Discussion SPLIT.. 2 keypads as a keyboard to avoid headaches of group buys, drops, diy, etc?

[potato masher]

Buy two mechanical 4x6 or 6x8 keypads, use them as a keyboard. Anybody try this?

I was looking at ergodox and some of the smaller limited run splits out there, but its either $300+ or a PITA to get to the point where you have something to type on. I do have soldering equipment but I prefer ready to go, not into s&m.

This is where the programmable keypads or gaming half keyboards come in.. They are ready made and 50 to $90 each. So I figured why not just buy two and run them as a split? Is there something I'm missing here? Why would this not work? The DIY stuff is super cool and all, but I don't really care. I have never messed with programmable keypads so I don't know if there are some limitations to them I am not aware of.

 

[potato masher]

If shift cannot be configured to carry over to both L and R keypads, I guess that would be one deal breaker. May be more..

 

[ElFenix]

Are you a human?

www.newegg.com

would this work?

 

[SamirD]

If shift cannot be configured to carry over to both L and R keypads, I guess that would be one deal breaker. May be more..

Using the software out there to customize keyboards, you'll be able to assign whatever key function you want to whatever key so shifts and whatnot shouldn't be an issue at all.

The bigger problem is that if for some reason you can't remap keys, then that's why no one uses those for a split setup. Or if they're not mechanical--that would explain the price too.

 

[potato masher]

All the stuff I'm looking at is "programmable" with mechanical switches. I am looking to go to a setup with ortho straight aligned columns.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07RM3BS44

Amazon.com: Koolertron Single-Handed Programmable Mechanical Keyboard with OEM Gateron Red Switch,All 48 Programmable Keys Tools Keypad,8 Macro Keys, PBT Keycaps.[SMKD72-A]: Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: Koolertron Single-Handed Programmable Mechanical Keyboard with OEM Gateron Red Switch,All 48 Programmable Keys Tools Keypad,8 Macro Keys, PBT Keycaps.[SMKD72-A]: Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

I think I'm just going to end up biting the bullocks and shekel out the 300. Being the cheap bastard that I am, I'm looking for a work around first. It would be nice to have the column lower for the pinky too, which you do get with the dox or lander.

ErgoDox EZ: An Incredible Mechanical Ergonomic Keyboard | ErgoDox EZ

An open-source keyboard for serious developers, gamers, and people who care deeply about their craft.

ergodox-ez.com

Some of the drop DIY stuff looks even more well suited to me than the above $$$dox or $$$lander (and cheaper), but I don't want to DIY.

 

[SamirD]

So welcome to the world of fully custom keyboards. The question is--do you need one?

If you type 100wpm faster on a certain design, or have less rsi issues with a certain design, or some other super-positive influence from your hands liking a certain design, then you truly to need it.

But unless you know the exact specs of what your hands need, you're shooting in the dark on some very custom and expensive pieces of hardware. It's like getting a custom interior Porsche--sure it's nice, but if you didn't like the hot pink leather interior with lime green accents, it's a bit too late on delivery.

So that brings me to this--if you know this is exactly what you need--a split keyboard that's ortholinear, mechanical, hot switch swap, no resident software, etc, then you have been lucky enough to find the holy grail for your hands. Be lucky that you've found it and pay the piper.

But if you haven't, you really need to buy a bunch of secondhand keyboards and continue to understand what you like and don't like until you know.

My own story with keyboards began and ended back in 1989 when I was learning to type at school on the IBM Model F and had an IBM PS/2 at home with a Model M. My hands just fly on these for whatever reason and without any fatigue. I've tried several keyboards over the years and have quite a few in my collection with various switches, but my hands still daily drive the IBM Model M and I have several of them so that on any computer my hands are on the Model M. The experience is such that I type faster and with such less effort that I can literally just type what I think almost as fast as I can think it. And for regular productivity over the course of a computer user's lifetime, even a small fortune will pay healthy dividends. Hope this helps!

