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geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 12:54:21

Title: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 12:54:21: After spending too much time browsing this subforum and loving the look of Mr Bishop's Pawn and the Gherkin, I decided to have a crack at a mini dvorak keyboard to use with my phone or Surface Pro.

[attachimg=1]
Layout is here if you want to play around with it. link (http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@_sm=cherry&sb=gateron&st=KS-3-Tea&a:7%3B&=Ctrl&_sm=&sb=&st=%3B&=P&=Y&=F&=G&=C&=R&=L&=Del&=Enter%3B&@=A&=O&=E&=U&=I&=D&=H&=T&=N&=S%3B&@=Shift&=Q&=J&=K&=X&=B&=M&=W&=V&=Z%3B&@_x:3%3B&=Fn1&_w2:2%3B&=&_x:1%3B&=Fn2%3B&@_y:1%3B&=1&=2&=3&=4&=5&=6&=7&=8&=9&=0%3B&@=%2F@&=%2F%2F&=%2F:&_f:4%3B&=%2F%3B&_f:3%3B&=(&=)&=-&=+&=%2F=&=%C2%A3%3B&@=.&=,&=%3F&=!&='&=%22&=*&=%23&=%2F&&=%25%3B&@_x:3%3B&=Fn1&_w:2%3B&=&=Fn1%3B&@_y:1%3B&=F1&=F2&=F3&=F4&=F5&=F6&=F7&=F8&=F9&=F10%3B&@=%5C&=~&=%7B&=%7D&=%3C&=%3E&=%5E&=&=%3Ci%20class%2F='kb%20kb-Arrows-Up'%3E%3C%2F%2Fi%3E&=%3B&@=Tab&=Esc&=%5B&=%5D&=%7C&=%2F_&=&=%3Ci%20class%2F='kb%20kb-Arrows-Left'%3E%3C%2F%2Fi%3E&=%3Ci%20class%2F='kb%20kb-Arrows-Down'%3E%3C%2F%2Fi%3E&=%3Ci%20class%2F='kb%20kb-Arrows-Right'%3E%3C%2F%2Fi%3E%3B&@_x:3%3B&=Fn1&_w:2%3B&=&=Fn2)

Using the two function keys either side of the spacebar to switch layers, with the layout based on the dvorak Flesky android keyboard layout that I use on my phone. If I can get a trader on Aliexpress to send me one, I might add a flexpoint pointing stick mouse, and use the keys either side of the up arrow on the second function layer as right and left mouse click,

Fortunately I'm a Fablab technician so making the faceplate and case should be a breeze. Will probably prototype it out of plywood and acrylic but will probably make the final one out of CNC milled wood and either aluminium and copper.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 24 July 2017, 13:38:39: This keyboard looks promising, I can't wait to see it done.
One thing I wanted to ask is why are you splitting symbols rather than shifting them? I mean, on an ANSI layout, dot and left angled bracket are on the same key, you just need to shift. Can't you just do the same instead of having so many unique keys?
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 13:46:42: There's only 33 keys, those 3 keyboards are the base level, Fn1 layer and Fn2 Layer. Should have labeled the diagram better. The final keyboard would look like this.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 24 July 2017, 13:52:14: Quote from: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 13:46:42
There's only 33 keys, those 3 keyboards are the base level, Fn1 layer and Fn2 Layer. Should have labeled the diagram better. The final keyboard would look like this.

(Attachment Link)
Yes, I get that, I'm talking of layers specifically, on Fn1 you have, for example, the number 1 and the exclamation mark on different keys while you can have the exclamation mark by shifting the number 1.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 14:09:44: I'm trying to keep chording down to two keys. To have the exclamation on the same key as the number 1, I'd have to press FN1, Shift and the Control button at the same time. Using the layout with the exclamation mark on a third layer means I only have to press FN2 and K.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: TalkingTree on Mon, 24 July 2017, 14:15:09: Quote from: Nixon on Mon, 24 July 2017, 14:09:44
Using the layout with the exclamation mark on a third layer means I only have to press FN2 and K.
And you're achieving that with macros?
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Wed, 26 July 2017, 05:16:15: Knocked up a prototype top using the laser cutter at work just to see how it was to type on. I'm thinking I might make the two Fn Keys either side of the keyboard a tad wider to make hitting them with my thumb a bit easier. Will ruin the symmetry a bit but I can live with that.

