this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2024
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ErgoMechKeyboards

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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards

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¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid

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I created this keyboard with the goal of having a display in each key. It has 72 keys and each key has a 72x40 px OLED display. They keys can change according to language and layout. Also displaying shortcut icons is possible :)

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[–] [email protected] 14 points 3 months ago

I was about to berate you for trying to claim that you made the PolyKybd, but then I looked at the username.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 3 months ago (2 children)

How much does a display cost? Reminds me of that keyboard that never materialised line 20 years ago by ArtLebedev.

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago

Around 2$ if you buy in big quantities

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I think that did materialize, but was rather underwhelming?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Apparently it did. I only remember the three button version. Anyways, it was before its time. Now with the custom keyboard craze, it seems to fit perfectly. Then again, if I wait another 2 years, the chinese will provide me the thing for a quarter of the price.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

People and companies occasionally come back to the idea - there's the recent Flux, Elgato's macropad (and its numerous imitators), and who was it that was showing off a keyboard with mini-screens while using Dota 2 skill icons as an example

Another way to tackle this problem would be to have a little projector (maybe laser, ideally not) next to the keyboard to shine the labels onto the keys

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

neat, where'd the displays come from?

[–] [email protected] 0 points 3 months ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That doesn't answer the question. Where did you buy them?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I got them customized by a Chinese company that is called FET

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago
[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

I've literally dreamt of a similar kb design. How much did all this cost?

[–] [email protected] 6 points 3 months ago (1 children)

At the current stage maybe around 400$ if you make a bunch of them at once

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

That's not great, but that's REALLY not bad! As in, totally reasonable for this board! Are you planning on making a whole bunch and selling them?

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

Well right, you can spend 400$ on a keeb without a single display and no custom software. As mentioned, I plan for a kit ( https://www.crowdsupply.com/polykybd/polykybd ), as I don't want to assemble all the boards and it will be the fun parts for those who buy one.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 months ago

I missed that link thanks! I signed up to be notified when it opens. You're absolutely right. It would be fun. Super nice design!

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago

This looks incredible! Maybe I'll finally stop forgetting my own custom layouts with this.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 months ago
[–] [email protected] 3 points 3 months ago

This is amazing. Displaying hotkeys would be so efficient. Love the idea of the keyboard as an output device!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

Best kb I've ever seen. Unbelievable work my dude.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago (1 children)

@thpoll I think what I would love to see would be this in a Corne layout. One doesn't really need all the keys if you have displays everywhere :D

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

I heard that before. For sure, it's on the list of the next layouts to consider!

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 months ago

The build institutions are on the mentioned GitHub and I have a build video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5RpbYzx7gw&ab_channel=PolyKybd

If someone is interested in the kit, you can also pre-register: https://www.crowdsupply.com/polykybd/polykybd