60% Matias with dedicated arrows

[shareandenjoy]

Below first build is resulting from the following:

• Owing to my unorthodox typing style I find that I am never using the right side modifiers.
• I was fond of the 60% layout and wanted to give it a try.
• I love me my dedicated arrow keys.

Understood this layout is not for everyone, but it is great for me.  Thought it also would be a good opportunity to try clicky Matias switches.

After a bunch of failed attempts for a plate I settled on 1/8" tempered hardboard with a 1/16" clear acrylic strengthening layer.  It wound up providing a good compromise between strength and flexibility.



The plate was too thick for the stabilizers or switches to click into place, so I had to glue them in.  Epoxy for the stabs and hot glue for the switches.

[shareandenjoy]

Rows and columns all wired in.



The chaos in the middle is owing to my attempt trying a different connector for the teensy.  I read about someone using Hirose DF-13 series connectors you can get from Digikey and gave it a shot.



Overall I dont know if it was the greatest idea, as it increased the size of the teensy and considerably limited my mounting options, but it wound up working.

[deductivemonkee]

Love how this is looking, mtsc switches are great.

[shareandenjoy]

I was happy with a USB breakout board I found on Adafruit.  It wound up working real well and providing good strength.



The sandwich was comprised of

• 1/8" tempered hardboard plate
• 1/16" clear acrylic strengthening plate
• 1/4" red acrylic case middle
• 1/16" clear acrylic case middle
• 1/16" clear acrylic case bottom

et voilà!

[mastermachetier]

This is pretty cool. I never use the modifiers on the right side either now that I think about it . How man people are really using right mods though?

[vivalarevolución]

This is super cute.  Well done.  thank you for loving Alps/Matias.

[mseaworthy]

@shareandenjoy Nice build! How do you like the key caps...are they the doubleshot Dolch?

[shareandenjoy]

@shareandenjoy Nice build! How do you like the key caps...are they the doubleshot Dolch?

Yes, Tai-hao doubleshot ABS dolch.  So far so good, but they were super tight fitting.  Dont know if that is normal or not, but there is no way I am ever going to pull them off, they would take the switch with them for sure.  Ironically I am getting a wee bit of wobble from them, but I guess that is more a natural result of the stem then the cap.

[CPTBadAss]

This build is so sick. I'm really into that layout. And of course I love me some Alps <3

[xtreg]

I love this layout. It would suit my typing technique totally. All I would add is a windows key cuz it is sometimes useful. Can you please provide a guide on how to wire this thing? I would love to give it a try when I have the courage someday.