 

[potato masher]

I hear you. Skip this post if you don't want background. Yes I type over 100wpm. Or used to. My wrists are no longer young and they bug me. I used to run a mechanical 122 back in the day. When emulation came I bought an expensive natural in the 90's. Used it until it turned yellow. Placebo or not, I do enjoy using most ergo boards. Just recently I wore my sculpt out and I'm ready to try something new. The ms lxm-0001 was my top choice at first as it is the most column linear ms ergo I have seen. But the switches... I'm ready to go back to good ones. I have tried the modern mechanical boards of my kids and the youths and I do like them. The 40's and small stuff I do not like. So I'm leaning towards a XXL split ortho for my next keyboard. Its bad enough only having 12 function keys rather than 24. I would rather not give those 12 up. Anything I decide to use will probably be raised up with a wrist plate. I tend to like my wrists angled down. A bonus would be placing my keypad in the center of the left and right splits. I do use it sometimes.

I have bought 2nd hand splits and linears and tried other's boards so I'm pretty researched on what I would like on my next one. On the DIY side there are large splits but pretty much my #1 pick ends up looking like what 2 of the off the shelf koolaide-tron $75 8x6 keypads are.

So far I have not seen an ergodox with like 2 or 3 extra rows on top, which would get my $300 probably instantly. What does catch my eye is the Viterbi or BFO here-

Keyboard PCBs

PCBs for various keyboards like the Nyquist, Iris, Viterbi, and Levinson.

keeb.io

Which like I say, is basically just two $80 keypads that I can get off the shelf. And have delivered on my desk tomorrow. With no fuss no soldering.

 

[SamirD]

Good to hear you're on target and know the deal about 'the search'.

My thoughts--get the splits and see if they do the job--you should be able to have software on the system to remap whatever keys you need. If it doesn't work, by that time the ergo will probably be stocking or you'll be able to pick one up for 'open box' pricing from someone who got one and and it wasn't at all what they wanted.

 

[potato masher]

This rabbit hole has taught me, if you find a commercially available keyboard that suites you to a TEE, you should appreciate that thing. Maybe stash an extra in the attic for when they get discontinued.

I'm finding the koolertron solution would force me to use reds, which I would prefer not to do. I'm not in any rush to decide where this rabbit hole ends though. I'll wait a while and see what I can find on the used market. The youths seem to be drawn to 40's and 60's, the big stuff seems uncommon.

 

[potato masher]

There are a few good reviews on the koolertron keypads on youtube. It does seem like, from those reviews, that they would do the job well.

Found a reasonably priced used 122 key ortho mechanical programmable and couldn't pass it up. It is not splits, but it is wide enough to config in a central keypad like I wanted. Crossing my fingers that it isn't crap.

I would be up in that ugly $250-$300 range with the two koolertrons 6x8 pads and a mechanical central number pad. Its not like I don't have the money but that is just obscene for what it is.

 

[potato masher]

Oh man, keycap sets are so expensive. Browsing reddit mech market I am beginning to realize how ridiculous this whole keyboard enthusiast sector is.

 

[SamirD]

Yes, the keycap thing has me always scratching my head since my Model Ms have been complete for less than the cost of cherry caps.

 

[potato masher]

A couple of trashy 90's mx boards will be my keycap donors to populate this beast.. I'll post a pic as it gets done. I can have my kids paint me some artsy keycaps to fill in.. I'd sooner pay them for it than anybody else.

It will be nice to get off domes and back on a mech. Also to have 122 keys again. Earlier was thinking of buying a unicomp 122 rather than try this, but I prefer to move forward if possible.. The whole typewriter origin "column slant" I think I'm done with.

 

[SamirD]

A couple of trashy 90's mx boards will be my keycap donors to populate this beast.. I'll post a pic as it gets done. I can have my kids paint me some artsy keycaps to fill in.. I'd sooner pay them for it than anybody else.

It will be nice to get off domes and back on a mech. Also to have 122 keys again. Earlier was thinking of buying a unicomp 122 rather than try this, but I prefer to move forward if possible.. The whole typewriter origin "column slant" I think I'm done with.

