I have one more question. Do you recommend for my first board going with something more ergonomic like split of rotated keys and stuff like that or sticking with the basic shape of a standard keyboard. Also, if I decide to go more ergonomic, how will the production of the case and plate be(I am handwiring)?
that's up to you. what do you think you'll like? what looks interesting?
for a first board, i think assembly (soldering etc.) & programming would be a good enough project and get your feet wet as far as what this hobby is about.
handwiring plays three major roles....
1. an easy way to create something that doesn't exist yet
2. a way to bring a vintage board back to life without designing a new pcb for it
3. an inexpensive way to make a keyboard (wire, solder, diodes & controller)
- there's no reason to handwire a layout that already exists in pcb form that's readily available. unless you're just doing it for experience.
there are tons of great kits out there
-
keeb.io - has a bunch of great, inexpensive kits. mostly split FR4 spaced plate designs in all sizes & shapes
- could do something with all through hole components like: Mysterium (TKL), Herringbone (75%), Discipline (65%) or Plaid (40%ortho)
- and there are oodles & oodles of split kits out there in just about every size & shape
https://golem.hu/boards/ has a huge list
thought of another example
katotaka’s ortho angled 1800-ish
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=103881.0