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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: Vimto on Mon, 18 January 2016, 08:32:19

Title: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Vimto on Mon, 18 January 2016, 08:32:19
Just wondering what people think of the infinity ergodox that's currently on massdrop.
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/infinity-ergodox?mode=guest_open

Also which switches look best with clear keycaps.

Has anyone had issues with their infinity ergodox's?
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: romevi on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:01:12
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

Still gonna get one as I've been waiting to get an Infinity version. Undecided as to which switch to get between Gateron Yellow, Clear Zealio 67g, or Alps Linear.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: FLFisherman on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:03:11
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

I think people are only just starting to receive them from Massdrop's group buy. I know they pop up on reddit every so often.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: romevi on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:05:01
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

I think people are only just starting to receive them from Massdrop's group buy. I know they pop up on reddit every so often.

Oh, wow. Didn't know the first drop of the Infinity version hasn't completed yet.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: davkol on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:31:09
Yeah, it took them 8 months from drop's end to shipping. One of the many reasons, why Massdrop's won the Deskthority *Ping* Award (http://deskthority.net/results-f94/the-ping-award-2015-t12370.html).

Otherwise, the original ErgoDox has been around for three years (+ development) and it's probably the single most successful Western DIY keyboard with unmatched commercial adoption.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: nickheller on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:49:43
I joined for the kit with no caps or switches. Will be first time using layout, we'll so how it goes :P
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: romevi on Mon, 18 January 2016, 11:57:08
I joined for the kit with no caps or switches.

Same. I'll keep the kit unfinished until I acquire the caps and switches I want.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: decker on Mon, 18 January 2016, 12:10:45
Does someone know if the two keyboards communicate ?
Meaning if you press the shift key on one side will the other side be affected ?

Is this firmware defined ?
I'm asking because the description says that the 2 parts act as independant keyboards and can be on different layors...
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: hammelgammler on Mon, 18 January 2016, 13:27:37
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: nickheller on Mon, 18 January 2016, 13:28:33
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.

I think the plates are universal, not 100% sure though.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: bcredbottle on Mon, 18 January 2016, 14:06:43
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.

I think the plates are universal, not 100% sure though.
'


I know that with the old Ergodox you could easily convert it to Alps by just filing the holes a little bit to make them wide enough for Alps switches.

There's also a file floating around here for an Alps plate for the old Ergodox (Litster style). If you want it I can dig it up. That's how I made my Matiadox (http://i.imgur.com/MCvDx2L.jpg)
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: daerid on Mon, 18 January 2016, 14:38:21
Until they fix that thumb cluster it's a non-starter
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: f1xedgear on Mon, 18 January 2016, 15:02:01
Does someone know if the two keyboards communicate ?
Meaning if you press the shift key on one side will the other side be affected ?

Is this firmware defined ?
I'm asking because the description says that the 2 parts act as independant keyboards and can be on different layors...
Yes, they communicate back and forth.
You can find the KLL firmware for it here (https://github.com/kiibohd/controller)

Hasu also has a TMK fork (https://github.com/tmk/infinity_ergodox) for it now.

Edit: Hasu, not HaaTa (sorry).
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: decker on Mon, 18 January 2016, 17:11:23
Until they fix that thumb cluster it's a non-starter

Are you saying that you don't like ergodox design because of the number or position of keys that are supposed to be usud with thumbs ?
Or are you saying there have been known technical problems with that part of the board ?
Or something else ?

Yes, they communicate back and forth.
You can find the KLL firmware for it here (https://github.com/kiibohd/controller)
HaaTa also has a TMK fork (https://github.com/tmk/infinity_ergodox) for it now.

Okay thanks, I think what was confusing me is that I thought shift was going to activate the 'shift' layer.
But seems it doesn't work that way.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: davkol on Tue, 19 January 2016, 04:19:52
Until they fix that thumb cluster it's a non-starter
It's been moved closer to the main section for this second drop. I'm not saying it's the best solution (or it's a solution overall) though. I'd much prefer more smaller keys (like on the original PCB) and ideally a separate PCB for thumb clusters, because the angle is weird.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: hammelgammler on Tue, 19 January 2016, 18:45:48
Well yeah, I know you could file the plate to fit Alp switches, but that's a bit much trouble if there could just include a plate which supports Alps.

Does anyone know something about this? I really don't need Matias switches, but I need an Alps plate.

If I buy one with Matias switches, you probably get an Alps compatible plate.
If I boy one with Cherry switches, then probably a Cherry compatible plate.
But what If you don't get any switches, does that you mean you won't get a plate, or just a Cherry plate or what? I don't get it, that should be mentioned in the description.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: OverKill on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:33:35
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?

The plate supports both alps and cherry, no need to mod it after you get it.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: OverKill on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:37:05
Until they fix that thumb cluster it's a non-starter
It's been moved closer to the main section for this second drop. I'm not saying it's the best solution (or it's a solution overall) though. I'd much prefer more smaller keys (like on the original PCB) and ideally a separate PCB for thumb clusters, because the angle is weird.

