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geekhack Community => Keyboards => Topic started by: MathCubes on Sun, 14 February 2016, 16:23:08

Title: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: MathCubes on Sun, 14 February 2016, 16:23:08

Hey geekhack,  I am new. So, I hope this goes under the right area.  Could I use 2 Logitech g13 as a keyboard under Linux?  For a cheap ergonomic keyboard for ~$120 because the other options are too expressive or aren't good enough for the price.  I looked on the Internet and couldn't find anything on this.  Any ideas?

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: KaminKevCrew on Sun, 14 February 2016, 16:57:10

You probably could. The G13 isn't really what I would call ergonomic in the first place though... Also, why not use something like a Planck?

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: MathCubes on Sun, 14 February 2016, 17:06:42

I did no knowtthat keyboard exists.  Thanks for telling me about it.  I am looking for a keyboard that is in two halves.

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: qwack on Mon, 15 February 2016, 08:45:57

Ergodox.

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: Diokhan on Mon, 15 February 2016, 08:59:49

Quote from: qwack on Mon, 15 February 2016, 08:45:57

Ergodox.

That is not that affordable right?

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: 1391406 on Mon, 15 February 2016, 09:16:11

There's also the Kinesis Freestyle 2 (http://www.thehumansolution.com/kinesis-freestyle.html?gdftrk=gdfV2929_a_7c132_a_7c5187_a_7cKIN700&gclid=CjwKEAiAi4a2BRCu_eXo3O_k3hUSJABmN9N1gLGPfeG6d9IlFeVt4GpEF-7afv3riLLqBlNsKE47rBoCD4Pw_wcB)

(http://ep.yimg.com/ay/thehumansolution/kinesis-freestyle2-adjustable-split-keyboard-for-pc-10.jpg)

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: qwack on Mon, 15 February 2016, 10:08:39

Quote from: Diokhan on Mon, 15 February 2016, 08:59:49

Quote from: qwack on Mon, 15 February 2016, 08:45:57

Ergodox.

That is not that affordable right?

Looks like I overlooked the "cheap" part  ;D

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: Findecanor on Mon, 15 February 2016, 16:15:55

If the two keyboards are programmable (without requiring a special driver) then in general you should be able to program each one of them to have different keys and things should just work. USB hubs could mess things up though.

As an alternative to the Kinesis Freestyle, you could get a Goldtouch. Their website is now ruled by business cats, so it is easier to check out the different models on eBay. The two parts are not entirely separated: instead there is a lockable ball joint.

I had intended to build my ErgoDox for pretty cheap: Buy only the PCBs in the group buy, reuse switches and caps scavenged from keyboards I had got for a bargain, build my own case and use PCB-mounted switches without a plate.
It turned out more expensive than I had planned because of import tax on the PCBs and because to get my layout I had to custom-order a set of plates anyway.
These days though there are options for the PCB and other parts both in Europe and in the US, so import tax is not a problem.

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: vextanys on Tue, 16 February 2016, 04:10:20

I've just finished my ergodox (except waiting on the keycaps)

Kit (TaoBao via agent, case, PCBs, teensy, electronics) was about £50 + £20shipping + £20 taxes (I think I could have reduced this if I'd 'adjusted' the declared value)
Keys (Massdrop Gaterons) about £25-£30
Caps (Massdrop) about £25
Total about £140 (vs 2xG13s at £80 each - amazon.co.uk's regular price)

Title: Re: Could I use 2 logitech g13 as a keyboard?
Post by: Hyde on Tue, 16 February 2016, 10:09:24

Not exactly cheap but.....

http://matias.ca/ergopro/pc/