Hey Ben, does ergo gen output kicad files that allow you to solder the switches directly to the board rather than with hotswap sockets? (It looked like it had normal pins as well as pads for hotswap?)
Watching this progression of videos is just so insanely satisfying. A capable person digging deeper, and deeper, passing the point of what's readily available, passing the point of the obscure, and ultimately learning how to create exactly what they need, for themselves. Every design decision which was previously out of their hands is now under their control. What a journey, bravo!
I've been following in your footsteps down this rabbit hole. Been loving my ferris sweep and just completed my first wireless build. After compiling neovim on my phone I now have a viable development environment that I can carry in my pocket, and can probably do 95% of my other work from my phone as well. It's pretty amazing! Been using a variation of your 34 key Colemak layout for a while too. Lately I've been messing around in kicad designing a macropad. I'll be checking out ergopad and ergogen. Looks fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing your journey.
Next up, The Morris, a 5 button morris code keyboard! Really enjoy the content, I'm doing my first DIY next week with the OLKB. Already have my eye on a few split designs though!
This is the hardcore keyboard creativity that I subscribed for. Awesome video, keep it up! Edit: By the way, I love how you went from "I ordered this Gergoplex cuz soldering is scary :(" to "Oh, you'll have to solder a couple of Kailh sockets but not a big deal". Really shows how you've progressed in that aspect too! 😉
@@JohnDoe-qz9ji No, but at the same time, a resounding yes. Doing one keyboard, even if you think it’ll be your forever keyboard, will open up a lot of new avenues for you. I picked up a soldering iron to make myself two boards. Identical boards, the NUI mini, purchased with the intent of keeping one and selling one. I’ve since sold them both, made a business of building customs for people on Etsy, modding my Nintendo Switch controller, fixing things for family members, and even designing my first board that a friend of mine is helping me figure out how to put it to market. All in six months or so. So, if you’re interested in being a maker-I say go for it. If you just want the board, I’m sure someone here will be happy to help meet your needs.
I am just blown away how you went from testing existing products to "I kinda don't know how to solder but that looks doable" to design fully custom split keyboard. Just wow! Great job, that inspires me to try to figure that out too!
I love the 'journaling' approach you keep on this series of videos about keyboards: somehow I can relay to that, being currently in a similar journey :-) I'm becoming more and more passionate about keyboards as I'm learning about their designs and ergonomics: my wrist still hurt (I went through a really intense work stream on last september and october, I may have come really close to carpal tunnel problems), but changing my layout and getting a Moonlander helped a lot However I'm starting to see that the Moonlander is missing quite a few things that I may need, mostly regarding the keys layout which doesn't quite fit my hands. So when I see your videos, it gives me a lot of inspiration! Keep up! Keep going! :-)
Love the vids on keyboards man keep'em coming. I bought the Plankez, built the ferris sweep, now you're telling me I have to go down to 16 keys! God save us all.
I’ve watched many board design videos on different channels but this one gave me the most hope and intrigue as far as actually executing it in meaningful way. Who doesn’t want a case, wireless connections, and flash abilities? Thank you for sharing your journey and tools! I’ll definitely be messing around with this going forward for both keyboard and fpv applications.
We need a video of that 16 key layout ASAP, I'm super curious. I'm currently still on a planck in my journey, been biding my time to move to a DIY wireless split for a little while (Just moved from qwerty to colemak-dh in the meantime). After this video think I might just jump straight to creating my own like you did here, I love tinkering so with a little guidance from videos such as yours, I think I'm golden.
12:30 with an extra (unused) pinky key, it looks like you could make each hand symmetrical (mirrored around the middle finger) and thus left and right could be visually identical.
Another super interesting video! I'd love to hear more on how typing works with these tiny key numbers - the layers and key maps and how they changed as you moved smaller. Are there lots more strokes added by layer changing now? Splitting the alphabet between different layers is more extreme than I considered before. Would love a video covering the journey from Ferris to here and how you found your optimal number of keys!
Instead of connecting the grounds from point to point, maybe consider flooding one side of the PCB with ground. The power traces in general could be a bit thicker, especially given the fact that you have plenty of room on the PCB to do so.
Why is it important? My experience with the Ferris is that the ground plane interfered with the side to side connection when I had them on my legs, so I was quite happy to avoid adding it here.
I cannot wait to see how on earth you designed a 16 key layout because that sounds perfect. I’ve loved going from a ten keyless to a 60% and am now using a 34 key layout and I’ve noticed that while I love less keys, I still have to move quite a bit and not finding a good placement for a mouse. I’ve been looking into adding a small trackpoint to my keyboard to minimize hand movement significantly, but haven’t had much success yet
I can't even describe how excited I was to see this on my homepage, I have been dwelling on creating a custom split keyboard but I just never knew how to go about it, and next thing you know I come upon your video! Kudos!
well this is awesome. I've never done any electronics stuff before, so this whole process has seemed really challenging-this video helped a lot to make it seem more possible. if you have time, I'd appreciate a short intro video about basic terminology and some intro resources.
