[IC] zErgo - the 75% board, with ergo layout, but cyrillic and separate F-row.

[greenjack]

Hi all.

Project zErgo is far away from realization, however it has a questions which I hope to get feedback from you.

First of all, I've started from the making the ergonomic symmetrical layout (inspired by semi-ergo and katana), but with a cyrillic letters as well.
Second point was separate F-row cause I use it in my job.
Third and last - from practice - it's convenient to have some USB-A at the back of the board, for mouse or something else.

On this ground I made this layout



and the project of PCB with the following specs:

• USB type C in on board (USB 2.0 support)
• 3 USB type A out on board
• FE1.1 usb 2.0 hub
• Atmega 32u4

however I was stuck with a case choosing. Cause standard 75% ones have no gap below F-row.

Which interests I need to check:

• Does this layout actual for someone except of me? Have you any suggestions?
• What type of case would be more suitable for the product - aluminum or plastic/acrylic?
• Does the plate actually must? On my prototype I use 5pin switches at PCB and quite happy with it. What is real plate benefits? Are you need it?
• Does this USB hub on board make sense?

[kure_]

I personally don't think this is ready for ic.

[Chippy]

I personally don't think this is ready for ic.

yeah maybe come back when you have a bit more...Interesting layout though.

[logo4poop]

Layout is alright, but you should do this in the keyboards area not interest checks.

[kajahtaa]

You already made the PCB ?

[Tree_]

I don't get it - Is this coming with the Cyrillic caps? And if so, who's producing them?

I can't think of any sets that include r2 1u Fn's, two 1.5u r1 keys or a 1.5u Enter. If the board comes with it's own keyset, you're almost locking people in to only being able to use the provided keyset.

[greenjack]

You already made the PCB ?

not yet, just make its project on easyEDA. I has 1st version with different layout, powered by QMK and with built in USB hub. But layout seems not ideal, so I plan to made new.

[greenjack]

Layout is alright, but you should do this in the keyboards area not interest checks.

so then the topic have to be moved? or it can stay here, but the layout discussion have to be separated (with a link here, probably)?

[greenjack]

I can't think of any sets that include r2 1u Fn's, two 1.5u r1 keys or a 1.5u Enter. If the board comes with it's own keyset, you're almost locking people in to only being able to use the provided keyset.

sure, and that's a problem. on the other hand - make any "ergonomic" layout, while trying to stay with all the cyrillic symbols on their places - is a problem too. In present condition - it can be capped by full 104 keyset, if you don't care about 2 things: 1u Fn keys will have wrong legends (shifts as well), 1,25u instead of 1,5u (which cause uneven gaps). What I've done at first prototype (to improve the situation with wrong legends - buy cheap separate set of blank mod caps.

If we speak about 100% correct keyset - than it will be unique, because of 2pcs 1U shift; 1,5 Enter; 2,25 and 2,75 space etc..

[Paitupai]

Layout is alright, but you should do this in the keyboards area not interest checks.

so then the topic have to be moved? or it can stay here, but the layout discussion have to be separated (with a link here, probably)?

I believe what he mean is the this is not ready for an IC yet (like some others had said), thus he proposed you moved the post to keyboards area and gather feedback/have discussion there.

From what I usually saw from IC posts, I think it'll be helpful if you have at least:

- Render(s) of what the board gonna look like, especially since there'll be also USB-A port.
- Some information regarding typing angle, mounting.

It seems like you already made a proto, posting some pic here will be helpful as well.

IMO these two are good points for IC feedback:

- Does this layout actual for someone except of me? Have you any suggestions?
- Does this USB hub on board make sense?

However these two needs more info:

- What type of case would be more suitable for the product - aluminum or plastic/acrylic?

I think you gonna need at least render for this question. Like hows the board gonna looks like if it is alu or acrylic. Another point of consideration is the rough estimate for the price for each version.

- Does the plate actually must? On my prototype I use 5pin switches at PCB and quite happy with it. What is real plate benefits? Are you need it?

I think this will depend on the case design and the mounting system you want to use. From what I've seen, the designer usually optimise the the case design, the mounting system, plate design and material (if using plate) or go plateless to achieve the desired/visioned typing feeling and sound.