Show threadPeter CockMar 22

Good news: Even though [I thought] my new #ErgoMechKeyboard design uses 16mm vertical spacing, both my Choc v1 Chicago Stenographer #keycaps and my (preferred) Choc v1 KLP Lamé saddle (#3DPrinted at JLCPLC in resin) work just fine. I was worried I'd not be able to use this new #MechanicalKeyboard without ordering some even more niche minimal-y spaced keycaps. l'll get some matching 1.5u wide caps done at some point...

Bad news: Broke the stem of yet another doing the swap - these things are fragile! Push from below, don't pull!

Show threadPeter CockMar 20
I made another #ErgoMechKeyboard, taking the ribbon cable idea for my Bivouac34, and the 32-key layout and a 5-way navigation button from my Bivvy16D #SplitKeyboard. This is my Goldilocks32 #MechanicalKeyboard - another diode-free design with a #GraphTheory based sparse scanning matrix https://astrobeano.blogspot.com/2026/03/goldilocks-30-to-32-key-keyboard.html
Show threadAtemuFeb 17

It's a keyboard!

#mechanicalkeyboard #ergomechkeyboard #maizeless

Bastian Greshake TzovarasFeb 14
Saw someone posting shit "AI"-generated t-shirt designs on the #ergomechkeyboard subreddit in order to make a buck. 🤦‍♂️
Show threadPeter CockFeb 9

That’s two superficially very similar DIY #ErgoMechKeyboard prototypes on my desk right now, in green with KLP Lamé keycaps, and in red with Chicago Stenographer keycaps.

Both sets of #MechanicalKeyboard PCBs are just taped to a cardboard structure to test angles for comfort - about ~40 degree tenting (angle up from table) and ~40 yaw (angle between the halves).

Show threadPeter CockFeb 9

The twin-PCB #ErgoMechKeyboard idea using #GoldFingers and a PCB edge connector ribbon cable works! My 6th #MechanicalKeyboard design - and one of the easiest to assemble with just an RP2040-Zero and hotswap sockets to solder.

I have not run out of new things I want to try yet 😅 https://astrobeano.blogspot.com/2026/02/two-tiny-10x10cm-pcbs-for-keyboards.html

Peter CockJan 30

OK they’re portable and flexible to get the most comfortable angles, but a DIY split #ErgoMechKeyboard has it’s downsides!

There’s Bluetooth pairing or janky cables to worry about (TRRS has a short circuit risk), two controllers to solder, trickier firmware, etc.

But what prompted this was the much higher risk of knocking one half off your desk! Only realised today, but when I chipped the corner of my Forager based keyboard this also looks to have broken the tiny #SeeedXiao reset button. That in turn leaves me no easy way to reflash the keyboard when my new #ZMK firmware isn’t working 😱

All in all, a mono body #MechanicalKeyboard with a split layout at a comfy angle seems like a safer bet for me… #SplitKeyboard

Show threadPeter CockJan 27
Regarding the other unfinished #MechanicalKeyboard on my desk: The TRRS sockets to finish soldering up this #ErgoMechKeyboard should arrive today - but I’ve only just noticed the 3.5mm cable I planned to use that came with my Corne #SplitKeyboard has only theee wires (like a standard headphone jack). This needs four wires for full duplex communication - so another delay waiting on parts 🤦‍♂️
Show threadPeter CockJan 22
I still don’t have the TRRS sockets to finish soldering this wired split #MechanicalKeyboard, so for now I’m testing it as two half keyboards and trying to find the best angles for the planned single piece follow up #ErgoMechKeyboard - here’s a cardboard prototype of a ~40 degree tended keyboard. It feels a bit too high up (could be lowered about 2cm), but usable…
Peter CockJan 16

I've been having fun with the artistic possibilities of #PCB design within #KiCad - I have seen some stunning bits of art in this medium (#PCBArt)!

This #MechanicalKeyboard PCB art effort is much simpler, some line art imported as a silkscreen graphic, and then some simple texturing with the ground fill hatching.

(Why a tent? This is a small tented #ErgoMechKeyboard, meaning the PCB and keys are tilted relative to the table. The keyboard has 34 keys and the name Bivouac34 refers to a small wild camp)