I am like 99% sure you were the one that recommended to me a couple of months back to not start with extremely low number of keys. I followed your advice. I ended up picking up an ergodash and now I am waiting for my care for it to arrive so I can solder the keycaps. Meanwhile I am already looking for the corne to have it as my portable with low profile switches. I got jealous from your builds and I had the chance to try them for a little time on a board in a local shop recently. They feel like the perfect love child of my thinkpad keyboard and mechanical switches.
Just want to say thanks Ben! Your videos was part of my inspiration to get and build my first ergonomic keyboard. Now I'm sitting with a Corne with Miryoku and Colemak. First week and I'm already starting to feel somewhat comfortable. It's crazy how easy it is to learn things when they just make sense.
Fantastic video Ben. This stuff is well overdue. DIY is the absolutely the way to go. The issue with many custom keyboard suppliers is that support is poor and they often disappear because it is more of a hobby for them than a 'real' job. Been caught with that a few times. You end up being left with a bunch of paper weights! A tip for new players: if the supplier has most things 'out of stock' or is slow to get back with enquiries, give them a wide birth.
Yeah I think it’s amazing that so many small players started making and selling boards but at the end of the day if you’re parting with cash there are general expectations for most people that are hard to get past when you don’t hear back from someone for 2 months etc! This approach lets you cut straight to the point and get something up and running pretty quickly.
The most infrequently used keys are on a second layer, so I hit a thumb key to get to them. So I’m inserting a few extra key strokes for the advantage of massively reduced overall finger movement.
Hi Ben! Would love it if you could go into more detail in a future video, especially about how you go from the ergopad design to getting a pcb generated with ergogen. A more in depth explanation about the software side would be awesome too! I purchased the moonlander when it launched after watching your videos and I absolutely love it. Now I'm trying to learn about making my own custom keyboard and macropad and am feeling abit lost. Love your vids and presentation style!
You continue to make captivating content and your videos have lead me to building the sweep and switch to Colemak; I have massively enjoyed the journey and process, thank you!
For me I'd create a custom rotary encoder keyboard that runs on qmk. I just need four knobs: volume control, scrolling left or right, scrolling up or down, and undo or redo. Do you think this process can help with that?
Those tiny kbs should be usable with hands in pockets or with wearable mounts, just need a failsafe switch for hand proximity in a watch/ring or smth to that purpose
This is very exciting. I am glad you went through this. It is hard to follow but would like to build my split keyboard. A more detailed series would be awesome
Super cool tutorial, really made all of this look really approachable, which is amazing! I'm glad you've had a good experience with your nice!nanos and ZMK!
You've blown my mind with hot air soldering and this video has me ready to take the plunge. Any recommendations on really low profile switches? I got the choc tester and they still feel like too much travel.
You are blowing my mind here. I stayed with the Planck KB and Colemak DH to improve my typing speed and use of layers, but I am really keen to building my own bluetooth ergo columnar keyboard, with a 3D printed case. Will definitely stay tuned for the next steps of journey as well as discovering your 16 keys layout!
I just came across a project called Samoklava that does something very similar to this, with an additional generative layer on top of Ergogen. It automatically routes the traces, and more.
I recommend doing a polygon pour for your ground plane on the bottom layer. Just make sure you have thermal relief on all the pads(should be done by default). It will save you a little time when making your layouts and is "more correct." For low speed boards like you are designing here the layout basically doesn't matter as long as the connections are all correct. If you ever design a more sophisticated pcba than stuff like this will start to matter.
@@BenVallack would it be possible that you for example do a stream of the whole process and record it! I would love to follow you step by step and create a layout for myself so having a gem like that would definitely help! Currently waiting for my Ferris Sweep parts to arrive from AliExpress but already thinking about taking my project to the next level haha I wish you a great weekend! Greetings from Poland Ben!
I'm super curious about the 16-key-layout! I can hardly wait for it! :D btw: I got myself a planck after one of your videos and I am currently "working my way down" from 48 keys to 34 keys, key by key. First step was home-row mods and a custom layer for navigation with arrows and other related keys; comfortably getting rid of 8 kinda superfluous keys and achieving better ergonomics at the same time. :) …although… for some shortcuts, when my hand isn't already on the keyboard, I miss the mods for the thumb, but there I'm working on a solution.
Wow, super unique. I've been following this series for a while now and every video I wonder just how deep you've stumbled into the rabbit hole.. Idk how you operate with 16 keys, I am having trouble dropping from 36 to 34. However being [not a programmer], this vid has me reconsidering if I want to join a group buy I've had my eye on for months..... Code and my brain do not get along.. perhaps I should stick with my Ergodox ez...
Have you tried any curved keywell keyboards? If so, what do you think? Would a tented dactyl manuform with low-profile keys like this compare, or do you prefer this flat version?
I have built two keyboards already, one from a premade PCB and one hardwired. I keep putting of the KiCAD learning curve, but it will happen sooner or later. Your video is well structured through the journey and makes the task less daunting. Also great tools you found to make the process easier.
Really loving this. I love how clean it is and how you break it down and list all the components. Can I request a video/guide for this or the ferris sweep that has rgb lights (individual keys)? Thank you so much.
