[IC] Link - Column-staggered split keyboard based on the Sofle58 v2 [Updated!]

[upas]

MOST RECENT UPDATE

3rd Update

2nd Update

1st Update




Link


CannonKeys Coming Soon Page

INTEREST CHECK FORM

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About the Link:

For a long time we have observed and admired the ergo scene as its own entity, largely separate from the typical “custom” keyboard scene, with a larger focus on individual ergonomics and productivity. One of our favourite ergo boards is the Sofle - a well-loved layout which has found a lot of use within the community, and using this layout we wanted to create something that applies our learnings from working within high-end keyboards to something tailored more towards the ergo scene.

Most ergo kits require soldering pro micros, nice nanos, elite-cs, elite-Pis, and others, and generally require much more of a DIY approach compared to other typical hotswappable customs. For the Link, we wanted to offer something easily hotswappable. Ergo kits also often use TRRS as a split interconnect, which could lead to microcontroller issues due to electrical shorts. Some MCUs are of course more resilient than others – but to counter this, we’ve made our own PCB with onboard RP2040 MCU and USB-C interconnect. Add to that a hotswappable OLED screen and you have an updated, fully supported split ergo with a high-quality aluminum case.

Speaking of the aluminum case - typically, Sofle variants that already exist are made in a sandwich-style construction, with a top plate and floating keycaps, or have a 3d printed plastic case. For the Link, we wanted to make a high profile aluminum keyboard case - so that the sides of keycaps were covered by the case. This does come with a tradeoff of additional weight, which could be a downside for some people, but we think the tradeoff is worth it and provides something new for the Sofle.

In addition to this - most existing Sofle / Sofle inspired options that already exist for people to purchase use some sort of variant of tray mounting, which limits the available type feel and sound of the keyboard. We wanted to bring a different option to the table, so the Link keyboard is gasket mounted - elevating the sound and feel to something more typically seen in other high-end custom keyboards.

Despite using an aluminum high-profile case and gasket mounting, we didn’t want to sacrifice a lot of the ergonomic functionality of the Sofle. We wanted to allow a wide range of tenting and angling options with the Link. We’ve designed an optional 3D printed tenting kit to add fixed tenting and angling to the Link. Upon the start of the group buy, we will open source this so that anyone can change it to fit their needs. These should provide an inexpensive option to dial in your Link exactly to our needs. And on top of this - there is a ¼-20 UNC threaded hole in the bottom of the Link case - so that any tripod mount compatible tenting / angling solutions will also function with the Link.

The Link’s layout was based on Sofle v2, with minor adjustments to make the design spacing a little more consistent. Due to the nature of the layout, it is fixed. However due to the beauty of QMK/VIA support you can map the keys to whatever floats your boat.

Finally - we hope to deliver this all under a price point of $250 at Group buy (hopefully even less! It’s totally interest dependent). Based on our search of existing other options - we think this is the cheapest aluminum case Sofle variant out there, with a lot to offer.


Current specs and features:

Hotswappable OLED screen
Rotary encoder module
Hotswap MX PCBs
USB-C interconnect
Aluminum OLED cover
Tray/gasket mount
1.2mm PCB
0° angle case
Compatible with various OEM tenting solutions
Proprietary tenting bases will be offered (final design TBD)
More details TBD


The mounting:

Gaskets are mounted inside the tray of the case, which align with various points on the PCB.




The plate assembly is then screwed down into the case, which allows the PCB to be comfortably suspended on the gaskets to effectively dampen the vibration from typing regardless of typing force.




Prototype photos:













Renders:














GB plans:

Before scheduling a sale, we wanted to hear from the community to see what direction this project should go in. We’ve laid out a plan for what we’d like to accomplish with this board but ultimately you decide the final form.

Want to see wireless functionality? Have any particular colors or plate materials in mind? Would you go for an aluminum tented base or a simpler, cheaper, 3D printed version? Would you be interested in a fully prebuilt version? How about a custom keycap set with the default keymap displayed? Please make sure to fill out the feedback form!

Additionally, if this GB has sufficient interest and manages to sell 300 units we will open source the wired PCBs so the ergo community can continue to use and build on the platform for themselves.


INTEREST CHECK FORM

[ggggggg]

Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

[Kuj0]

Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

TBH I'd rather have an extra partial column of keys for mods or macros than that tiny screen any day

[cannolisquid]

I really like the way it looks but I'm not sure the Sofle is for me with the double screens/knobs. A tenting option for an ergo split would be great to see, even if it was an add-on.

