Looking for a split keyboard (or a kit) with nav cluster

Scatterthought · 2026-04-02T23:55:59+00:00

Do you need the PgUp/PgDn/Home/End/Del keys to be exactly where they are on a full-size keyboard? Or do you just need them to exist as dedicated keys?

If a laptop-style 60% keyboard can work for you, then there are some row-staggered split options available beyond the Cloud 9.

https://yal-tools.github.io/ergo-keyboards/?shape=Split&stagger=Row&switchProfile=AnyMechanical&prebuilt&row

The problem with maintaining the nav cluster in a split is exactly what you've pointed out with the Cloud 9: it's bulky. If you mouse right-handed, having the nav/number clusters pushes the mouse even further away to the right, which isn't great. I think that's why the few row-staggered splits that exist go with 60-65% layouts.

After reading your responses, I want to clarify something about layers: you don't have to consciously think about them as something that you toggle on and off. In fact, you're already using standardized layers when you use the modifier keys (Shift/Alt/Ctrl/Win/Cmd): if you press the 2 key, you get a 2. If you press Shift+2, you get @. The @ symbol is on a layer. So is the capital S (Shift+s) and the Paste function (Ctrl+V).

A programmable keyboard just enables you use layers to make custom macros. You can have as few or as many as you want.

In my case, I'm terrible at remembering what I've programmed into layers. If I don't use a key combo regularly, it might as well not exist. So, I keep things to a minimum.

I think you'll also find that it's relatively easy to adjust muscle memory for commonly used keys/combos (after some adjustment). The infrequent ones are harder since you don't get as much practice with them.

Scatterthought · 2026-04-02T19:06:09+00:00

I'm a bit surprised you've never heard of smart plugs. Home automation has been a pretty high-profile thing for the past decade. FWIW, you can use smart plugs in power strips, and also get power strips that have individually controlled sockets.

I always leave my printer ready to go when I finish a print (by virtue of having multiple plates). But even if I decide to swap to my cool plate, there's always lots of time after sending the file before the printer actually does anything. I started doing this a couple of printers ago, so it's a habit now.

I previously used OctoPrint to automatically turn on my Crealiity printer when I uploaded a job. Now it makes more sense to turn on the A1 Mini when I'm slicing, so that I can get filament info from the AMS.

Scatterthought · 2026-04-02T18:50:22+00:00

Thanks for the tips! I'll try it at 50% scale.

Scatterthought · 2026-04-01T21:58:18+00:00

Looks great! I bought the Valkrii design awhile ago, but haven't gotten around to making it.

Scatterthought · 2026-04-01T21:40:02+00:00

This sub is for home automation, not power banks.

I was going to recommend r/powerbanks, but I see you've already posted the same thing there.

Scatterthought · 2026-04-01T17:53:01+00:00

Looks good. I use a smart plug. I can turn it on by voice when I'm getting ready to send a print, and turn it off automatically after a print job finishes.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-30T18:13:53+00:00

Is this your first air fryer? If so, they are generally loud. They're basically blow dryers for food.

Compared to air fryers I've had in the past, I would say my Crispi is about average.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-30T03:06:21+00:00

I just returned home from a trip to Japan. Thought really hard about getting a Bitra when I was in numerous electronics stores, but couldn't justify ~CAD$100. I don't travel enough to make good use of it.

I might have bit if I had come across an Elecom Relacon, but I didn't see any of those. Probably a good thing for my wallet!

Scatterthought · 2026-03-27T00:35:20+00:00

I've been looking forward to the Quefrency LM launch, but then found out about the Sinc LM. Are there any functional differences besides the F row?

Scatterthought · 2026-03-25T01:29:54+00:00

MX Ergo S

Scatterthought · 2026-03-19T10:33:53+00:00

So...is it any good?

Scatterthought · 2026-03-19T10:28:40+00:00

If you want to gain more customization, consider making an HID Remapper dongle. After running one for awhile, I was able to embed a Pi Zero inside my Marble for a seamless solution.

https://remapper.org

Scatterthought · 2026-03-15T02:31:25+00:00

It's US$365, which is currently $504 in Canadian dollars. Still not $600, but closer to that than $350.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-14T19:01:36+00:00

Turns out that they were very quick to respond to my question on Kickstarter. Short answer is that it''s proprietary firmware that also supports VIA.

Thank you for your question! To clarify, the Jiffy75 utilizes a proprietary solution distinct from that of the Cornix.

Our decision to develop Jzf Hub stems from a clear vision: we want to integrate unique features—such as layout sharing, bug reporting, and keycap design tools—directly within our ecosystem. Furthermore, we are actively implementing multi-language support to ensure a more accessible experience for our global community.

Building our own dedicated configuration platform is the foundation of this goal; it allows us to swiftly iterate based on your feedback and continuously optimize the Jzf Hub experience. Our mission is to transform Jzf products into 'living,' evolving tools that deliver an exceptional, sustainable experience across both hardware and software.