I've been watching your evolution since the row-staggered beginnings and have gone from endeared to interested to inspired to fascinated to terrified. Any hint on what your next video will be about ?
couple of quick tips on soldering: just get some rosin core solder, it makes life easier and soldering quicker, because you don't need a flux pen. Another one is for solderin the sockets: just solder one half of the socket first, and you can hold the socket in place while you reflow the solder by heating it up again. When you have all of the first halves of the sockets soldered, its really quick to just add a bit of solder into the second half to finish the connection. Just make sure to heat both, the pad and the sockets metal bit.
I’m really looking forward to the next episode! I’m on Planck on ColemakDH and you were very influential in those decisions. I need a second keyboard and I’d like to go ergo 34/36 keys, Bluetooth + an iPad mini keyboard as well. You sharing your journey is so helpful!! If you end up printing cases please do share :)
On "The Card" you could probably integrate the microcontroller into the pcb and have 2 extra keys there. Also where can I find files for the 16 key layout?
Wow - thanks Ben for a information dense video and explanation. I am currently waiting for the parts for my first keyboard to arrive - a Corne, but a completely homebrew version along the lines you explain may be next. Needless to say, I have subscribed :)
So this is indeed great, and thanks. One thing though, you seem to be approaching this as someone who is a coder talking to a coder. I will be watching your subsequent videos but hope that I’ll be able to do this as someone who could not code their way out of a wet paper bag. Either way, I appreciate the info and your journey (even if it’s gotten more minimalistic than I’d imagine going).
@@BenVallack I do qualitative research - often usability research. Lots of note taking, writing reports, etc. keep me on a keyboard nearly all day. I am also old enough (>50) and learned "keyboarding" young on a typewriter. I had an ortholinear once but unlearning stagger wasn't something I had the time for, so I currently run a Keeb.io Quefrency, which is basically a 65% split, which can use VIA. A few mods done with Karabiner Elements, and a new 3d printer because I use modifiers a tonne and thus will be trying to jump an additional thumb key into the mix. I will be playing with this stuff more, though, and the vids are helpful - I just should have learned coding back in the day.
Really great stuff!! I bought my first ever qmk supported keyboard (ZSA planck) watching your videos,and I ended up building two sweep keyboards too. Hope you’ll keep making more videos like this, it's really inspiring to watch these. Interested to also know how you end up going down to single thumb keys, hopefully, we’ll get to hear more about that in the coming videos.
Is there a software keylogger that would sugest you a key layout, depending on your most used keys? Also, with no legends on your keys, how do you keep track of what you are typing and how did you train for that?
I think there might be some logger things out there yeah, never got as far as trying it. It would be interesting. Typing without legends is pretty easy, especially on smaller boards where there is only a few places your fingers should be. Here are my learning tips: th-cam.com/video/sI-a64EVPPU/w-d-xo.html
Still really interested in how you could use all these to add a tiny thumb controlled "mouse" - are all these programs compatible, or flexible, enough to add a tich more board on to the side (at whatever angle) next to the thumb, whereby you can then add a mouse controller? Can/do the controller programs encompass that added function? This could be an interim step towards the idea of keyboard clicks as mousing, but might stop before then - and still be reducing the standard, overly large for my small hands, mouse's action that's done so much to damage my wrists with carpal tunnel aka RSI.
Hey Ben! Really love all your custom ergogen keyboard videos! I'm workin on the firmware with ZMK, buts it a bit hard to grasp everything without any background programing knowledge. Are you considering doing a ZMK firmware tutorial video by chance?
It’s pretty good, but actually I mainly use it for the click now, so one hand on the trackpad to move the cursor, then the other on the board to fire a click. This could probably be achieved with something like Keyboard Maestro though.
This is freaking awesome. Really wish mice could have this much accessible customizability. Ive seen a few 3d printed designs that you basicly just take the innards from one mouse and put it in the new similar style shell which is a start but Id really like to customize things like how tilted it is, where extra buttons are, how hard they are to press, weight, ect.
Resin printers these days are phenomenal, suuuuuuper smooth finish. But you could also use the fine resolution to create interesting textures. You could build them around a common platform that is a little brain with the sensors and such in it. Open source designs with common switches, rollers, bearings, use 3d scanners to shape it perfectly to your claw, ooooo very exciting.
what was your experience with the card keyboard? i love how compact it is but I am wondering how much of a compromise the ergonomics are? also would love to see a build where you incorporate a mouse or trackpoint. thanks!
I actually loved it - the revised version of The Piano is going back to an ortholinear grid for the inner 3 columns. I’m actually thinking ortholinear is pretty optimum for the ring/middle/index - I’m not sure column staggers are that useful for them. The main area column stagger comes in is the pinkie.
I actually loved it - the revised version of The Piano is going back to an ortholinear grid for the inner 3 columns. I’m actually thinking ortholinear is pretty optimum for the ring/middle/index - I’m not sure column staggers are that useful for them. The main area column stagger comes in is the pinkie.
Thank you for all the information. This and many other of your videos are getting me ready to try to build my own split keyboard. I am a bit focused on the controllers you use; maybe this can be a topic of a future video; and wonder why you use the nice!nano or V2 instead of a Pi Pico, Pro Micro or some other controller. Is it for the low power usage? Are there solutions out there that cost a bit less cheddar?