[upas]

Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

Good luck with this.

But that underproportioned display needs to die already – it was both useless and looked outdated on my Corne 5 years ago, and time hasn't been kind.

TBH I'd rather have an extra partial column of keys for mods or macros than that tiny screen any day

I really like the way it looks but I'm not sure the Sofle is for me with the double screens/knobs. A tenting option for an ergo split would be great to see, even if it was an add-on.

I totally get the feedback here - but since Sofle58 seems to be pretty established, we wanted to make basically a more typical "custom keyboard" version of that.
Changing too much more would essentially change it away from a Sofle58, so we thought having the 2 screens and 2 knobs was important.

With that in mind - if IC feedback overwhelmingly shows that people want something else, we'll definitely take that into consideration.

We're almost certainly gonna move forward with the tenting kit - right now we're leaning towards a 3d printed version to keep costs down.

[TheManicGeek]

Filled out the IC, GL with this project!

I actually don't mind the dual knobs, but the thing that bothers me with the screens is they're just so... tiny... if they were either bigger or not there at all I think I might like the design better, but that's not an insubstantial change.

[upas]

Filled out the IC, GL with this project!

I actually don't mind the dual knobs, but the thing that bothers me with the screens is they're just so... tiny... if they were either bigger or not there at all I think I might like the design better, but that's not an insubstantial change.

Based on IC feedback - we are considering making a wireless version that won't have the screens. The battery could go where the screens usually are.
So blank covers will likely be available. We're also hoping we can do custom engraving for those who want that on their otherwise blank covers.

It moves away from being purely a Sofle58 (I feel like the two screens are pretty key to that) - but for a wireless board, something like a nice!view is optimal for battery life, which would increase the price by quite a bit.
We're trying to keep the price reasonable as well!

We're also looking into other options for that area while still keeping it Sofle58.

[upas]

Update:

After reading through all the feedback in the IC form, we've worked to make some changes to the design to meet your wants and requirements (details below).

Changelog:

• We've added larger OLED screens and repositioned them to be more vertically centered to the cover, which was also redesigned to fit the screen more flush.

• The new OLED has its own pinout, so some components on the PCB had to be moved to accommodate.

• Due to the additional width of the screen, the OLED covers had to be widened to house it comfortably. As we couldn't expand it towards the keycaps (it would limit keycap clearance), we could only expand in the other direction so the inner wall of the case had to be adjusted also, resulting in a nominally narrower inner bezel.

• The plate and PCB outlines were offset from the case by 0.475mm, and they also needed to be amended due to the change above. This change isn't crucial for the function of the keyboard but it is more aesthetically aligned.

• In addition to the 1/4" threaded hole for off-the-shelf tenting options, we also designed a cost-effective tenting solution that you can 3D-print yourself at home. It has a 3.5° L-R tenting angle and a 3.5° negative front to back angle. This will be fully open sourced so you can adjust the specs and dimensions to suit your liking.

We can't go into too much detail just yet, but we're also working on a wireless PCB! This is currently in development using the Nice!View OLED screen and we're currently polishing up the first version of this design before prototyping so expect more updates on this soon!

Summary:

• Swapped out the OLED for a larger one
• Adjusted the OLED covers for a tidier fit
• Moved components on the PCB to accommodate the new OLED pinout
• Multiple tiny case changes to fit the new OLED due to its increased width
• Plate and PCB outlines amended to better fit the adjusted case design
• Designed a tenting solution (which will be open sourced for users to adjust at will)
• We are also developing a wireless version of the PCB, using the Nice!View OLED screen, which will be prototyped soon.

Also, we're probably going to offer blank covers too during the GB, if you'd rather not use the screens.

More updates soon when we have them!

[upas]

Another Update:

As promised, we are back with another update (details below).

Prototype Progress

Since the last update, we've done a couple things. Primarily, we've prototyped and tested all the changes we showed off last time.

One thing to notice -the knobs have been changed and no longer have the cannon logo prominently displayed on them.
The reason for this was actually to bring the price down - by using a knob that is more off-the-shelf and doesn't require custom CNCing, we've been able to shave some expenses off to help support adding the larger screens without increasing the price of the Link by that much.
I think maybe one person in the IC asked for us to remove the cannon logos - so they also get their wish!

The new cases, screen covers, OLEDs, knobs, and PCBs all arrived over the course of the past month, and we've been able to put everything together.
It worked GREAT! And honestly, I think the new larger screen fit way better with the overall design.

