What?Essentially all the keys of the ErgoDox, in a 70% (ish - 76 keys to be exact) form factor. This keeps the same symmetrically staggered layout, but moves the thumb cluster up into the center and uses a single board/case/pcb/whatever.
Why?I love the form factor of the ErgoDox. My fingers have never been happier, nor more relaxed. However, the ErgoDox isn't necessarily the most travel-friendly board. It's multiple pieces and extra cable make it a bit awkward to just toss in a laptop bag. This board would keep most of the benefits of the ErgoDox, giving up only the thumb clusters and dual-piece construction. It has exactly the same amount of switches as the standard ErgoDox.
How?Probably by modifying the official ErgoDox PCB and case files. Unless of course there's somebody who'd want to help out in redesigning the PCB for this to be as compact as possible (since currently I have precisely zero PCB design experience). At some point I'll order a couple prototype PCB's and case, throw some switches in there and see what happens.
You're nuts. This will never workYou shut your mouth. Even if it doesn't, it'll be a fun learning experience.
This is currently just an idea tumbling around in my head, but I
really want to try and get a prototype together.
PS: Layout above made by hacking shamelessly on mohitgarg's
ErgoDox Layout Sheets