What you've done is very impressive. I've been looking to do something like this for a very long time (previously owned: TypeMatrix 2030, Ergodox, Atreus, Planck), but it looks so involved and time consuming that I will probably just get the ZSA Moonlander.
Nice work! Keep it up! You inspired me to try and design my own keyboard! Right now I use corne, but there are too many keys. I want something smaller with custom design
Hey! I am building my own keyboard according to this video. I have two questions: What is the battery life? Are you going to test the battery sockets anytime soon?
Battery life is about 2 weeks for the central side - longer for the peripheral side. If you use the dongle branch of ZMK with a third nice!nano as a usb connected dongle though the two peripherals last for ages. I have used the JST battery connectors which is as far as I feel the need to go at the moment. Good luck!
Ben, struggling a bit with the transition from ergopad to ergogen. The raw text it gives you is in a different language than the ergogen tool (at least it seems that way). I was going to use your config and tweak from there but also wondered if you had any advice?
Have you considered, making this a hand-held keyboard with keys on both sides? And hold it similar to how you would hold a PlayStation controller? - I feel the ultimate portable keyboard is the one you can use with literally zero support, just holding it in your lap, out in front of you, in your pockets, whatever... And with 3d printing you could EASILY make that fit like a literal glove to your hand!
What magnetic USB C connectors are you using? I’m assuming that’s what’s on the card ports. Great watching you go through this journey. No idea how you’ve managed to get to such a low key count without going crazy in the combos. I have built my Ferris sweep keymap around single finger combos, and it’s a dream. Every time I watch one of your videos, I end up making a new keyboard.
Well this is very educational. But you know what'll be even faster to iterate? Handwired strings of small boards (or only hotswap sockets) with 3d printed case to hold them. Or with separate pieces sliding alongside each other(which is my a thing i'm working on). It won't be thin like a pcb, but even with 3d printig mounting case every time it would be less work to swap switchies since there won't be soldering (just add some wirer length to accomodate stagger changes).
@@owowowdhxbxgakwlcybwxsimcwx Yes. Pcb's was invented to produce complex electronic devices. Not for fast prototyping keyboards with 20-30 buttons on it.. I believe handwiring 1 prototype with dynamic stagger wouldn't take not more 2-3 iteration of the stuff in the video. And it'll provide astronomically more flexiblity for tuning than having new board every week or two.
Subscribe to my new custom keyboards channel! www.youtube.com/@BenVallacksKeyboards
Hey Ben, does ergo gen output kicad files that allow you to solder the switches directly to the board rather than with hotswap sockets? (It looked like it had normal pins as well as pads for hotswap?)
@@disarmyouwitha yes
Watching this progression of videos is just so insanely satisfying. A capable person digging deeper, and deeper, passing the point of what's readily available, passing the point of the obscure, and ultimately learning how to create exactly what they need, for themselves. Every design decision which was previously out of their hands is now under their control. What a journey, bravo!
What a lovely comment, thanks so much!
Thanks for the section describing the ZMK workflow! It's so gratifying to see folks benefiting from the work of all our contributors.
ZMK is awesome. Thanks indeed to you and the other contributors!
I've been following in your footsteps down this rabbit hole. Been loving my ferris sweep and just completed my first wireless build. After compiling neovim on my phone I now have a viable development environment that I can carry in my pocket, and can probably do 95% of my other work from my phone as well. It's pretty amazing! Been using a variation of your 34 key Colemak layout for a while too. Lately I've been messing around in kicad designing a macropad. I'll be checking out ergopad and ergogen. Looks fascinating! Thanks so much for sharing your journey.
second all of this. extraordinary content.
Now you just need a pinephone to go along with it and a good window manager
Awesome! Yeah it’s nuts once you realise the power of a pocket keyboard with a phone and vim!!
woah
Next up, The Morris, a 5 button morris code keyboard!
Really enjoy the content, I'm doing my first DIY next week with the OLKB. Already have my eye on a few split designs though!
This is the hardcore keyboard creativity that I subscribed for. Awesome video, keep it up!
Edit: By the way, I love how you went from "I ordered this Gergoplex cuz soldering is scary :(" to "Oh, you'll have to solder a couple of Kailh sockets but not a big deal". Really shows how you've progressed in that aspect too! 😉
Hehe cheers! Thanks to you too!
Second this, and I was inspired to jump on and build a few sweeps as a result of both of your excellent vids, so thank you both!
@@JohnDoe-qz9ji I’d budget it out, but the PCBs are super cheap. Real question is the cost of your time.
@@JohnDoe-qz9ji No, but at the same time, a resounding yes. Doing one keyboard, even if you think it’ll be your forever keyboard, will open up a lot of new avenues for you. I picked up a soldering iron to make myself two boards. Identical boards, the NUI mini, purchased with the intent of keeping one and selling one. I’ve since sold them both, made a business of building customs for people on Etsy, modding my Nintendo Switch controller, fixing things for family members, and even designing my first board that a friend of mine is helping me figure out how to put it to market. All in six months or so. So, if you’re interested in being a maker-I say go for it. If you just want the board, I’m sure someone here will be happy to help meet your needs.
@@bluefaolan hi, what's your name on Etsy?
Thanks
I am just blown away how you went from testing existing products to "I kinda don't know how to solder but that looks doable" to design fully custom split keyboard. Just wow! Great job, that inspires me to try to figure that out too!
