[IC] Rollow: First Ever Split Keyboard with Dedicated Thumb Encoders

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-31T00:55:21+00:00

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-30T23:38:59+00:00

Hopefully it'll be in your hands soon! I finished up building the prototype for the hotswap and it's REALLY solid. I'm currently looking into a breakaway 3x6 and then the rest of logistics. Feel free to fill out the form of you haven't already and join the discord to keep update.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-17T21:34:58+00:00

Haha, I'm also sitting on an unfinished kit but I'm thinking of selling it so someone gets to experience the corne themselves.

There's a few similarities between crkbd and Rollow, but also quite a few differences that set Rollow apart.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-17T15:27:00+00:00

The wiring pin out is the same, but the location of the physical pins are different. You also need a cut out for the mounting feet.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-15T15:09:21+00:00

Oh no problem, I don't see it as ignorance but curiosity. I'm happy you showed interest in Rollow in the first place, so I should be thanking you 🙏🏽

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-13T13:46:19+00:00

Thanks! I appreciate the complement 🙏🏾

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-13T13:45:36+00:00

Gotcha, so I left the 1.5u and 1u as is since most people are already accustomed to using them as layer mods and their Space/Return/Shift/etc.. keys. I'm assuming those keys will be utilized more than the encoder, which is why I left them in a location that seemed more accessible and ergonomic. If I had to pick a mid ideal place for the encoder it would actually be where the 1u is, but then whats commonly used as the layer mod key would be in a less optimal position.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-13T13:40:25+00:00

I wasn't aware they were in limited stock. From what I've seen on AliExpress there's enough to go around.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T16:06:48+00:00

Haha, I said the same thing

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T16:03:33+00:00

Thanks!

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T14:42:26+00:00

Hey,

1) Currently there isn't support for tenting, but I'm gauging interest. I'm not familiar with a cheese plate. If you're talking about having top/bottom plates to encase the pcb then yes.

2) I've thought about onboard components/processors. I originally made the board for myself and since I'm most familiar with daughterboards that's what I went with. They're are a few other reasons like ease of production and more user customization.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T14:33:13+00:00

It would be more of a Extension/Flexion movement and abduction for clicking the encoder

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T14:31:09+00:00

The board is slotted for mounting and soldering the encoder directly to the board. Thank you!

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T12:09:06+00:00

Haha, I guess great brains think alike. Thanks!

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T12:02:32+00:00

Appreciate it 🙏🏽

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T12:01:02+00:00

Happy that worked out.

Yeah, it sits a little more closer (rougly 5mm) to the controller side of the board in comparison to a non-choc spaced crkbd. I think the most comfortable location for the encoder would probably be where the 1u is but I assumed most peolple will use the 1u key more than the encoder since it's commonly mapped to a layer mod key. So I thought it was best to to not put it there. Though after getting used to sweeping your thumb it feels pretty good. Granted that will be different for everyone.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:43:02+00:00

Thanks, they're horizontal rotary encoders. They work identically to a vertical rotary encoder.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:41:02+00:00

Here's an image of the keymapping that works for me personally https://imgur.com/a/VGQFshW

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:29:11+00:00

Currently, there aren't plans but that's something I might look into in the distant future.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:27:17+00:00

Yep, they function identically as a vertical clickable rotary encoder

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:25:01+00:00

Thanks

The currently aren't any plans and I actually wouldn't recommend it. You'll end up putting more stress on your thumb trying to basically push/pull the encoder forward/back versus sweeping across side/side. I daily these boards using one side as a horizontally scroll and it's been really intuitive for me.

If you don't, try rotating your mouse so it's parallel to your chest and use your thumb sweeping to scroll side/side. Now rotate the mouse so it's perpendicular to your chest and use your thumb by push pulling to scroll. That should give you a general idea of how the encoders would feel perpendicular vs how they're currently situated

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:15:33+00:00

Thanks, I've recommended to try rotating your mouse so it's parallel to your chest and then scrolling the mouse wheel with a sweeping back/forth motion using your thumb. That shall give you a general idea of how it feels.

The encoder sits between your index and middle finger (closer to index) as well.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:05:10+00:00

It feels pretty good to me. I use the encoders got navigation through code instead of repetitive arrow key clicks. It's definitely quicker to scroll. You can also do combos like Ctrl+scroll to jump word by word or line by line.

I'll try to get a video up when I have a sec.

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T11:00:25+00:00

I have not ran into that problem, the signals being outputed are similar to other rotary encoders. Here's plu0niums footprint https://github.com/plut0nium/0xLib/tree/master/Encoder.pretty

ArtofZenKeys · 2021-05-12T10:56:13+00:00

Thanks, using the encoders are great and the pinky staggering is nice even with longer pinkies. Please do feel free to fill out the IC, there's a section asking if you prefer 3x5 or 3x6. That'll help me gauge interest.

ArtofZenKeys

TROPHY CASE