Need help finding a keyboard

[Misterorjoe]

I have searched far and wide for what I want, but so far, to no avail 

My non-negotiables:

• Mechanical
• Grid layout
• Replaceable key-caps
• Completely programmable, and stored on the device
• Linux compatible
• Completely uniform (ex. http://geekhack.org/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=40646.0;attach=14401;image
• <$350

Additional nice features:

• Bluetooth compatible
• Programmable LED's
• <$200
• Waterproof
• USB passthrough
• audio passthrough

I currently use a type-matrix, but am dissatisfied with its lack of cherry, thumb keys, etc. Any help would be much appreciated.

[fourzeropooh]

buy tipro wire a teensy on there

[tp4tissue]

/headscratch... mmm

The type matrix is "m0re" ergonomic than a standard qwerty for sure...

But..... it's still not a very ergonomic compared to say a Kinesis or Egdx


The matrix layout if "not" angled and tented requires the wrist to turn inwards while twisting outwards..


I'd recommend the Egdx, but the Kinesis/maltron is more/less the same and you wouldn't have to build it.

[Misterorjoe]

buy tipro wire a teensy on there

Why would I need to wire a Teensy?

[IvanIvanovich]

How about an Access IS? Not sure how large you need, heres another model with more keys.

[Misterorjoe]

How about an Access IS? Not sure how large you need, heres another model with more keys.

Those would be perfect if they were bigger. I need 15x7 minimum.

[IvanIvanovich]

I'm pretty sure they make larger models. Perhaps you will just have to keep your eye out and do some more hunting than my quick look. You could always buy 2 smaller models as well as it would still be under your budget. Since they are fully user programmable, they wouldn't conflict with each other if you went that way.

Some others to look out for, Cherry G80-1950 (though it is a pain to program, it's long been out of production and requires DOS/Win 9x to program it), there is a newer model that replaces it but it is actually made my Tipro and the Cherry rebrand model number escapes me, Tipro as already suggested and they do make some BIG ones, Accuratus has a couple of models and I think also same thing under HengYu brand. I've also ran across a few randomly while searching under point of sale keyboards that I can't recall the make and model of.

[Misterorjoe]

Tipro as already suggested and they do make some BIG ones

They are exactly what I am looking for, but the price is more than I can handle. Are there any bare matrix boards I could buy and program myself? Or would that not me cheaper?

[IvanIvanovich]

Keep an eye on ebay, you can find them cheap. It's a bit unusual... but after a good clean up it would probably be fine.

[Misterorjoe]

I'll look around. I'm really interested in the ErgoDox though. Thanks!

[terran5992]

I'll look around. I'm really interested in the ErgoDox though. Thanks!

Keycaps would be a bit hard to find

[Misterorjoe]

I'll look around. I'm really interested in the ErgoDox though. Thanks!

Keycaps would be a bit hard to find

Are they not standard key caps?

[IvanIvanovich]

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

[tp4tissue]

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

We don't know "for sure" what most people use on Egdx.. because it was designed to be a highly adaptive platform..

But..... I don't use DSA myself for the main keys.. I use the imsto blank pbt. The stem is smoother than the original kbc pbts.

DSA surface area is 40% less than DCS/CHERRY/OEM

with DCS it's much easier to hit the keys.

IDK why any Egdx owners would want printed caps on the ergodox.. it's just silly...

The Egdx allows 0 jump/lift key access, there's absolutely NEVER a need to look down..

Everything is accessible by single finger pivot.

Higher accuracy is much more achievable on the Egdx.



Now, if you're after the aesthetic factor of label caps... yea.. i get it... but... the EGDX will change the way you look at keyboards forever..

You will see it as a sharp tool... pretty be damned...

[jabar]

I have searched far and wide for what I want, but so far, to no avail 

This is the case for everyone, especially considering the list you provided. No mech keyboard is going to be waterproof (BL82 "splash guard" doesn't count), and since keyboards are low-power you won't be able to use a USB passthrough for anything beyond a mouse. The only programmable keys/LEDs are strictly custom stuff.

ErgoDox is likely the best candidate but without backlighting.

