This is admittedly a lazy post where I show that I haven’t done much research.
Whenever I start searching around online, I find tons of smaller companies selling ergo keyboards or parts for keyboards, but they are always very pricey and don’t match the layout I want. I quickly give up since it can take long to search store-by-store online.
The keyboard of my dreams has:
- All (104) the keys. This means arrow keys and as numpad. I like the layout of my current keyboard (below). I guess this is called a “full keyboard”?
- Mechanical and with plenty of clackedy clack in the keys.
- Corded with USB (I still miss PS/2 :))
- Is curved, similar to this one.
- Has the “Y” key on the left side of the gap! This is my biggest sticking point. I have realized that I type the “Y” key with my left hand 99% of the time and I don’t want to change.
- I am also willing to investigate split design keyboards if the “Y” is on the left and a numpad can exist separately which I could put to the right of my mouse. But still I’d prefer that to be attached.
- I don’t care about RGB or lights or much else. Take it or leave it.
For reference, this is my current keyboard and I actually quite love it. I just wish it was curved.
If you cant find one, making your own keyboard isn’t too difficult. It’s a great hobby project and there’s a lot of ressources online to build one.
You and another have suggested this. It may be the way to go. Any resources you’d recommend to get me started?
Hard to say, I would start with a macropad. There are a lot of project out there so you can browse around until you find something you like.
Here is a recent one: https://hackaday.com/2024/10/21/zero-to-custom-macropad-in-37-easy-steps/
It requires quite a bit of skills and tools, although jlcpcb can solder on the components for you so you can focus on only designing if you wish.
I would use Kicad to make the schematic and pcb, and Fusion 360 for any 3d modeling. Fusion has a free non commercial version, you just have to find it. They kind of hide it on their main website.
I like phils lab on YouTube for pcb design stuff but he isn’t exactly beginner friendly and mainly focuses on audio related things.