Thanks! Yeah it’s been quite the journey!!
Would love more in-depth kicad tutorials for ergo splits 👏
omg.. just as I am getting used to the ferris sweep I put together.. you come up with this genius.. 😍
I love the 'journaling' approach you keep on this series of videos about keyboards: somehow I can relay to that, being currently in a similar journey :-)
I'm becoming more and more passionate about keyboards as I'm learning about their designs and ergonomics: my wrist still hurt (I went through a really intense work stream on last september and october, I may have come really close to carpal tunnel problems), but changing my layout and getting a Moonlander helped a lot
However I'm starting to see that the Moonlander is missing quite a few things that I may need, mostly regarding the keys layout which doesn't quite fit my hands. So when I see your videos, it gives me a lot of inspiration!
Keep up! Keep going! :-)
Love the vids on keyboards man keep'em coming.
I bought the Plankez, built the ferris sweep, now you're telling me I have to go down to 16 keys! God save us all.
Haha
@@BenVallack eventually we'll get to just one key. make it happen
Thanks!
Thank you so much!
I’ve watched many board design videos on different channels but this one gave me the most hope and intrigue as far as actually executing it in meaningful way. Who doesn’t want a case, wireless connections, and flash abilities? Thank you for sharing your journey and tools! I’ll definitely be messing around with this going forward for both keyboard and fpv applications.
Thanks!!
We need a video of that 16 key layout ASAP, I'm super curious.
I'm currently still on a planck in my journey, been biding my time to move to a DIY wireless split for a little while (Just moved from qwerty to colemak-dh in the meantime). After this video think I might just jump straight to creating my own like you did here, I love tinkering so with a little guidance from videos such as yours, I think I'm golden.
12:30 with an extra (unused) pinky key, it looks like you could make each hand symmetrical (mirrored around the middle finger) and thus left and right could be visually identical.
Another super interesting video! I'd love to hear more on how typing works with these tiny key numbers - the layers and key maps and how they changed as you moved smaller. Are there lots more strokes added by layer changing now? Splitting the alphabet between different layers is more extreme than I considered before. Would love a video covering the journey from Ferris to here and how you found your optimal number of keys!
I been buying keyboards by many years , diferents brands and aventualy fails , but this the most hardcore and ultimate level of personalized keyboard
Instead of connecting the grounds from point to point, maybe consider flooding one side of the PCB with ground. The power traces in general could be a bit thicker, especially given the fact that you have plenty of room on the PCB to do so.
@@owowowdhxbxgakwlcybwxsimcwx For a small switch breakout like this you don’t really need it though. The sub board is probably 4 or 6 layer.
Why is it important? My experience with the Ferris is that the ground plane interfered with the side to side connection when I had them on my legs, so I was quite happy to avoid adding it here.
@@BenVallack For this application, it could improve immunity to noise and help with ESD performance, but to a large degree it doesn’t matter here
I cannot wait to see how on earth you designed a 16 key layout because that sounds perfect. I’ve loved going from a ten keyless to a 60% and am now using a 34 key layout and I’ve noticed that while I love less keys, I still have to move quite a bit and not finding a good placement for a mouse. I’ve been looking into adding a small trackpoint to my keyboard to minimize hand movement significantly, but haven’t had much success yet
let's go. Makes absolutely sens. Will go for it too. Nice project. Love it! Thx 4 sharing
Very interesting video, especially since you explain it from the very start until the end. Awesome channel as well, keep it up!
Great rabbit hole to go down! After my split build is done I'll try to customize my Mode after.
I can't even describe how excited I was to see this on my homepage, I have been dwelling on creating a custom split keyboard but I just never knew how to go about it, and next thing you know I come upon your video! Kudos!
Thank you for showing the process from design to pcb
I love your videos. You have given us so much information in a digestable format. I am now planning to create my own wirless ergo keyboard
well this is awesome.
I've never done any electronics stuff before, so this whole process has seemed really challenging-this video helped a lot to make it seem more possible.
if you have time, I'd appreciate a short intro video about basic terminology and some intro resources.
This is too exciting! Time to start a custom keyboard journey! Thanks for the series. This is a very informative set of videos.
I'm amazed by the fact that none of the videos about 10 keys keyboard never show anyone working with that keyboard.
16 key layout??? I can't wait to see!
Heh
3:36 so glad to see FOSS Ki-CAD mentioned and used here :)
I am like 99% sure you were the one that recommended to me a couple of months back to not start with extremely low number of keys. I followed your advice. I ended up picking up an ergodash and now I am waiting for my care for it to arrive so I can solder the keycaps. Meanwhile I am already looking for the corne to have it as my portable with low profile switches. I got jealous from your builds and I had the chance to try them for a little time on a board in a local shop recently. They feel like the perfect love child of my thinkpad keyboard and mechanical switches.
Thinkpad love
That makes me wanna try it out. Been prepping for a few months to try stuff out on my own.