Edit: Reuploaded a scaled down image.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: tris0908 on Wed, 26 July 2017, 05:26:12: Super interested in this build. Even my smartphone thinks that this is going to be epic.(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170726/bb1f827352d7eb300ad29577094f2b0a.jpg)

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Wed, 26 July 2017, 05:40:00: Quote from: tris0908 on Wed, 26 July 2017, 05:26:12
Super interested in this build. Even my smartphone thinks that this is going to be epic.

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

Forgot to scale it down before uploading the image, fixed now. :-[
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Wed, 26 July 2017, 09:28:07: Had a bit more spare time so quickly designed and laser cut a case. Needs a few tweaks but as a first prototype, it isn't too bad.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: TalkingTree on Wed, 26 July 2017, 12:23:24: It's actually very pretty. Nice job.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Fri, 28 July 2017, 03:26:33: Made a 3D model for the lower case yesterday and left it to 3D print over night. Just need to work out the best way to mount the Pro Micro in place. Doing a bit of CAD work for a guy who has access to a 4 axis CNC mill so might be able to get the final keyboard milled out of solid aluminium :D
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: fnurl on Sat, 29 July 2017, 01:33:12: Wow, seeing threads like this make me really want to build something from scratch :) Have a few kit builds lined up as practice though :) Thanks for sharing!
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: SBJ on Sat, 29 July 2017, 02:04:16: This is crazy small. :D
Well done m8 I thought 40% was ridiculously small but this is just on another level, haha.

Next up: 20%!
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Sat, 29 July 2017, 13:50:51: Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 29 July 2017, 02:04:16
This is crazy small. :D
Well done m8 I thought 40% was ridiculously small but this is just on another level, haha.

Next up: 20%!

There's the Bat Chording Keyboard that only has 7 keys: http://www.infogrip.com/bat-keyboard.html[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: SBJ on Sat, 29 July 2017, 23:13:27: Quote from: Nixon on Sat, 29 July 2017, 13:50:51
Quote from: StickyBlueJuice on Sat, 29 July 2017, 02:04:16
This is crazy small. :D
Well done m8 I thought 40% was ridiculously small but this is just on another level, haha.

Next up: 20%!

There's the Bat Chording Keyboard that only has 7 keys: http://www.infogrip.com/bat-keyboard.html (Attachment Link)
That is just insane.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Sun, 30 July 2017, 21:55:48: Very cool, I am working on a similar project currently, what I am calling a 32%, since it has a few more keys than more common 30% boards, but still only 3 rows. You should call this a 35% for the extra row across the bottom and definitely keep us updated on progress!
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Mon, 31 July 2017, 06:17:32: Decided to 3D print and laser cut the prototype as I want to save the CNC favor for the mark 2, when I'm considering adding an Adafruit Feather Bluetooth board and a Flexpoint stickmouse to the keyboard for my ideal portable setup. Printing off the top half of the case today so I can wire it up while the bottom prints tomorrow. Attached a render of the current design below.
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Mon, 07 August 2017, 04:08:52: Finally got the case built and began wiring it.
[attach=1]

Even fits in my pocket, which is what I was aiming for.
[attach=2]

Also, please ignore the masking tape labeled keys, they're just there while I experiment with laser engraving them.
[attach=3]
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: 0100010 on Sat, 12 August 2017, 18:58:08: Pocket fit is a nice touch. I had put together a super micro ANSI layout long ago, but didn't think it was very practical - may have to rethink that.

Edit : Found it!

(http://s28.postimg.org/h8lv6u27x/candybar.png)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/e267bac69668809882c60436dbf84c03
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: dead_pixel_design on Sat, 12 August 2017, 20:52:41: Quote from: 0100010 on Sat, 12 August 2017, 18:58:08
Pocket fit is a nice touch. I had put together a super micro ANSI layout long ago, but didn't think it was very practical - may have to rethink that.

Edit : Found it!

Show Image
(http://s28.postimg.org/h8lv6u27x/candybar.png)

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/#/layouts/e267bac69668809882c60436dbf84c03

Really interesting concept, I like how you tried to fit full functionality in, would be oddly wide for how short it is front to back. I like seeing people's alt design ideas for 30+% boards
Title: Re: 30% ortholinear dvorak keyboard
Post by: Nixon on Tue, 15 August 2017, 13:10:42: Got it finished on Friday ready and took it down to the MechanicalKeyboardUK meetup in Birmingham.
[attach=1]

The hardest part was flashing the firmware to the Pro Micro. Couldn't get QMK firmware flasher to work, nor AVRDude in an Ubuntu virtual machine. Ended up finding a generic arduino bootloader flasher in depths of the mechanicalkeyboard subreddit which did it perfectly.

Up next is harvesting the trackpoint from an old thinkpad keyboard for the second revision of my design.