Author Topic: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2 [Updated!]  (Read 5784 times)

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Offline upas

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UPDATES HERE





Link



CannonKeys Coming Soon Page

INTEREST CHECK FORM

___

About the Link:

For a long time we have observed and admired the ergo scene as its own entity, largely separate from the typical “custom” keyboard scene, with a larger focus on individual ergonomics and productivity. One of our favourite ergo boards is the Sofle - a well-loved layout which has found a lot of use within the community, and using this layout we wanted to create something that applies our learnings from working within high-end keyboards to something tailored more towards the ergo scene.

Most ergo kits require soldering pro micros, nice nanos, elite-cs, elite-Pis, and others, and generally require much more of a DIY approach compared to other typical hotswappable customs. For the Link, we wanted to offer something easily hotswappable. Ergo kits also often use TRRS as a split interconnect, which could lead to microcontroller issues due to electrical shorts. Some MCUs are of course more resilient than others – but to counter this, we’ve made our own PCB with onboard RP2040 MCU and USB-C interconnect. Add to that a hotswappable OLED screen and you have an updated, fully supported split ergo with a high-quality aluminum case.

Speaking of the aluminum case - typically, Sofle variants that already exist are made in a sandwich-style construction, with a top plate and floating keycaps, or have a 3d printed plastic case. For the Link, we wanted to make a high profile aluminum keyboard case - so that the sides of keycaps were covered by the case. This does come with a tradeoff of additional weight, which could be a downside for some people, but we think the tradeoff is worth it and provides something new for the Sofle.

In addition to this - most existing Sofle / Sofle inspired options that already exist for people to purchase use some sort of variant of tray mounting, which limits the available type feel and sound of the keyboard. We wanted to bring a different option to the table, so the Link keyboard is gasket mounted - elevating the sound and feel to something more typically seen in other high-end custom keyboards.

Despite using an aluminum high-profile case and gasket mounting, we didn’t want to sacrifice a lot of the ergonomic functionality of the Sofle. We wanted to allow a wide range of tenting and angling options with the Link. We’ve designed an optional 3D printed tenting kit to add fixed tenting and angling to the Link. Upon the start of the group buy, we will open source this so that anyone can change it to fit their needs. These should provide an inexpensive option to dial in your Link exactly to our needs. And on top of this - there is a ¼-20 UNC threaded hole in the bottom of the Link case - so that any tripod mount compatible tenting / angling solutions will also function with the Link.

The Link’s layout was based on Sofle v2, with minor adjustments to make the design spacing a little more consistent. Due to the nature of the layout, it is fixed. However due to the beauty of QMK/VIA support you can map the keys to whatever floats your boat.

Finally - we hope to deliver this all under a price point of $250 at Group buy (hopefully even less! It’s totally interest dependent). Based on our search of existing other options - we think this is the cheapest aluminum case Sofle variant out there, with a lot to offer.



Current specs and features:

Hotswappable OLED screen
Rotary encoder module
Hotswap MX PCBs
USB-C interconnect
Aluminum OLED cover
Tray/gasket mount
1.2mm PCB
0° angle case
Compatible with various OEM tenting solutions
Proprietary tenting bases will be offered (final design TBD)
More details TBD



The mounting:

Gaskets are mounted inside the tray of the case, which align with various points on the PCB.




The plate assembly is then screwed down into the case, which allows the PCB to be comfortably suspended on the gaskets to effectively dampen the vibration from typing regardless of typing force.





Prototype photos:














Renders:















GB plans:

Before scheduling a sale, we wanted to hear from the community to see what direction this project should go in. We’ve laid out a plan for what we’d like to accomplish with this board but ultimately you decide the final form.

Want to see wireless functionality? Have any particular colors or plate materials in mind? Would you go for an aluminum tented base or a simpler, cheaper, 3D printed version? Would you be interested in a fully prebuilt version? How about a custom keycap set with the default keymap displayed? Please make sure to fill out the feedback form!

Additionally, if this GB has sufficient interest and manages to sell 300 units we will open source the wired PCBs so the ergo community can continue to use and build on the platform for themselves.



