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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: chyros on Mon, 29 February 2016, 13:52:33
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Found this thing; since I can't even touch type there's no way I can make a meaningful review on a ergo macro bio mofo like this :p . So I thought I might as well just post about the find instead.
It's one of my few USB keyboards and appears to be in very good condition indeed.
I don't know too much about this keyboard; I don't even know how common or well-known they are.
(http://imgur.com/9mdx2cR.jpg)
The layout is ****ing weird xD . It's "3D ergonomic" apparently.
(http://imgur.com/ZFGRZtP.jpg)
Essentially it's a very thin plastic shell with MX blacks mounted in it. It's not even heavy.
(http://imgur.com/LlDTszA.jpg)
It's got two switches in a hole at the back. I don't know what they're there for.
(http://imgur.com/sBLUuZR.jpg)
The sticker is partly hand-written and coincidentally has serial number 11111 xD .
(http://imgur.com/NhEH8Ve.jpg)
The inside is a huge skein of purple wires welded onto the switch contacts. The controller sits at the bottom.
(http://imgur.com/5cLk7jb.jpg)
It would appear this keyboard was made sometime in late 2010.
(http://imgur.com/cRXqY4W.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/74bon91.jpg)
(http://imgur.com/FzeFm0J.jpg)
Maybe anyone knows more about it? It looks pretty funky :D .
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Maltron is pretty common as far as ergonomic keyboards go (as opposed to more obscure, homebrew ergonomic keyboards). The Kinesis Advantage is similar but made to be more mass marketable I suppose you could say. Maltron's are significantly more expensive but you're supposed to kind of get insurance to cover the cost of it. Maltron also offers a lot of customization in that they'll make one-of requests for you. The hand wiring and tested label is part of a result of that. The layout on the one you found is Dvorak.
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You found a Maltron? nice find!
I am a little disappointed to learn a couple of things: one that it's plastic, and two the wiring is so freaky. I much prefer Kinesis' approach in using a custom PCB split down each row with the Advantage; it just looks a lot cleaner.
I could probably get used to that quickly though; the Advantage is just so weird...thanks for sharing though!
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Always wanted to try one. A guy I work with has a Kinesis, but I'm worried I'd like it and have to get rid of every other board I own.
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That is sweet.
I was going to cut one into 2 halves but the case would not withstand it. That's why I split a Kinesis. But I liked typing the Maltron better, even though I only used it briefly. Tempted to get one.
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Wow, that's a pretty cool find. How did you come across it? I've been interested in trying something like this or the Kinesis knockoff, but I've always been put off by the price.
I had read that Maltron's construction was a little plasticky for the price, but I'm surprised to see that it is basically hand-wired. They should start selling the plastic case as a hand-wired kit. I would bet many of the people on this board would be interested in getting it.
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The price is for the 80 year old guy to hand wire it. They wouldn't make any money selling the parts.
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I bought it at a recycling centre. I might let go of it for the right price though, because I can't even touch type, let alone use something this complicated xD .
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I have an older two-handed Maltron, plus a left-handed and right handed one. I'm typing on a Kinesis at home -- it was easier to remap the keys to my own layout.
You are right about the weight of the Maltron, though -- they are surprisingly light. Now I am tempted to pull it the two-handed one out of the closet and play with it some more. :)