Just want to say thanks Ben! Your videos was part of my inspiration to get and build my first ergonomic keyboard. Now I'm sitting with a Corne with Miryoku and Colemak. First week and I'm already starting to feel somewhat comfortable. It's crazy how easy it is to learn things when they just make sense.
love the aesthetics + customization combination
You should take a look at the dactyl manuform style of keyboard, there are generators that takes measurements and gives you a 3d file
Very cool summary! Thanks a bunch for covering ergogen - and I'm glad it could help you on this journey! ;)
Fantastic video Ben. This stuff is well overdue. DIY is the absolutely the way to go. The issue with many custom keyboard suppliers is that support is poor and they often disappear because it is more of a hobby for them than a 'real' job. Been caught with that a few times. You end up being left with a bunch of paper weights! A tip for new players: if the supplier has most things 'out of stock' or is slow to get back with enquiries, give them a wide birth.
Yeah I think it’s amazing that so many small players started making and selling boards but at the end of the day if you’re parting with cash there are general expectations for most people that are hard to get past when you don’t hear back from someone for 2 months etc! This approach lets you cut straight to the point and get something up and running pretty quickly.
After 1:30 minutes of watching this video I have already subscribed and hit the bell. Extremly good content!!!
Thanks so much!
2:09 question: how you type 21 different character ('this keyboardlnmufpg!') with 16 key ?
The most infrequently used keys are on a second layer, so I hit a thumb key to get to them. So I’m inserting a few extra key strokes for the advantage of massively reduced overall finger movement.
Hi Ben! Would love it if you could go into more detail in a future video, especially about how you go from the ergopad design to getting a pcb generated with ergogen. A more in depth explanation about the software side would be awesome too! I purchased the moonlander when it launched after watching your videos and I absolutely love it. Now I'm trying to learn about making my own custom keyboard and macropad and am feeling abit lost. Love your vids and presentation style!
You continue to make captivating content and your videos have lead me to building the sweep and switch to Colemak; I have massively enjoyed the journey and process, thank you!
For me I'd create a custom rotary encoder keyboard that runs on qmk. I just need four knobs: volume control, scrolling left or right, scrolling up or down, and undo or redo. Do you think this process can help with that?
Those tiny kbs should be usable with hands in pockets or with wearable mounts, just need a failsafe switch for hand proximity in a watch/ring or smth to that purpose
This is very exciting. I am glad you went through this. It is hard to follow but would like to build my split keyboard. A more detailed series would be awesome
I thought an earlier video of yours was nerdish. Well, well. It's only getting better! Thanks a lot! :)
Thanks for all the information and quality production. Im only on rev1 planck style
pure obsession. i absolutely love this
Super cool tutorial, really made all of this look really approachable, which is amazing! I'm glad you've had a good experience with your nice!nanos and ZMK!
I've always wanted to design my own full custom split, but the process seemed too daunting. This video will definitely help! Thanks
Dude! Sick. Was considering making my own and there there is no choice but to get on with it.
You've blown my mind with hot air soldering and this video has me ready to take the plunge. Any recommendations on really low profile switches? I got the choc tester and they still feel like too much travel.
You are blowing my mind here. I stayed with the Planck KB and Colemak DH to improve my typing speed and use of layers, but I am really keen to building my own bluetooth ergo columnar keyboard, with a 3D printed case. Will definitely stay tuned for the next steps of journey as well as discovering your 16 keys layout!
This would also be a wonderful way to build a KB to go with an iPad mini... :)
Superb detailed video Ben! Have had this on our “to watch” list for ages, finally getting to it. Didn’t disappoint. Keep up the great work! ❤️
Thanks you for information, this is what I am looking for how to a build a custom keyboard
Really cool approach to keyboard design. Your filmography is also top notch!
I just came across a project called Samoklava that does something very similar to this, with an additional generative layer on top of Ergogen. It automatically routes the traces, and more.
I recommend doing a polygon pour for your ground plane on the bottom layer. Just make sure you have thermal relief on all the pads(should be done by default). It will save you a little time when making your layouts and is "more correct."
For low speed boards like you are designing here the layout basically doesn't matter as long as the connections are all correct. If you ever design a more sophisticated pcba than stuff like this will start to matter.
Fascinating and inspiring. Thanks so much for sharing, as always
Super excited about this! Definitely show us the 16 key layouts 🚀
Will do!
@@BenVallack would it be possible that you for example do a stream of the whole process and record it!
I would love to follow you step by step and create a layout for myself so having a gem like that would definitely help!
Currently waiting for my Ferris Sweep parts to arrive from AliExpress but already thinking about taking my project to the next level haha
I wish you a great weekend!
Greetings from Poland Ben!
Absolute top of the line content. Thank you very much for this.
Great video. Really want to give this a try when I've got some spare time!
I'm super curious about the 16-key-layout! I can hardly wait for it! :D
btw: I got myself a planck after one of your videos and I am currently "working my way down" from 48 keys to 34 keys, key by key. First step was home-row mods and a custom layer for navigation with arrows and other related keys; comfortably getting rid of 8 kinda superfluous keys and achieving better ergonomics at the same time. :)
…although… for some shortcuts, when my hand isn't already on the keyboard, I miss the mods for the thumb, but there I'm working on a solution.
Yeah will be getting onto that soon :)
Same here. Came back checking for that 16 keys layout often hahaha. Just super curious!
@@davidbcg286 will try and get onto this soon!
