Please read the most recent replies! The design has changed greatly!Hi, everyone! I recently pitched this idea on r/MechMarket, but I figured it would be wise to post it here, one of the larger dedicated spaces for keyboards. So, here's my love project: The MisonoPad! I recently finished my first rough prototype and am now collecting feedback from the community to hopefully improve upon the design I am making.
A summary of what this keyboard aims to do: I made this keyboard in hopes of making something satisfying to type on, satisfying to look at, but yet to be effective and portable. I write as a hobby, and as someone who is on the move a lot, I typically use my laptop keyboard. But as of late, it's just not quite cutting it for me anymore. So, rather than invest in something like a Planck, I put my mind to the test to make something that is small, is easy to use (as someone who has used staggered 60%s and TKLs), and retains a high level of usability for someone who types numerous words on the daily.
I designed this keyboard as both an enthusiast and an author. I was quite sick of typing on my laptop's scissor keys, so I decided to make something ultra-portable, yet with an air of familiarity and a minimalist flair to set itself apart from others. As I am someone who is constantly on the move, having a keyboard which is easy to just toss in my bag and go without much space concern was a big deal for me. When I checked all of the 40% keyboards, many were ortholinear, something which I didn't feel comfortable with learning (nor did I like it, the few times I had tried them.)
And, I came up with this!
Comparison to a GK61X
(Please note that this is a first iteration and only loosely reflects the final product.)
Here's a quick rundown of all of the features included (in this prototype)
- 33-35 key layout, dependent on bottom row
- Two dedicated layer keys, enabling 5 different layers without compromising other keys!
- Discrete 4-bit light bar on the side
- Fully programmable with QMK
- Split spacebar
- Top-mount plate design
- Standard staggered key layout!
And, here are some planned features for the final product!
- Media Knob w/ button
- USB-C support
- Integrated MCU as standard on most keyboard PCBs
- Restructuring the bottom row to include another switch and to use a more standard 2.75u and 2.25u spacebar
- ABS case rather than a 3D printed PLA case
- Backlighting!
For me, the goal was to minimize a keyboard to the smallest point possible, but without compromising on usability to a crazy extent like the pain27 does. And, through multiple design iterations (and copious amounts of prototyping time), I feel I am getting closer to my goal.
Currently, I do *not* have a target price, but for specifics, I will be aiming for either an aluminum or ABS case design. My prototype is done in 3D printed PLA plastic, which is not typically practical for the use case of this keyboard, as it deforms in heat. If I do have to fall back onto a 3D printer, I will likely print with polycarbonate, PETG, or ABS.
Here is the IC form. I will be periodically e-mailing updates about it if you sign on.
https://forms.gle/ABZg7GmCFZHrjo24A