INTEREST CHECK FORM

« Last Edit: Thu, 23 January 2025, 11:26:19 by upas »

Offline ggggggg

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #1 on: Tue, 14 January 2025, 14:32:39 »
Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

Offline Kuj0

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #2 on: Tue, 14 January 2025, 16:24:14 »
Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

TBH I'd rather have an extra partial column of keys for mods or macros than that tiny screen any day



Offline cannolisquid

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #3 on: Tue, 14 January 2025, 19:38:42 »
I really like the way it looks but I'm not sure the Sofle is for me with the double screens/knobs. A tenting option for an ergo split would be great to see, even if it was an add-on.

Offline upas

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #4 on: Wed, 15 January 2025, 16:14:37 »
Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

TBH I'd rather have an extra partial column of keys for mods or macros than that tiny screen any day

I really like the way it looks but I'm not sure the Sofle is for me with the double screens/knobs. A tenting option for an ergo split would be great to see, even if it was an add-on.

I totally get the feedback here - but since Sofle58 seems to be pretty established, we wanted to make basically a more typical "custom keyboard" version of that.
Changing too much more would essentially change it away from a Sofle58, so we thought having the 2 screens and 2 knobs was important.

With that in mind - if IC feedback overwhelmingly shows that people want something else, we'll definitely take that into consideration.

We're almost certainly gonna move forward with the tenting kit - right now we're leaning towards a 3d printed version to keep costs down.

Offline TheManicGeek

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #5 on: Wed, 15 January 2025, 17:46:26 »
Filled out the IC, GL with this project!

I actually don't mind the dual knobs, but the thing that bothers me with the screens is they're just so... tiny... if they were either bigger or not there at all I think I might like the design better, but that's not an insubstantial change.

Offline upas

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #6 on: Fri, 17 January 2025, 16:12:38 »
Filled out the IC, GL with this project!

I actually don't mind the dual knobs, but the thing that bothers me with the screens is they're just so... tiny... if they were either bigger or not there at all I think I might like the design better, but that's not an insubstantial change.

Based on IC feedback - we are considering making a wireless version that won't have the screens. The battery could go where the screens usually are.
So blank covers will likely be available. We're also hoping we can do custom engraving for those who want that on their otherwise blank covers.

It moves away from being purely a Sofle58 (I feel like the two screens are pretty key to that) - but for a wireless board, something like a nice!view is optimal for battery life, which would increase the price by quite a bit.
We're trying to keep the price reasonable as well!

We're also looking into other options for that area while still keeping it Sofle58.

Offline upas

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Re: [IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2
« Reply #7 on: Thu, 23 January 2025, 11:22:21 »
Update:

After reading through all the feedback in the IC form, we've worked to make some changes to the design to meet your wants and requirements (details below).

Changelog:
  • We've added larger OLED screens and repositioned them to be more vertically centered to the cover, which was also redesigned to fit the screen more flush.


  • The new OLED has its own pinout, so some components on the PCB had to be moved to accommodate.
  • Due to the additional width of the screen, the OLED covers had to be widened to house it comfortably. As we couldn't expand it towards the keycaps (it would limit keycap clearance), we could only expand in the other direction so the inner wall of the case had to be adjusted also, resulting in a nominally narrower inner bezel.


  • The plate and PCB outlines were offset from the case by 0.475mm, and they also needed to be amended due to the change above. This change isn't crucial for the function of the keyboard but it is more aesthetically aligned.


  • In addition to the 1/4" threaded hole for off-the-shelf tenting options, we also designed a cost-effective tenting solution that you can 3D-print yourself at home. It has a 3.5° L-R tenting angle and a 3.5° negative front to back angle. This will be fully open sourced so you can adjust the specs and dimensions to suit your liking.







We can't go into too much detail just yet, but we're also working on a wireless PCB! This is currently in development using the Nice!View OLED screen and we're currently polishing up the first version of this design before prototyping so expect more updates on this soon!




Summary:

  • Swapped out the OLED for a larger one
  • Adjusted the OLED covers for a tidier fit
  • Moved components on the PCB to accommodate the new OLED pinout
  • Multiple tiny case changes to fit the new OLED due to its increased width
  • Plate and PCB outlines amended to better fit the adjusted case design
  • Designed a tenting solution (which will be open sourced for users to adjust at will)
  • We are also developing a wireless version of the PCB, using the Nice!View OLED screen, which will be prototyped soon.

Also, we're probably going to offer blank covers too during the GB, if you'd rather not use the screens.


More updates soon when we have them!
« Last Edit: Thu, 23 January 2025, 11:54:48 by upas »