Symetric 45% Build!

[Henk]

First of I want to say: Hello!
This is my first post and first build, I have zero experience in the keyboard building field but I'm sure I can make it with your help.

This will be my design:

Keyboard Layout Editor Link
I was inspired by the HHKB and Plank.

The firmware I've chosen is TMK's since it has some really nice features, especially tap keys.
I've also decided to use Swill's Plate Builder since I'm going to hand wire.
For the first version I'm going to go with a Teensy 2.0 since it seems like a easy starting point for my first build.


Keyboard Controller

As I've said I have zero experience in the field of AVR so I am justs dipping my toes here.
I've decided that I want to make a PCB version of this keyboard so I have to learn how to flash AVRs since I will not be making my own firmware as TMKs firmware seems really hard to surpass.

I asked here on GH and found that the Teensy 2.0 uses ATmega32U4 and I've decied to use this as my chip since its on the compatible list.

I found a good resource while googling
AVRFreaks Newbie Thread

Update 1:
I also found this:


Which is a Teensy 2.0 without the Teensy stuff it even has the schematics available, I will use this for my project and then use the schematics for my own pcb.

Update 2:

Here my my first draft of the keymatrix on pcb, Im using KiCad which is a free program to design schematics and pcb in.


And heres my current schematic:

A huge thanks to flabbergast for helping me.


Keyboard Case

I have yet to design a case, First I wanted something acrylic but after I saw aluminium and bamboo on seeedstudios CNC page I want to make something with those.

[GL1TCH3D]

Looks interesting but also a lot like the JD45 IIRC

[Mad_Maxx]

You're gonna have a pretty tough time finding something thats going to fit that thats not a full set, and in cherry profile.
Too many modifiers. Your best bet is going to be SP, or just cowboyin' up for a whole set.

[Tiramisuu]

Very pretty.   I think I prefer fn space and a 6.25 space bar personally but I  am sure your layout could be very usable if fully programmable with the teensy.

45%  Provides enough keys for full standard width which I really like.   I am less excited by  ctrl at the caps lock position.

I prefer the colemak backspace idea with ctrl in the standard location for copy paste etc.

Hhkb almost demands emacs and although it  has some spectacular features,  org mode etc.   it is actually a fairly shifty text editor.

[Henk]

I am less excited by  ctrl at the caps lock position.

As I see it the Ctrl is in the standard position because the top row of a 60% board is removed.

You're gonna have a pretty tough time finding something thats going to fit that thats not a full set, and in cherry profile.
Too many modifiers. Your best bet is going to be SP, or just cowboyin' up for a whole set.

I could go DSA if I have to since SP seems to have alot overstock

[Mad_Maxx]

You're gonna have a pretty tough time finding something thats going to fit that thats not a full set, and in cherry profile.
Too many modifiers. Your best bet is going to be SP, or just cowboyin' up for a whole set.

I could go DSA if I have to since SP seems to have alot overstock

Yeah, if your willing to not use something in cherry profile, then it's really easy.

[Henk]

I don't know if I should keep updating just the op or write updates as replies?

[technomancy]

Looks good. A couple notes:

* The A-Star Micro is another Teensy replacement; it uses USB micro, which allows for a smaller overall case height: http://www.pololu.com/product/3101

* If you use 1.5x as your largest keycap size, you won't need any stabilizers. You can use 2x keys unstabilized, but their lack of stabilization is noticeable. IMO it's nicer not to bother with that.

[berserkfan]

On my part I am really frustrated to see how many people have awesome new layouts but very few of them are split.

I think I'm going to love this layout... if only it was in two sections.

If you have the technical skills why not go for a keyboard that can be used both joined, and pulled apart like an ergodox?

[Henk]

Looks good. A couple notes:

* The A-Star Micro is another Teensy replacement; it uses USB micro, which allows for a smaller overall case height: http://www.pololu.com/product/3101

* If you use 1.5x as your largest keycap size, you won't need any stabilizers. You can use 2x keys unstabilized, but their lack of stabilization is noticeable. IMO it's nicer not to bother with that.

Thanks for the tips but I want to print my own pcbs so I will not be using a teensy for the final product.
As for stabilizers I can buy costar at WASD keyboards or Cherry at gonskeyboards that wont be a problem.

On my part I am really frustrated to see how many people have awesome new layouts but very few of them are split.

I think I'm going to love this layout... if only it was in two sections.

If you have the technical skills why not go for a keyboard that can be used both joined, and pulled apart like an ergodox?

I have no intentions of splitting this version but I might look at it after I'm done, bluetooth is higher on the priority list tough.
But I agree that it could work since the spacebar is already two buttons.

[berserkfan]

bluetooth mod would be awesome. I've always wanted to mod my split layout keyboards further, but lack the ability, so am waiting for other people to do it and post their instructions online!

No.1 concern about Bluetooth mod I believe should be the reliability and stability of the connection. Someone (I think Khaaaaan or Oobly but may be wrong) posted about how nearly all bluetooth devices are unreliable to some extent because even unrelated things can interfere with the signal.)