Wow, super unique. I've been following this series for a while now and every video I wonder just how deep you've stumbled into the rabbit hole.. Idk how you operate with 16 keys, I am having trouble dropping from 36 to 34.
However being [not a programmer], this vid has me reconsidering if I want to join a group buy I've had my eye on for months..... Code and my brain do not get along.. perhaps I should stick with my Ergodox ez...
Incredible video Ben! Love seeing this SFF keyboard content get taken to the next level.
Have you tried any curved keywell keyboards? If so, what do you think? Would a tented dactyl manuform with low-profile keys like this compare, or do you prefer this flat version?
I'd like to get more into the details of the process, especially the board connection part and the controller/battery/connector parts
Sounds and looks very interesting indeed, specially for me, since I have tiny gnome hands.
I have built two keyboards already, one from a premade PCB and one hardwired. I keep putting of the KiCAD learning curve, but it will happen sooner or later. Your video is well structured through the journey and makes the task less daunting. Also great tools you found to make the process easier.
Really loving this. I love how clean it is and how you break it down and list all the components. Can I request a video/guide for this or the ferris sweep that has rgb lights (individual keys)? Thank you so much.
I've been watching your evolution since the row-staggered beginnings and have gone from endeared to interested to inspired to fascinated to terrified. Any hint on what your next video will be about ?
Neural interfaces :D
@@PinataOblongata There's probably a Neovim plugin for that.
PS: cool username
A 1 key keyboard that uses morse code.
couple of quick tips on soldering: just get some rosin core solder, it makes life easier and soldering quicker, because you don't need a flux pen.
Another one is for solderin the sockets: just solder one half of the socket first, and you can hold the socket in place while you reflow the solder by heating it up again. When you have all of the first halves of the sockets soldered, its really quick to just add a bit of solder into the second half to finish the connection. Just make sure to heat both, the pad and the sockets metal bit.
Your shell theme looks lovely! Wish i knew repository for it..
The pretty one is Gruvbox for vim.
I’m really looking forward to the next episode! I’m on Planck on ColemakDH and you were very influential in those decisions. I need a second keyboard and I’d like to go ergo 34/36 keys, Bluetooth + an iPad mini keyboard as well. You sharing your journey is so helpful!! If you end up printing cases please do share :)
On "The Card" you could probably integrate the microcontroller into the pcb and have 2 extra keys there. Also where can I find files for the 16 key layout?
Yeah would like to build a board like that.
@@BenVallack just where to put the battery than
@@nomiss__7739 Maybe switch to a button battery underneath.
Wow - thanks Ben for a information dense video and explanation. I am currently waiting for the parts for my first keyboard to arrive - a Corne, but a completely homebrew version along the lines you explain may be next. Needless to say, I have subscribed :)
So this is indeed great, and thanks. One thing though, you seem to be approaching this as someone who is a coder talking to a coder. I will be watching your subsequent videos but hope that I’ll be able to do this as someone who could not code their way out of a wet paper bag. Either way, I appreciate the info and your journey (even if it’s gotten more minimalistic than I’d imagine going).
Heh yeah I’m never quite sure how many people are coders here but I figured most keyboard geeks probably code. What kind of thing do you do?
@@BenVallack I do qualitative research - often usability research. Lots of note taking, writing reports, etc. keep me on a keyboard nearly all day. I am also old enough (>50) and learned "keyboarding" young on a typewriter. I had an ortholinear once but unlearning stagger wasn't something I had the time for, so I currently run a Keeb.io Quefrency, which is basically a 65% split, which can use VIA. A few mods done with Karabiner Elements, and a new 3d printer because I use modifiers a tonne and thus will be trying to jump an additional thumb key into the mix. I will be playing with this stuff more, though, and the vids are helpful - I just should have learned coding back in the day.
Really great stuff!! I bought my first ever qmk supported keyboard (ZSA planck) watching your videos,and I ended up building two sweep keyboards too. Hope you’ll keep making more videos like this, it's really inspiring to watch these. Interested to also know how you end up going down to single thumb keys, hopefully, we’ll get to hear more about that in the coming videos.
Would you do a video on designing the pcb to be reversible?
Is there a software keylogger that would sugest you a key layout, depending on your most used keys?
Also, with no legends on your keys, how do you keep track of what you are typing and how did you train for that?
I think there might be some logger things out there yeah, never got as far as trying it. It would be interesting. Typing without legends is pretty easy, especially on smaller boards where there is only a few places your fingers should be. Here are my learning tips: th-cam.com/video/sI-a64EVPPU/w-d-xo.html
Still really interested in how you could use all these to add a tiny thumb controlled "mouse" - are all these programs compatible, or flexible, enough to add a tich more board on to the side (at whatever angle) next to the thumb, whereby you can then add a mouse controller? Can/do the controller programs encompass that added function?
This could be an interim step towards the idea of keyboard clicks as mousing, but might stop before then - and still be reducing the standard, overly large for my small hands, mouse's action that's done so much to damage my wrists with carpal tunnel aka RSI.
Hey Ben! Really love all your custom ergogen keyboard videos! I'm workin on the firmware with ZMK, buts it a bit hard to grasp everything without any background programing knowledge. Are you considering doing a ZMK firmware tutorial video by chance?