Doner boards almost don't make sense anymore as you can get the same thing today new.

Can't wait to hear a detailed review of your new board.

 

[potato masher]

Can be a good way to get classic or vintage (old junk) keycaps for cheaper than a well made new keycap set. Buy an old scratched up $10 keyboard pull the caps, then throw the perfectly functional keyboard in the dumpster. I guess it depends what you like. I think wear & scratches add character.

Its just a vid edit board which will be getting old caps from 90's lapd crown vics. The stories those caps could tell.. If this big bastard doesn't agree with my wrists I guess I'll sell or trade it on. And continue down the rabbit hole. Maybe I'll end up with what all the youths have.. a planck with a $120 cap set.

 

[potato masher]

Just kidding about the dumpster btw, I'm a hoarder.

I have not done much testing on the board but so far it appears to not be 2kro which is a relief. Seems like it will do the job. Its a wedge shaped board. I am wont to run it back front wards..

 

[potato masher]

Samir asked for a pic, so here it is. I went ahead an ordered a "planck keycap set" with the 1u return and what not. Otherwise I'm not going to have enough to populate this thing. I think I'm going to have to shift everything up one row to get it to feel right. Its upside down, which is how I like it. If I move it up one row it feels best with my palms resting on the 'top' of the case, and thumbs resting on that colorized bottom row easily. I'll probably add another row of F keys at the top as I like to have 24.

The police caps are double shot and sound really good to me. Hopefully the inexpensive "planck" set sounds as good. I don't think that one is going to be double shot or as high quality as this. For anybody looking its the tg3 kba blt which was the donor board. You can buy them for $25.. or less in my case. Even so my total is up near ergodox price range at this point...

 

[potato masher]

The tg3 is actually a really decent board all on its own... I may stock up and make it my default cheap mini board for off site installations. The sealing condom needs removed. If you like light keys feels like it could use a little extra mass under those caps. Maybe a touch of jb weld.

 

[potato masher]

Amazon.com: YMDK Carbon Laser-Etched Top Print OEM Keycap 1.5mm PBT for MX Switches Planck Niu40 Preonic Keyboard (Top Printed)(Only Keycap): Computers & Accessories

Amazon.com: YMDK Carbon Laser-Etched Top Print OEM Keycap 1.5mm PBT for MX Switches Planck Niu40 Preonic Keyboard (Top Printed)(Only Keycap): Computers & Accessories

www.amazon.com

Here is the inexpensive 1u keyset for anybody interested. $22 next day prime shipped.



Here is the link for the cop mini mech-

Mouse Keyboards Wyse TG3 Digital IBM Logitech Dell Seal Shield iMicro from PCLiquidations

Save big with refurbished Mouse & Keyboards. In-stock & good as new. 13,000+ happy customers. Free Shipping on purchases $500+.

www.pcliquidations.com

You can grab these elsewhere too craigslist, ebay, etc..

Ok I refuse to sign up for one of those keyboard specific forums. This thread on this forum is as deep as I'm getting into this silliness.

I do got to say though, there is something joyful in plugging along typing on a good feeling good sounding mechanical keyboard. Its addictive even, be careful out there guys lest your wallets be forfeit. Should have just got a new microsof ergo and saved myself the time and money.....

 

[VirtualLarry]

I do got to say though, there is something joyful in plugging along typing on a good feeling good sounding mechanical keyboard. Its addictive even, be careful out there guys lest your wallets be forfeit. Should have just got a new microsof ergo and saved myself the time and money.....

Yep. Once you go mechanical, it's hard to go back to "squishy".

 

[VirtualLarry]

double post

 

[potato masher]

I have a new found appreciation for quality off the shelf commercial board offerings.. This after hours of scouring the web for used boards, and good parts for good prices. Not that it wasn't fun.

Another benefit of off the shelf is, you dump coffee on it, you order another and have it the next day. Or multiple locations, easy to have the exact same board everywhere. Try that with used stuff like this or a DIY board.. not as easy.