Need advice: Which Ergodox PCB and microswitch should I get for Trackpoint mod?

[Tye]

I've been getting everything together to do this mod and I'm at the point where I need the PCBs. I scavenged a Lenovo Trackpoint from a keyboard and got it running with a Teensy, breadboard, and TMK firmware. So, I feel confident that I can now integrate it into an actual keyboard.


I attached a pic showing where I think would be a good place for the Trackpoint. Basically, I want to place the Trackpoint between the u,i,j,k keys. Then, I think it would work to flank the trackpoint with the left click and right click buttons. The attached picture makes it more obvious.


Where I hope to get feedback is what available Ergodox PCBs can I drill a hole into between the uijk keys? I know there are a number of PCBs out there but it's often difficult to tell how they run the traces and I don't want to drill through a trace. I realize that I will have to put the Trackpoint under the PCB to mount it because there isn't enough room between the keyswitches on the top side of the PCB.

The other thing I am hoping to get feedback on is my microswitch placement and what type of microswitch to use. My idea is to find/use some sort of "post" or "tall column" to get up to keycap height. I figure there must be some sort of switch like this but I can't seem to find one. The backup idea is to use a regular rectangular shaped microswitch and somehow mount them between the y,u & i,o keys. The thought is that because the Ergodox uses columnar instead of staggered layout that the mouse buttons won't interfere with typing much. But, this is all theory.

Does anybody know a good PCB to use for this? Does anybody know a good switch like I described?

Wish me luck, and Thank you!

[Tye]

...and just to be clear, I'm open to other ideas people may have but after moving the Trackpoint around to different locations to simulate it embedded in the keyboard, I am certain that I want to keep it within easy reach of my right index or middle finger. I don't want to control the Trackpoint with my thumb.

[plainbriny]

I think the position among y, u, h, j would be more natural, but it really depends on your hand and how you type.

As for trackpoint buttons, maybe you can put the micro switches in the lower side. Below the bottom row, and drill some hole in the layered case and put the switches there. I think the positions you draw on the image might interfere with typing and too close to the trackpoint. But again, it really depends on how you control the trackpoint and the way you type.

I myself use the extra keys in the thumb cluster as mouse buttons, and they worked pretty well (some modification of code required).

[katushkin]

Why not, rather than drilling holes for the buttons, just add a function layer you activate with the left hand that turns two of the regular keys into your mouse buttons?