See the photos below:





And click here to see even more photos (they aren't renders!):

More

Tenting Kit

We also tested our 3d printable tenting kit. It also functioned great!
We're still trying to decide if we will sell these during the GB - we are leaning towards yes, but for as cheap as possible, and 3d printed.
While it might be cool to make them out of aluminum, we're not sure there's enough interest in them to be cost effective.
Also, we're going to open source the tenting kit, so that the angles can be modified.

Currently, the tenting kit adds a 3.5 degree angle.






Wireless Update

Finally, we've made some progress on a wireless PCB.
I've designed a ZMK powered wireless PCB for the Link, and we're just waiting for prototypes to arrive.
Once they arrive, we'll test the PCBs with nice!views, and if everything works out, we'll be able to sell a wireless version of the Link!

There is one primary concern, though.
Because of the metal case, we worry that the wireless signal won't be strong enough to make a good Bluetooth connection with the PC. If this is the case, we'll likey suggest that wireless PCB users forego the screen covers. This might not look quite as polished, but will give the wireless signal somewhere it can escape from. Hopefully, the wireless signal will still be strong enough, even with the covers.





Link Specific Keycaps

The majority of IC respondents expressed interest in a Link/Sofle58 specific keycap set.
So we decided to reach out to biip to see if he was interested in designing one.
We're pleased to announce that he is designing a PBS profile set for Link!

Because the Link's layout is basically the same as Sofle58, this keycap set will also work really well for the Sofle58.
We may even offer a separate PBS group buy for a traditional base kit and 40s/ortho kit at the same time.

For now, we're letting biip cook. Hopefully we'll have an update for you here soon!

Timeline:

Initially, we wanted to start the GB for the Link in March.
But given IC feedback and the changes we've made, we need a little more time to get everything ready.

The wired version of Link is all set - we don't expect to make any further changes there. So we really just need to test the wireless version before we can sell the Link.

With this in mind - we expect the Link to go on sale sometime in May. Our price target is still to sell the Link for under $250 - and hopefully even less!

Summary:

• The Wired version of the Link with all the previous updates has been fully tested, and it works great!
• Tested the tenting kit, which also worked great, and plan on selling a 3d printed version of this
• The tenting kit will still be open sourced for users to adjust at will
• We're waiting on the wireless PCB prototypes to arrive to test and hope to include a wireless Link in the GB
• Biip is designing a PBS keycap set to run alongside Link
• We expect the GB for Link to run sometime in MAY 2025 with a price under $250

Even more updates soon when we have them!

[upas]

A Very Quick but Super Exciting Update:

We don't have a large update on the design - as of the last update, it was mostly settled. We just needed to test some wireless things.

Wireless Update

The wireless PCBs have arrived and have been tested with the nice!views.
The PCBs work great outside of the case!

That said - our Link prototype cases are out making the rounds with content creators.
Because of that, we haven't been able to test the PCBs inside the case to validate functionality
We have a case coming back this week (thank you Georen and alexotos for the wonderful streams of this particular unit)
Once that arrives, we'll test the wireless PCBs in the case.
And once that is validated - we will be able to run the GB with a wireless option as well!





Link Specific Keycaps

biip cooked up an amazing set for the Link - so good, that we're also going to run it as a standalone PBS set at the same time as the Link GB.

The set is called "PBS Modern Abacus" - or PBS MoAb for short. The name kinda works in 2 ways - it was designed mostly based off of retro calculator vibes, but also has colors reminiscent of the southwest outdoors (like Moab, UT) - so it's really neat!

There are going to be 2 Link specific sets - one with sublegends for the default layout, and one without:



And for folks who want more keys for more options, there is a 40s/ortho base kit:


And finally - if you wanna use the set on a keyboard with a more traditional layout, there is a normal base kit:


We're super excited for this and we hope you are too!

Pricing and Timeline:

In the last update, we were aiming for a GB date sometime in May, and a price under $250.
Since then, new tariffs have been applied to goods from China. Despite this, due to the high interest in this board, our goal is still to sell it for under $250.
Our initial pricing projections were based on a 100 MOQ - but as MOQ goes up, the price goes down.

We hope that despite the current market, people will still show up to buy this project!

Summary:

• The wireless PCBs work well outside the case
• We're going to test the wireless PCBs inside the case as soon as the cases come back to us
• Biip designed the amazing PBS Modern Abacus to go with the Link
• We still expect the GB for Link to run sometime in MAY 2025 with a price under $250

Expect another update early next week!

