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[IC] curve0 (keyboard)
kbd0:
Edit: Group buy open until Nov 30 2024! Check it out
curve0:
More More
First prototype (this is not what will be produced) More
Why curve MoreIt has long been known that a flat typing surface is not very ergonomic. This is why profiled keycaps exist.
You may have noticed that all keycap profiles share a common characteristic: the overall typing surface is in the general shape of a curve.
(original photo from https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68550; check out that thread to see lots of other profiles)
Changing the keytop angles (in order to achieve a curved typing surface) has flaws:
* The angle of the force applied to the key is not in line with the translation axis of the switch. As a result:
* Only the component of the force that is parallel to the switch action actually contributes to moving the switch. The operator therefore needs to press harder in order to move the switch the same amount (vs flat keytop):
* The perpendicular force component becomes friction. This results in a less smooth key travel.
* Additionally, the added friction resists the movement of the switch and makes the operator have to press even harder!
* The angled keycaps also need to be taller. The perpendicular force component therefore has greater leverage, which increases its added friction (which decreases smoothness and requires you to press even harder):
To fix these flaws, curve0 has the switches themselves at an angle. This gives a curved typing surface with flat keycaps.
Another advantage of having the switches at an angle is that your finger actually moves in the direction of the press during the keytravel, which feels more comfortable (in my opinion at least).
About curve0
To give everyone a chance to try this new concept, I designed a simple construction to keep the price low. The case (into which the plate is integrated) is cut and bent from two pieces of 1.5mm stainless steel with a brushed finish.
curve0 is designed specifically for DSA keycaps but XDA should work too (they are taller so the curve will be a bit more pronounced and the keys will feel closer together (vertically)).
With DSA keycaps, the typing surface of curve0 is similar to that of MT3.
Height and angles MoreWith DSA keycaps, curve0 will have a home row height of about 25.5mm and a spacebar height of about 27.5mm.
Measuring the angle is not as straightforward as other keyboards since each row has a different angle. With the default rubber feet, the home row has no angle (parallel to table). However, I find that the keyboard angle is better represented by the tangent of the curve between the home row and the row above it, as this is the center of the actual typing surface (without the spacebar row). This has an angle of 5°. Finally, the spacebar has an angle of 2°. The extra rubber feet add (or subtract, if you put them on the front) 3° (this might change).
Layout support MoreLayout options TBD. Please fill out the IC form for your preferences to be heard.
Kit will include
* Stainless steel case
* PCB, daughterboard, and their connecting cable
* Screws, rubber feetYou will need your own: switches, keycaps, PCB-mount stabilizers
Price
Under $100; exact amount TBD
If you are interested please fill out the Interest check!
Discord server
https://discord.gg/2cN5WGYscM
mmayhem17:
just buy some SA bro, don't need to reinvent the wheel.
wndy:
This is very strange, but assuming the price would actually be sub-$100, I'd still buy it just to try it out. Creative project, I like seeing things like this even if it might not be exactly the most simple solution to the problem.
Good job!
mvkb:
Love crazy ideas like this!
IO Sam:
Yeap! I think I'd be interested in trying something like this... Reminds me of how Model F and M boards are similarly curved. Nice to see something that is actually trying to improve one's typing experience for a change (rather than just being "bouncy" and pretty)!
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