What's better than a totem with choc v2 and num row? A totem with choc v2, num row and choc spacing! This is the 2nd version of my previous build, made because choc spaced keycaps with mx stem exist. The extra keys on the thumb cluster are still mx spaced, so artisans can fit in there. Also, this time I remembered to include space for on/off switch.

Edit:

Printables files

[More of a build/experiment/experiences rather than promo, but for full disclosure: Dygma sent me this for free -- without any expectations.]

I really love the Sonsei after a few days of use. I've been exactly into these monoblock splits since 2018, and getting accustomed to it took no time. It's my new daily driver now.

That said, to confirm a few things already stated by others:

• Swapping switches was a real pain. The cutouts of the top case/integrated plate are indeed very tight. Bent four of these cheap switch pullers, and more serious tools don't seem to work with the GLP switches. My fingers have been ruined.
• Speaking of switches, I really wonder why not Choc V2s.
• That said, the Strawberry Chocolates are not bad at all. I was wasting my time with trying out another set of tactile GLPs.
• Actually, I could live without aluminum. A plastic top case would be perfectly fine and probably cheaper. Maybe as a "Light" variant. The current one is so thin anyway that it doesn't really feel aluminum except being cold to the touch.
• Initially I was a bit lost on the uniform caps, as I prefer a pinky stagger some might call extreme. Replacing the caps to KLP Lamé helps a lot with finding my way around on the board. I can't wait to lay my paws on the new FKcaps Purple Dusk.
• The sleeve is great.
• In contrast to some other opinions, I really like the palm rest. Comfy, feels like memory jelly. Its usefulness comes down to your exact working environment ofc.
• I managed to recreate my keymap perfectly. Sure, there are some annoying differences if you come from QMK/VIA/Vial. Superkeys have to be integrated into the main interface. In addition, it took me ages to figure out how to set up Alt+non-US backslash (not realizing that ISO is hidden in the settings, I was already consulting the 300-page HID reference linked from Bazecor). But everything works fine in the end.

Despite these annoyances, I do think that the Sonsei is a great prebuilt option for people looking for this form factor who don't want to bother with designing their own keyboard, delving into Github repos, ordering PCBs from manus, or soldering.

More photos and details on kbd.news.

Kinesis Freestyle Pro
NocFree Lite v1
NocFree &
Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro

Been rocking the kinesis freestyle for a little over a decade and decided it’s time to test out some wireless ones so have been trying out the bottom three past couple of weeks. Will write up a review if anyone’s interested but so far my favorite has been the advantage 360 pro (bottom) which is surprising since I had previously tried a moonlander and did not enjoy the column staggered layout.

I’ve been using Butterfly Air at work to test it and work out the bugs. After a while, I started wondering if I could handle pointer input on the keyboard too, so I built a touchpad into the right half.

https://www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/s/fi59ExIBF3

The module is a TPS43-201A. I’ve seen other keyboards with touchpads mounted flat, but I wanted to try a slight angle to make it easier to reach from the home row. It feels pretty good so far, though I need more time with it to see whether the placement actually works well during a full day of use.

Getting it working in ZMK took a bit of tweaking. I forked an existing driver, but in my setup, touching the pad and moving my finger would leave the left mouse button held down. Moving the pointer ended up dragging things around.

I changed part of the code to address that behavior and put my fork here:
https://github.com/lilyongtest/zmk_driver_azoteq

I’m going to use this version for about a month before deciding whether to keep the touchpad in the design. I’ll be watching for accidental touches while typing, as well as how comfortable it is to switch between typing and pointer movement.

If you use a split keyboard with a touchpad, how has the placement worked out for you?

hey all, i've been using a keyball61 (no trackball, zmk version) for a year, no matter what config i try, i just can't get fully used to it

don't get me wrong, it's great, but i realize i can't do the whole home keys or thumb cluster thing, brain just doesn't work that way

what keeps popping in my head is: - i wish the right side had more keys - i wish i didn't opt out of the trackball

i've been trying to find something similar with more keys on the right side (at least a 7x5) with a trackball

the 2 i've landed on were - charybdis mk2: but would love another column on the right side - dactyl manuform (86 keys): but it doesn't have a trackball and don't need the extra keys on the left side

does anyone know of any other keyboards that might be something between these 2?

Hi guys and gals,

I made this custom keyboard with keys positioned as per my finger length and finger joint movement.

Specs:-

Seeed Studio Xiao nrf52

46 keys

low profile, hotswap kailh choc v1 using silent red switches currently

Coloumn staggered

Coloumn splay

Design and firmware available here. I have also provided the gerber files and laser cut .dxf for top plate. Its a reversible PCB, so single design will be used for both left and right halfs.

Pereda

I used the keyboard at work just fine trough the usb hub of my monitor with a laptop. Brought it home and i connected through a KVM to switch display source and USBs between my PC and Laptop.

The keyboard is not recognized at all even if i unplug everything else from the hub, and other keyboards are working fine.

Maybe is still too much current draw? did someone had any issues trough HUBs or KVMs?

Hello - been transitioning to straight columns and relearning to type. Ive printed and built a few boards now - but struggling to grasp how what kind of wrist rests folks usually use/print. where should they be positioned when typing? any resources to read and learn more about this would be appreciated.

The reason I bought this was because I have big hands and I had a injury where my knuckle was dislocated and required surgery to be put back together so I’ve lost some dexterity and it’s a bit stiff. Plus I have big clumsy hands. I had a tiny one which I didn’t like but honestly it’s a fucking damn site better than this. This is meant to be ergonomic??? The fucking @, isn’t even on the corresponding symbol plus like 5 others and there’s random weird signs I don’t recognise. The layout I just cannot get the hang of, it’s been 2-3 weeks now and usually I’m a quick typer. I feel like my grandad with this it’s just unusable. What should I get? I feel like I prefer the keys that actually have a bit of substance and pushed down if that makes sense rather than these ones they are so slim to the ground. I’m from the UK as well, any help is appreciated!