[JackQn]

The appearance is very beautiful, I also like this purple color

[XiXora]

Will PBS Modern Abacus get an IC? Would be nice to get QAZ in the 40s kit like MV Classic.

[miroboru]

A 6u spacebar in the base kit would be much appreciated. For true HHKB lovers…

[upas]

Will PBS Modern Abacus get an IC? Would be nice to get QAZ in the 40s kit like MV Classic.

A 6u spacebar in the base kit would be much appreciated. For true HHKB lovers…

Given that there is already some kitting feedback - I'll chat w/ biip and see if we can IC this as well

[Undecided4]

How/where/when do I order the pbs keycaps?

[upas]

How/where/when do I order the pbs keycaps?

We'll launch the PBS keycap group buy at the same time as the Link group buy - more details soon!
biip is working on an IC for this now.

[upas]

Final Update (Before GB Thread):

This should be the final update before we post a GB thread!

Wireless Update

We've tested the wireless PCB with nice!view inside the aluminum case with aluminum screen covers.
For maximum signal blockage, we used an aluminum plate and the blank screen covers.

I'm happy to report that the left and right halves of the board still maintain connection with each other at a distance of at least 50 ft!
We didn't have enough space to go much further than that.
With that in mind - normal desk use should be safe.

Battery life should be in the 3-4 week range for the left half and much longer for the right half - we could only fit a 230 mAh battery on each half.
We think this is pretty decent.

So overall - Link is good to go, the wireless works well, and we are ready to get the group buy scheduled and started INCLUDING a wireless option!





Some Final Kitting Decisions

For the final Link kit, we're going to be offering 2 versions, wired and wireless.
The default plate material will be PC. This should help improve wireless signal on the wireless boards as well.

The wired version will come with screens by default as well as matching screen covers.

One tricky thing for us was whether nice!view should be included in the wireless version by default or not.
The nice!view gives amazing battery life and a great experience, but not everyone wants screens, and might decide to purchase blank covers.
They are also a bit expensive at $20 each- it's just the nature of the e-Ink display used in the nice!view.
Because of this, while the wireless version will ship with screen covers suited for the nice!view, the nice!views will not be included.
We will sell nice!views separately





Other Addons

We've heard that people interested in Link are also potentially interested in tenting kits and wrist rests.

Our stance is that it's best to customize the tenting kit to suit the exact angle you want. We're going to be releasing files so that people can modify the tenting kit to suit their preferences, and get it 3d printed.
At the same time - we will offer our default 3d printed tenting kit during the GB, in case people want an easy option.
We expect it to be fairly inexpensive, since it is 3d printed.

For wrist rests, we have designed some - but after testing via 3d printing, we've not really sure they make sense for an ergo board like this.
Furthermore, we're not sure that we'll be able to get the cost to where we really want it to be for a GB like this, so we've chosen not to sell wrist rests with the GB.
We know some people like having them though, so we will release the the files for them after the GB concludes (but before the board ships, so you have time to modify and test as you see fit).

Pricing and Timeline:

We hope to launch the group buy for this board in a bit less than a month - on May 16th, 2025.
We should have a group buy thread go up by end of week with final pricing.

We were able to reach our pricing goal:
$245 for the Wired Version
$275 for the Wireless Version (without nice!views).

We know the wireless version is a bit more than the wired version - that's because wireless is just more expensive in general.
To comply with FCC rules, we use a precertified wireless module on each PCB which is quite expensive compared to a normal wired MCU.
We also have to pay for batteries to go with each half of the board.
And we actually use more expensive rotary encoders as well, which help save on power usage compared to the ones used on the wired PCB.
We know that with nice!view, the wireless version will be $40 more, so $315 total - but we really can't go lower on price.

We expect to bring on international vendors, whose pricing will match these MSRPs.
We plan on launching PBS Modern Abacus at the same time as Link.

Finally - we'll have full pricing information including addons in the GB thread which we hope to post later this week.

Summary:

• Wireless works great inside the case!
• Wired and wireless kits will be offered in the GB. Wireless kits will not include nice!view. Wired kits will include screens.
• Tenting kits will be offered in GB, wrist rests will not. Files for both will be released after the GB.
• We expect the GB for Link to start MAY 16 2025 with a price of $245 wired, $275 wireless

Expect the GB thread by end of week!