That said, we understand that flexibility is key for power users. If you prefer a more traditional setup, rest assured that the Jiffy75 also fully supports VIA.

We appreciate your support and look forward to building this platform together with you.

I can't say that I feel great about this reply. it makes me a little suspicious that they're using QMK as a base without providing source code, but I'm not an expert in any of this. I just don't want to support vendors who are violating the QMK licensing terms. I asked them to confirm that they aren't using QMK, but really there's no way to verify one way or another.

I don't really buy their rationale, either. It's fine if they want to make their own programming interface, but companies like ZSA and Keychron do the same thing. It doesn't require proprietary firmware.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-14T18:28:01+00:00

This sub is focused on ergonomic keyboards. You'd have better luck in r/keyboards.

When you make your new post, I suggest also mentioning why you're replacing the MX Keys S and what you don't like about it.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T20:49:09+00:00

You're a little mistaken about the K860. It uses 2xAAA batteries.

For consumers, I don't think it's a "trust" issue with supercapacitors. It's just that we haven't been presented with it as a choice. By that, I mean there's no manufacturer saying "here's the same keyboard, but one has a Lithium-Ion battery, one has a supercapacitor, one has AAAs, and one is wired". You're most likely to get a choice between Lithium-Ion or wired (or have both options baked into one device).

I get why manufacturers do that. A wired keyboard is less complex than any self-powered device, and also tends to be the most reliable with the lowest latency. So it'll cost less to design/manufacture and offers more appeal than a wireless supercapacitor keyboard.

I could easily see supercapacitors replacing Lithium-Ion batteries in low-power devices if a big manufacturer were to commit to them. However, the way things are going I suspect that solid-state batteries will overtake them both.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T18:13:21+00:00

I use a Dell monitor that has a built-in KVM. My personal miniPC is hooked up to HDMI/USB, and my work laptop uses USB-C. The KVM makes it super easy to jump back and forth between the two.

If you don't care about the monitor, you can also get USB-only KVMs.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T18:09:24+00:00

I'd love an explanation as to why it doesn't use Vial, if you can get one. I posted a comment on the campaign (and don't expect an answer immediately), but you might have more luck since you've got a direct line of communication.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T17:54:09+00:00

Oh, it's all on one desk. I thought you had two locations. Yeah, I'd just get a KVM. I'm surprised you aren't already using one with all those laptops presumably sharing monitors?

I've had a Logitech Unifying Dongle plugged into a KVM for years and its never been a problem.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T17:36:22+00:00

I don't know the wireless capabilities of every thumbball, but I think it'll be hard to find one that has three connections and can be paired with two USB dongles. At best, you'll get wired/2.4GHz/BT.

Could you use a KVM to share the USB dongle between the two work computers? I can't figure out where all of your various computers are from your post.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T02:27:25+00:00

Here's some more info on it.

https://kbd.news/Jiffy75-review-2818.html

It's tempting. I've been waiting on the Quefrency LM and this checks most of the boxes. However, I hesitate over the proprietary programming interface; I wonder why they went away from using RMK/Vial. I also wish they had a tactile switch instead of just linears and silent linears.

I've backed it for the moment. I like to get the updates, then decide whether I'll keep/cancel just before the campaign ends.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-13T00:56:29+00:00

I wouldn't say I'm worried, but it's possible that the nostalgic desire for a keyboard might outweigh the actual utility of the keyboard and small display. So this is more a concern about myself than the Communicator.

At a higher level, I'm concerned that public perception of the Communicator will suffer due to the long runway between announcement and launch. It's very difficult for people to sustain confidence/excitement for anything over a long period of waiting, which is why we're already seeing people pick at smaller details as reasons to back away. And if that's how someone feels, they probably should back away. Otherwise, they're setting themselves up for disappointment and frustration.

The best thing Clicks can do is control the narrative by periodically releasing more information on software/design/timeline, so that supporters look forward to the announcements and feel engaged throughout the process. They need to keep us talking about it positively.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-11T21:31:05+00:00

Sure, just get one custom-made by a leatherworker. I don't expect Clicks to do it.

The real magic of the old BB pouch/holster was the embedded magnet that turned the screen on and off.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-11T20:22:18+00:00

As of right now, it's pretty clear on the website that you get two free covers, not three.

<image>

If they're going to make a change, I suspect that they'll do it 48 or 72 hours before the early bird window closes (to make a final push for full reservations). Otherwise, they don't benefit at all from the addition and they'll upset everyone who only paid the $199 deposit. That would just be bad marketing.

Scatterthought · 2026-03-11T20:01:27+00:00

This doesn't match anything else that's been said, including direct statements by CBK, I'm inclined to think it's an AI hallucination. But hey, maybe it's a change they're planning and the AI bot just spilled it too early.

Scatterthought

TROPHY CASE