No the thumb cluster has not been moved for the second drop. There have been no changes to the PCB and minor changes to the case. The changelog can be found at our website which I have linked below.

http://input.club/forums/topic/infinity-ergodox-revision-2-changelog#post-1952 (http://input.club/forums/topic/infinity-ergodox-revision-2-changelog#post-1952)
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: OverKill on Tue, 19 January 2016, 23:40:21
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

I think people are only just starting to receive them from Massdrop's group buy. I know they pop up on reddit every so often.

Oh, wow. Didn't know the first drop of the Infinity version hasn't completed yet.

Shipping completed last week. We aren't changing much except a few minor things to the case and no changes to the PCB. MassDrop has already has acquired all of the LCD's and the LED controller chips which is why we are limiting the drop to 1150 units.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Vimto on Wed, 20 January 2016, 00:05:40
Was it the LCD's and LED's that delayed the shipment of the first drop?
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: localredhead on Wed, 20 January 2016, 00:20:34
I'm in for for one w/ 65G Z's!!!

So exited...  I have been waiting months (a year?) for this and I wanted to make it with Matias switches.  In the end the Z's won so I could source more keycaps.

I am probably going to break down and jump in for another with matias alps.  This is the end-game of keyboards for me.

That and a white fox.  And thats all I need..

:)
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: davkol on Wed, 20 January 2016, 03:22:50
Until they fix that thumb cluster it's a non-starter
It's been moved closer to the main section for this second drop. I'm not saying it's the best solution (or it's a solution overall) though. I'd much prefer more smaller keys (like on the original PCB) and ideally a separate PCB for thumb clusters, because the angle is weird.

No the thumb cluster has not been moved for the second drop. There have been no changes to the PCB and minor changes to the case. The changelog can be found at our website which I have linked below.

http://input.club/forums/topic/infinity-ergodox-revision-2-changelog#post-1952 (http://input.club/forums/topic/infinity-ergodox-revision-2-changelog#post-1952)
Am I reading the changelog incorrectly? Because that's where I got that.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Vimto on Wed, 20 January 2016, 05:33:15
Doesn't the change log just say the gap between the plate and the thumb cluster has been reduced i.e. the depth?
Or maybe I'm reading it incorrectly :)
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 20 January 2016, 05:49:07
The spacing changes referred to in the changelog are for the top layer and keycaps. Some places there wasn't enough spaces (Keycaps brushing case) and in the other case, there was too much space.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: hammelgammler on Wed, 20 January 2016, 05:59:37
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?

The plate supports both alps and cherry, no need to mod it after you get it.

That would be awesome! But are you really sure about that?
I heard that the ErgoDox PCB supports both Cherry and ALPs, but even the plate? How's that possible, and if it's really, why doesn't every plate get cut like this so you have a universal one?...
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 20 January 2016, 06:08:53
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?

The plate supports both alps and cherry, no need to mod it after you get it.

That would be awesome! But are you really sure about that?
I heard that the ErgoDox PCB supports both Cherry and ALPs, but even the plate? How's that possible, and if it's really, why doesn't every plate get cut like this so you have a universal one?...

If both switches are placed centered on the PCB it is possible. Most new PCBs that support MX and Alps have the cutouts in the plate to support both. The extra width because if the alps cutout allows switch tops to be removal with plate installed for MX switches. Swill's plate builder tool has the option to use this cutout: http://builder.swillkb.com/
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: hammelgammler on Wed, 20 January 2016, 08:31:29
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?

The plate supports both alps and cherry, no need to mod it after you get it.

That would be awesome! But are you really sure about that?
I heard that the ErgoDox PCB supports both Cherry and ALPs, but even the plate? How's that possible, and if it's really, why doesn't every plate get cut like this so you have a universal one?...

If both switches are placed centered on the PCB it is possible. Most new PCBs that support MX and Alps have the cutouts in the plate to support both. The extra width because if the alps cutout allows switch tops to be removal with plate installed for MX switches. Swill's plate builder tool has the option to use this cutout: http://builder.swillkb.com/

Oh wow that's awesome!! Hopefully every PCB/Plate will have this, so you can always use both switches.
Thanks everyone for your answers.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: OverKill on Wed, 20 January 2016, 10:19:08
Was it the LCD's and LED's that delayed the shipment of the first drop?

The LCD's were the issue in the first drop. Massdrop doesn't provide LED's you have tobuy your own.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: OverKill on Wed, 20 January 2016, 10:24:59
Does anyone know what happens if you order one without any switches? I would really need the plate to fit ALP switches, but there's no option to just get ab ALP's plate without switches.
Oh well, and the ALP's keycaps are PBT too?

The plate supports both alps and cherry, no need to mod it after you get it.

Hammel, MOZ is exactly right. The plates and pcb are designed to accept both ALPS/Matias and Cherry MX. The only thing is that you can't do backlighting with the ALPS/Matias because of the location of the LED thru holes. The plates also accept costar stabilizers which are included with the Infinity ErgoDox.

That would be awesome! But are you really sure about that?
I heard that the ErgoDox PCB supports both Cherry and ALPs, but even the plate? How's that possible, and if it's really, why doesn't every plate get cut like this so you have a universal one?...