How stable is that zmk mouse-pr you're using for your zmk ferris keymap? Do you use your mouse layer often?
It’s pretty good, but actually I mainly use it for the click now, so one hand on the trackpad to move the cursor, then the other on the board to fire a click. This could probably be achieved with something like Keyboard Maestro though.
This is freaking awesome. Really wish mice could have this much accessible customizability. Ive seen a few 3d printed designs that you basicly just take the innards from one mouse and put it in the new similar style shell which is a start but Id really like to customize things like how tilted it is, where extra buttons are, how hard they are to press, weight, ect.
Yeah very true, might need to start getting involved with 3d printing I guess!
Resin printers these days are phenomenal, suuuuuuper smooth finish. But you could also use the fine resolution to create interesting textures. You could build them around a common platform that is a little brain with the sensors and such in it. Open source designs with common switches, rollers, bearings, use 3d scanners to shape it perfectly to your claw, ooooo very exciting.
what was your experience with the card keyboard? i love how compact it is but I am wondering how much of a compromise the ergonomics are? also would love to see a build where you incorporate a mouse or trackpoint. thanks!
I actually loved it - the revised version of The Piano is going back to an ortholinear grid for the inner 3 columns. I’m actually thinking ortholinear is pretty optimum for the ring/middle/index - I’m not sure column staggers are that useful for them. The main area column stagger comes in is the pinkie.
I actually loved it - the revised version of The Piano is going back to an ortholinear grid for the inner 3 columns. I’m actually thinking ortholinear is pretty optimum for the ring/middle/index - I’m not sure column staggers are that useful for them. The main area column stagger comes in is the pinkie.
AMAZING work! great video, thank you Ben!
Thank you for all the information. This and many other of your videos are getting me ready to try to build my own split keyboard. I am a bit focused on the controllers you use; maybe this can be a topic of a future video; and wonder why you use the nice!nano or V2 instead of a Pi Pico, Pro Micro or some other controller. Is it for the low power usage? Are there solutions out there that cost a bit less cheddar?
It seems to be the one that people use as it has Bluetooth ready to go, not sure if there are other reasons or not.
@@BenVallack good on you for replying. I appreciate it.
What was the name of the website you used to find out what form the the kebord 2:07
Sorry looks like the links didn’t work in description. They are in there now under the Software section.
Tanx
What you've done is very impressive. I've been looking to do something like this for a very long time (previously owned: TypeMatrix 2030, Ergodox, Atreus, Planck), but it looks so involved and time consuming that I will probably just get the ZSA Moonlander.
Nice work! Keep it up!
You inspired me to try and design my own keyboard!
Right now I use corne, but there are too many keys. I want something smaller with custom design
This looks really cost effective! I might try it out.
Have fun!
Hey Ben, how would you adapt such a tight PCB to accommodate screw mount holes, e.g., for building a custom 3d printed case?
Hey! I am building my own keyboard according to this video. I have two questions: What is the battery life? Are you going to test the battery sockets anytime soon?
Battery life is about 2 weeks for the central side - longer for the peripheral side. If you use the dongle branch of ZMK with a third nice!nano as a usb connected dongle though the two peripherals last for ages. I have used the JST battery connectors which is as far as I feel the need to go at the moment. Good luck!
Ben, struggling a bit with the transition from ergopad to ergogen. The raw text it gives you is in a different language than the ergogen tool (at least it seems that way). I was going to use your config and tweak from there but also wondered if you had any advice?
I don't see any diods on your keyboards. You don't get any ghosting from not putting them? Are they necessary? thanks.
Have you tried the razer keypads before. I use mine for gaming because they are key columns not staggered . Helps alot
Have you considered, making this a hand-held keyboard with keys on both sides? And hold it similar to how you would hold a PlayStation controller? - I feel the ultimate portable keyboard is the one you can use with literally zero support, just holding it in your lap, out in front of you, in your pockets, whatever... And with 3d printing you could EASILY make that fit like a literal glove to your hand!
What magnetic USB C connectors are you using? I’m assuming that’s what’s on the card ports.
Great watching you go through this journey. No idea how you’ve managed to get to such a low key count without going crazy in the combos. I have built my Ferris sweep keymap around single finger combos, and it’s a dream.
Every time I watch one of your videos, I end up making a new keyboard.
If you make a new keyboard every time that means you are addicted
Well this is very educational. But you know what'll be even faster to iterate? Handwired strings of small boards (or only hotswap sockets) with 3d printed case to hold them. Or with separate pieces sliding alongside each other(which is my a thing i'm working on). It won't be thin like a pcb, but even with 3d printig mounting case every time it would be less work to swap switchies since there won't be soldering (just add some wirer length to accomodate stagger changes).
Ah I saw someone make something like that actually. Definitely a cool way to test iterations.
@@owowowdhxbxgakwlcybwxsimcwx Yes. Pcb's was invented to produce complex electronic devices. Not for fast prototyping keyboards with 20-30 buttons on it.. I believe handwiring 1 prototype with dynamic stagger wouldn't take not more 2-3 iteration of the stuff in the video. And it'll provide astronomically more flexiblity for tuning than having new board every week or two.
This is amazing Ben you're a legend