Mechanical Ergonomic Keyboard

[Explodifymaniac]

Hi, I'm trying to make an ergonomic keyboard that is also mechanical. I am also planning for it to be backlighted green. This is my first keyboard modification attempt, so I will probably be using kailh switches or matias switches. Could someone please give me help?

[Explodifymaniac]

Also, I forgot to mention
-the keyboard will be using the frame of the Microsoft ComfortCurve 2000 keyboard
-it will be tenkeyless
-non-split keyboard
-I will custom 3-D print the keycaps.
-the switches will be the clone equivalent of the cherry mx red

[hoggy]

Interested to see how it turns out.  I haven't built anything like it myself (by which I mean anything).  Lanx made something out of a 4000.  My concern would be is that the 2000 is a bit tame (this isn't meant to insult or dissuade you), I think you are running the risk of putting in a lot of effort and money (hey, it might be fun), ending up with something very much like a tkl.  Is there another keyboard you might like to start with?

Good luck!

[Findecanor]

It seems to me as if the shape of the keyboard is pretty close to just being split, angled apart a little bit and then filled in again.
All 1×1 keys on the left side are the same orientation and all the keys on the right side are the same orientation. Only some in the middle and on the edges have unusual shapes.

DIY project threads belong in the Making Stuff Together subforum. There are lots of existing threads about making keyboards, including CAD files, tutorials, etc.
The easiest is often be to use Cherry MX clone switches that fit in a plate, and make the plate - then wire the switches together on the back with wires and diodes directly to avoid the cost of making a PCB.

Making your own keycap shapes might not be as simple or inexpensive as on first glance. If I were you I would make it compatible with ordinary common Cherry MX keycap shapes and then replace some of them with my own 3D-printed caps. Alternatively get some very flat low keycaps, and somehow put the original keycaps on top of those.

[Explodifymaniac]

I read the thread by Lanx, but I can't type using the ms ergo 4000, since the hand angle is too diagonal(Have one at home, tried typing on it and failed miserably.) I might try to make it backlighted green, and add a green plate to it. However, I'm still stuck on the designing, and slightly procrastinating with it since I still don't have enough money for it yet. My concern is that the 3-D printing material might cost a lot, and the design may be slightly off(eg. USB wire is in a wrong place).

[tp4tissue]

I read the thread by Lanx, but I can't type using the ms ergo 4000, since the hand angle is too diagonal(Have one at home, tried typing on it and failed miserably.) I might try to make it backlighted green, and add a green plate to it. However, I'm still stuck on the designing, and slightly procrastinating with it since I still don't have enough money for it yet. My concern is that the 3-D printing material might cost a lot, and the design may be slightly off(eg. USB wire is in a wrong place).

/headscratch..

how old are you Explodifymaniac

and do you have an engineering background ?

[Explodifymaniac]

Not old enough for this stuff. Also, unfortunately not.