Is there such a thing?

[samstar]

Hi guys,

I'm new to this crazy keyboard hobby and already hooked.

My needs, however, are very specific.  I'm looking for a full-size/TKL wireless mechanical keyboard with a built-in palm/wrist rest. The reason is that, apart from the fact that I'm just weird, I type with the keyboard in my lap. I find this so much more comfortable that having the keyboard on the desk. To me it seems so much more relaxing and, dare I say it,natural. I should also tell you that, due to poor eyesight, I sit about 3-4 feet away from my monitor and about 2 feet away from my desk Hence the typing in the lap thing.

At the moment, I use a plain Logitech K350. Although I hate the keyboard itself, the integrated rest is soooo satisfying that every negative pales next to the fact that I can type comfortably on this thing. Since it sits at a negative angle (falling away from me), my lower arms and hands are in a straight line. I'm so used to this technique that when I tried a keyboard (keeb?) without a rest on my lap, I couldn't stand it. I guess that I'm too old to change.

After extensive research, I can't find any case or ready built mechanical keyboard with :
1. Full size or TKL
2. Wireless
3. Integrated rest

Is there such a thing?

[nevin]

- full size is a rarity in custom keyboards. (check "gaming" brands for off the shelf options)
- wireless (BT) is rather new to custom keyboards. most are running ZMK https://github.com/zmkfirmware/zmk (a wireless fork of the QMK firmware)
- Integrated rest, there have been a few done with an integrated rest in custom keyboards.
     + in off the shelf boards, gaming boards would probably be my 1st suggestion to find all your requirements
     + another that comes to mind is the microsoft natural keyboard (old version was wired, not sure about newer version)
     + i'd be amiss if i didn't mention kinesis. the advantage is what spurred projects like the ergodox and similar. it also looks like they have a split wireless version named the advantage 360 that should be releasing soon.
https://kinesis-ergo.com/
https://kinesis-ergo.com/keyboards/advantage360/
     + look into a Lapboard or Lapdesk, some have built in rests and would expand your options for keyboards (without built-in rests)

[nevin]

this IC was just posted today. interesting, tented 65% with a wrist rest case, expensive though, not wireless as far as i can tell.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117831.new#new

[samstar]

- full size is a rarity in custom keyboards. (check "gaming" brands for off the shelf options)
- wireless (BT) is rather new to custom keyboards. most are running ZMK https://github.com/zmkfirmware/zmk (a wireless fork of the QMK firmware)
- Integrated rest, there have been a few done with an integrated rest in custom keyboards.
     + in off the shelf boards, gaming boards would probably be my 1st suggestion to find all your requirements
     + another that comes to mind is the microsoft natural keyboard (old version was wired, not sure about newer version)
     + i'd be amiss if i didn't mention kinesis. the advantage is what spurred projects like the ergodox and similar. it also looks like they have a split wireless version named the advantage 360 that should be releasing soon.
https://kinesis-ergo.com/
https://kinesis-ergo.com/keyboards/advantage360/
     + look into a Lapboard or Lapdesk, some have built in rests and would expand your options for keyboards (without built-in rests)

I've looked at so many 'gaming' boards but there's only 1 full size that I've come across (GMMK) that is remotely half decent but it neither has a rest nor is it wireless.
I should have also stated that I'm not a fan of bluetooth keebs. Wireless, to me, means 2.4 / 5  Ghz.

The kinesis looks like an option but I don't it would sit in the lap properly (being split). I actually have lapdesk for my wife's laptop but, again, it's too bulky for the lap.
Now - a lapboard for a full size of some sort (without a mousepad) may very well be a solution. I only really need a thin metal/plastic base with a rest at the front  - like this __l
I will have to research this option more. Thanks for the heads up.

this IC was just posted today. interesting, tented 65% with a wrist rest case, expensive though, not wireless as far as i can tell.
https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=117831.new#new

That's quite a chunky keyboard. But I like to look of the rest.

[nevin]

agree with you 2.4/5 vs. BT, just for the reliability factor.
i know there are BT adapters to use any keyboard over bluetooth, i wouldn't be surprised is there wasn't a traditional wireless adapter that would do the same with the logitech type receivers.

[maxmousee]

While I don't know any keeb that fits all of the criteria, I have a few suggestions
If you want full-size + good switches + integrated rest = Steelseries Apex Pro (there's a TKL version as well)
cons: only linear, although very good switches, not hot-swap, not wireless.

Keychron K8 Pro: Bluetooth + Hot Swap, the BT is very reliable + VIA/QMK (TKL)
No rest
K10: same + full size (no VIA/QMK)

Razer Huntsman V2 analog - basically same thing as Apex Pro (including rest), no wireless option.

Although usually I don't recommend/like gaming brands, I do like (and own) the Apex Pro. Specially the smooth switches + adjustable actuation point and it has a very good macro support (if you care)

[Stupidface]

Now - a lapboard for a full size of some sort (without a mousepad) may very well be a solution. I only really need a thin metal/plastic base with a rest at the front  - like this

Or this:



I chose that particular one (a 3M Antimicrobial Gel Keyboard Wrist Rest Platform Black/Gray/Silver WR420LE) because the size is relatively compact and I understand you want this to rest on your lap at a negative angle.

Alternatively, as you have mentioned, you could make your own.  Thin plastic, sheet metal, or wood would suffice for the platform bit, then you could glue/Velcro on any wrist rest you like.  Admittedly, doing so would be more work, but it would give you the advantage of being able to custom size the platform for a particular keyboard so the platform portion is as small as possible.

Would something like this would meet your needs?   I do not know for sure, but it's an idea that would not tie you down to one keyboard.