how designing and manufacturing a new trackpoint board from scratch - one that competes with the excellent Trackpoint IV modules that are used in the also excellent TEX[1] trackpoint keyboards - would ever be profitable, or worthwhile given that there are patents and licensing issues to deal with. If, OTOH, you're just after a trackpoint module and a stem extension that works, check out the Sprintek SK8707 on Jonas Lang's Trackpoint Groupbuy discord [2]. [0] https://ploopy.co/ https://ploopy.co/ [1] https://tex.com.tw/products/shinobi?variant=16969883648090 https://tex.com.tw/products/shinobi?variant=16969883648090 [2] https://discord.com/channels/812728566940303362/ https://discord.com/channels/812728566940303362/

fragmede 4y ago
Lenovo also makes a NON-MECHANICAL keyboard that otherwise hits the mark - https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-TrackPoint/dp/B00F3U4TQS/ref=sr_1_4 https://www.amazon.com/Lenovo-ThinkPad-Compact-Keyboard-Trac... that also pulls down demand for an opensource trackpoint design that attaches to a mechanical keyboard.
- stevesimmons 4y ago
  Also available in a cordless Bluetooth version, btw.
- psychomugs 4y ago
  The Bluetooth version is my endgame keyboard and I’ve already bought spares, and will likely buy more. The Bluetooth version can also pair through a USB dongle, enabling fast switching between two machines without replugging.
- nahuel0x 4y ago
  Be careful, you can't swap the Fn/Ctrl keys on Lenovo external keyboards, it can be a deal breaker for many.

mtlmtlmtlmtl 4y ago

I had the Unicomp with the trackball. The trackball was terrible, and in an annoying spot(above the numpad?!) where moving my hand to a mouse was more ergonomic anyway. Never got used past trying for the first few days. Complete waste of whatever the extra cost was. YMMV.

dharmaturtle 4y ago
I obtained a Charybdis [0] last month - the trackball is right at your thumb. My hands virtually never leave the keyboard. Honestly I'm still trying to get my WPM back up to where it used to be, and my homerow mods are occasionally misfiring, but on the whole it's been a positive experience. [0] https://github.com/Bastardkb/Charybdis https://github.com/Bastardkb/Charybdis
- mtlmtlmtlmtl 4y ago
  Damn, that's pretty close to my dream keyboard right there, thanks! Though Ideally I'd prefer something like a clit mouse near the home row, with 3 click buttons on their own row under the modifier row. With the Atreus design which is what I'm using currently. Switched to a split ortholinear keyboard to force myself to relearn typing with touch, because I had this crazy ad hoc 5 finger system that was typing at up to 110wpm, but really messing with my nerves. Back up to 100+ WPM and my wrists are much happier. Keep at it, you'll be flying again in no time.