[Misterorjoe]

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

We don't know "for sure" what most people use on Egdx.. because it was designed to be a highly adaptive platform..

But..... I don't use DSA myself for the main keys.. I use the imsto blank pbt. The stem is smoother than the original kbc pbts.

DSA surface area is 40% less than DCS/CHERRY/OEM

with DCS it's much easier to hit the keys.

IDK why any Egdx owners would want printed caps on the ergodox.. it's just silly...

The Egdx allows 0 jump/lift key access, there's absolutely NEVER a need to look down..

Everything is accessible by single finger pivot.

Higher accuracy is much more achievable on the Egdx.



Now, if you're after the aesthetic factor of label caps... yea.. i get it... but... the EGDX will change the way you look at keyboards forever..

You will see it as a sharp tool... pretty be damned...

All I want is uniform, simple, black keycaps. What do I need to look for?

I have searched far and wide for what I want, but so far, to no avail 

This is the case for everyone, especially considering the list you provided. No mech keyboard is going to be waterproof (BL82 "splash guard" doesn't count), and since keyboards are low-power you won't be able to use a USB passthrough for anything beyond a mouse. The only programmable keys/LEDs are strictly custom stuff.

ErgoDox is likely the best candidate but without backlighting.

I actually read somewhere that ErgoDox can/will have backlighting. It does seem to be everything I was searching for other than that though.

[tp4tissue]

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

Most people use blank DSA from Signature Plastics on EDox. Other type of keycap may indeed be much more challenging, especially sculpted keycaps that are different shape on each letter row like most keyboard have. Also depending on desired layout, legended keys may be improbable to impossible. For the most part, you can always work around limitations if you are a little flexible.

We don't know "for sure" what most people use on Egdx.. because it was designed to be a highly adaptive platform..

But..... I don't use DSA myself for the main keys.. I use the imsto blank pbt. The stem is smoother than the original kbc pbts.

DSA surface area is 40% less than DCS/CHERRY/OEM

with DCS it's much easier to hit the keys.

IDK why any Egdx owners would want printed caps on the ergodox.. it's just silly...

The Egdx allows 0 jump/lift key access, there's absolutely NEVER a need to look down..

Everything is accessible by single finger pivot.

Higher accuracy is much more achievable on the Egdx.



Now, if you're after the aesthetic factor of label caps... yea.. i get it... but... the EGDX will change the way you look at keyboards forever..

You will see it as a sharp tool... pretty be damned...

All I want is uniform, simple, black keycaps. What do I need to look for?

I have searched far and wide for what I want, but so far, to no avail 

This is the case for everyone, especially considering the list you provided. No mech keyboard is going to be waterproof (BL82 "splash guard" doesn't count), and since keyboards are low-power you won't be able to use a USB passthrough for anything beyond a mouse. The only programmable keys/LEDs are strictly custom stuff.

ErgoDox is likely the best candidate but without backlighting.

I actually read somewhere that ErgoDox can/will have backlighting. It does seem to be everything I was searching for other than that though.

get the blank black thick pbt on order from the Group buy.

Then order some 2x and 1.5x pbt dsa keys from Signature plastics.

[BucklingSpring]

@Misterorjoe - It seams that you know exactly what you are looking for (the solution)

But what is the purpose?

I often work with "solution architects" man these guys can be annoying. But they have a valid point.
You go there and take a lot of time to explain in great details what you want. Then ask if such thing exists.

For which they usually respond. Sorry I was not listening and what you want is irrelevant. Tell me your goal and your constraints and let the pros figure out the way to get there.

[Misterorjoe]

@Misterorjoe - It seams that you know exactly what you are looking for (the solution)

But what is the purpose?

I often work with "solution architects" man these guys can be annoying. But they have a valid point.
You go there and take a lot of time to explain in great details what you want. Then ask if such thing exists.

For which they usually respond. Sorry I was not listening and what you want is irrelevant. Tell me your goal and your constraints and let the pros figure out the way to get there.

The Ergodox is really everything I am looking for in a keyboard. All I wish it had is either entirely impossible (waterproof, a display on every key, made of gold and platinum, can make me food) or is possible with a bit of hacking (wireless, backlighting, usb hub built in).