A compact 88 key layout for productivity with a pseudo numpad

[AMoody]

This would have to be DSA. I managed to limit the oddball keycaps to the enter key.
Priorities in the layout:

Narrow - 1.75U narrower than a regular 75 key
Retains standard location of f1-f6 for left hand hotkey use
Inverse numpad with some of the math inputs positioned nearby for easier number entry

Keyboard-Layout link: https://tinyurl.com/ycxcepcx

[AMoody]

I have decided to build this board. The current plan is:

Box Jades
A 3d printed case for testing and protoyping
Then try to convince machinist friends to mill me something more permanent. I'm thinking a case milled from mild steel could be cool, It would certainly would have some heft. I can also weld onto it with my mig setup. Hardwoods or aluminum are also an option.
I'm looking at several DSA keysets and I'll do some renders to play with different options. I'm a big fan of beige and a steel case painted in something like rustoleum almond appliance epoxy sounds good.

For hand wired keyboards I assume I need a bit of room to run wires. I think building some wire management into the case design could be a good avenue to explore. Has anyone built wire management into their case designs?

[ErgoMacros]

Hi,

I haven't heard of someone using the case to route wires through. Usually people seem to try to run the wires
close to the key switch.

There is a wonderful hand wiring guide, here:
  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=87689.0

Also take a look at the "Postage board:"
  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=96805.0;topicseen
It has 25 IO pins. and your project looks like it needs 20 pins (7 x 13 matrix). They've been ordered, but not yet delivered. There may be more available.

and Keytee:
  https://deskthority.net/workshop-f7/keytee-controller-breakout-board-for-small-keyboards-t15586.html

For further enclosure inspiration I leave you with this, "invisible" keyboard
  https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=95382.0;topicseen

Best of luck!

[AMoody]

Thank for the links.

I did a quick case sketch. I need to print some test cases and figure out what kind of board angle and wrist rest dimensions will be most comfortable:

[ErgoMacros]

You might consider moving the PageUp... Backspace block a little to the right so that it aligns with the rest of the keys. Also gives you a tactile difference your fingers can detect.

Also, if you wanted to try out the layout (with, alas, rubber dome switches) you could look into a Cherry G86-61410EUADAA POS
keyboard. http://cherryamericas.com/product/spos-small-point-of-sale-keyboard/

* Look st the ones without track pads.
* Some are less than $60, including shipping, on eBay
* 1 more row at the top than your design
* 4 more columns (numeric pad) on the right
* Programable (changing key mapping, I think. No layers-like functions)
* They are very flat. You'd have to put something underneath to set an angle
* So, too many keys. Larger than your design.  Could be useful to see if your layout works for you without designing a PCB, case,...

Cheers!

[AMoody]

I used to have a bunch of cherry POS boards but I got rid of them when I started having RSI issues and moved to 75 key layouts.

Moving the top right switches over is a good idea, it gets the backspace slightly closer to it's normal position and makes the case design simpler.