A flat typing surface is not very ergonomic. This is why most keycaps are profiled.
You may have noticed that all profiled keycaps share a common characteristic: the overall typing surface is in the general shape of a curve.
(https://i.imgur.com/PeZU3dK.jpeg)
(original photo from https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=68550)Changing the keycap surface angles (in order to achieve a curved typing surface) has flaws:
- The angle of the force applied to the key is not in line with the translation axis of the switch. As a result:
- Only the component (https://www.physicsclassroom.com/class/vectors/u3l1d) of the force that is parallel to the switch action actually contributes to moving the switch. The operator therefore needs to press harder to move the switch (vs flat keytop):
(https://i.imgur.com/slb7ajY.jpeg)
- The perpendicular force component becomes friction. This makes the key travel less smooth.
- Additionally, the added friction resists the movement of the switch, making the operator have to press even harder!
- The angled keycaps also need to be taller. The perpendicular force component therefore has greater leverage, which increases its added friction (which decreases smoothness and makes you have to press even harder):
(https://i.imgur.com/EBj6G8h.jpeg)
To fix these flaws, Curve0 has the switches themselves at an angle. This achieves a curved typing surface with flat keycaps.
(https://i.imgur.com/FfttFOn.jpeg)
Another advantage of having the switches at an angle is that your finger actually moves in the direction of the press during the keytravel, which feels more comfortable (in my opinion at least).
(https://i.imgur.com/nYQikN2.png)
- Split backspace and left shift
- Standard bottom row
- ANSI enter only. ISO enter is not yet supported as it would require a different case and PCB