If both switches are placed centered on the PCB it is possible. Most new PCBs that support MX and Alps have the cutouts in the plate to support both. The extra width because if the alps cutout allows switch tops to be removal with plate installed for MX switches. Swill's plate builder tool has the option to use this cutout: http://builder.swillkb.com/

Oh wow that's awesome!! Hopefully every PCB/Plate will have this, so you can always use both switches.
Thanks everyone for your answers.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: MOZ on Wed, 20 January 2016, 10:52:46
Actually, if you use Matias switches, you can have them backlit. Just solder the LEDs at the back and then bend them over to the central MX switch hole. Since the Matias switches are clear, they light up like the Cherry RGB switches.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Oxid on Fri, 22 January 2016, 21:52:23
I've been eyeing this massdrop, but I'm not sure if I can get used to it, or I can go back to MX after Topre.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Pdub on Fri, 22 January 2016, 21:55:07
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

Still gonna get one as I've been waiting to get an Infinity version. Undecided as to which switch to get between Gateron Yellow, Clear Zealio 67g, or Alps Linear.

I think the people that buy a ergo stick to that sub forum.

Just my thought.

I want to get an ergo to try it but 200$ is a lot to just try.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: ImAWildDeer on Sat, 23 January 2016, 00:47:02
I haven't seen ErgoDox keyboards around as much. Were they a fad or do people who use them just not post?

Still gonna get one as I've been waiting to get an Infinity version. Undecided as to which switch to get between Gateron Yellow, Clear Zealio 67g, or Alps Linear.

I think the people that buy a ergo stick to that sub forum.

Just my thought.

I want to get an ergo to try it but 200$ is a lot to just try.

I have two Ergodoxes now, and they we very hard for me to get used to, but after a while I don't really have troubles switching between layouts. If I switch away for too long, I notice I get a bit slower, but it still feels pretty natural.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: daerid on Sun, 24 January 2016, 23:20:39
It's been moved closer to the main section for this second drop. I'm not saying it's the best solution (or it's a solution overall) though. I'd much prefer more smaller keys (like on the original PCB) and ideally a separate PCB for thumb clusters, because the angle is weird.

Really? I just needed it moved like 1/8th of an inch. Are there any images of how it compares to the original layout?
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Vimto on Mon, 25 January 2016, 00:56:22
It's been moved closer to the main section for this second drop. I'm not saying it's the best solution (or it's a solution overall) though. I'd much prefer more smaller keys (like on the original PCB) and ideally a separate PCB for thumb clusters, because the angle is weird.

Really? I just needed it moved like 1/8th of an inch. Are there any images of how it compares to the original layout?

The thumb cluster hasn't moved.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: deduction on Mon, 25 January 2016, 01:09:28
I've been eyeing this massdrop, but I'm not sure if I can get used to it, or I can go back to MX after Topre.

This is my biggest fear, too, now that I'm primarily using a Realforce silenced variable weight 87U.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: daerid on Mon, 25 January 2016, 01:19:47
The thumb cluster hasn't moved.

Back to the drawing board... probably going to have to custom build one myself
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: BigDov on Mon, 25 January 2016, 03:57:42
I'm kind of wishing now that I hadn't bought the one from here (classifieds) that I'm using currently, and spend a few extra bucks to get a new one..... put a little effort into it, and make it my own :(

Bummer about not knowing what Massdrop is going to do, I guess. However, now that I have it, I'm not sure that I'd trade it for much else. HUGE difference in wrist / shoulder / palm pain that I was experiencing. It's very tough to put a price on that sort of thing.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: Diokhan on Mon, 25 January 2016, 04:18:37
Was thinking about joining the drop.. but seeing how long the last one took to full fill I'm a bit hesitant.
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: romevi on Mon, 25 January 2016, 10:14:48
Was thinking about joining the drop.. but seeing how long the last one took to full fill I'm a bit hesitant.

[attachimg=1]
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: droshi on Mon, 25 January 2016, 16:54:58
Was thinking about joining the drop.. but seeing how long the last one took to full fill I'm a bit hesitant.

Supposedly they have the parts in stock for up to 1100 boards that were the main limiting factor in last drop (LCDs). I don't know that it guarantees anything, but seems like maybe they learned from the past not to trust their suppliers word.

I'm on the fence too...I really wanted an Ergodox as my first mechanical, but now that I have a Pok3r and really liking it, not sure if it would be worth the expense to try out an Ergodox. $200 + keycaps + time soldering is pretty expensive only to have it be something not worth it.

I switched from QWERTY to DVORAK to COLEMAK, so getting used to a new modifier layout shouldn't be that bad for me, but still...decisions!
Title: Re: Infinity Ergodox
Post by: iLLucionist on Mon, 25 January 2016, 17:54:46
It's funny I was thinking why I would buy the ergodox and then I had to think of the MS Natural 4000 back in the day. It only lasted one year for me back in the day, but the curve was awesome for my hands and wrists. Imagine a Topre or MX clears in the shape of the MS Natural 4000