- if you are planning on using the layout you created which is really unique (i like what you did), i would do a custom flat plate and sandwich/layered style case.
* remember all alps stabs are plate mount
* remember all AEKII F-keys are rotated
- if you go dactyl-manuform style, stick with 1U or keys that do not need stabilized
* you can go with non-uniform profile caps and still get a really nice look/feel i've seen at least one example with MDA Big Bones on a dactyl-manuform and it was fine. yes the columns are curved but all it really does is brings the tops of the caps closer together, not stair stepped. (i think you're thinking too much into this)
* if you want truly even caps, there are dsa alps caps (dsa is a uniform profile, no differentiation between rows)
- if you want to get up & running quickly with a kit that accomplishes 90% of what you want to do, check out the
keeb.io viterbi. it's a 5x7 split, ortho, that supports alps. this size/format will also be the easiest transition into split/ortho with very little layout changes. i built one over a year ago and it was an easy transition. this is the layout i've been using (this is the older rev.1 that supported 1.25 mods) i thought i'd miss the larger keys, but now i see how unnecessary they really are.
Ditching dedicated F-keys is not a big deal, they just get placed on a layer on the number row. very common and super easy to get used to.
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firmware -
QMK there are already a handful of split boards that you can base your firmware configuration on
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wiring -
great article & links for handwiring (you'd hand wire if you make a plate for the layout you created or if you build a dactyl-manuform) use 2 pro micros, trrs jacks and serial (unless you really need i2c)
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quiet - they are already dampened. non-metal plate?, lube switches as well (Tribosys 3204)? if you design a 3d case, the roomier the better/deeper the sound.
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case color - if you go with flat sandwich style case you're limited to the colors they have in the material you want (unless you paint it, which really isn't a good idea for something your hands will constantly be all over). if you 3d print a case, get samples of filament to see what's closest to keycap color. check
adk64 &
adk18 GB threads for examples of some other 3d printed apple cases
resources:
- QMK
https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware- Dactyl-Manuform
https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/handwired/dactyl_manuform- Handwire Guide
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87689.0- Keyboard Layout Editor
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/- Plate Builder
http://builder.swillkb.com/ (use code from keyboard layout editor)
- Laser Cutting
https://make.ponoko.com/ (laser cut layered case with files from swill plate builder)
...i'm actually currently working on building a dactyl-manuform with dampened alps & AEKII caps as well.
...and i work in creative suite all day every day too...