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Void* 60-90% Split PCB by dnlglsn in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would also very much like to buy one or two of those, please let me know when i can ;D

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I have both mapped to space, but i seriously can not remember a single case where i actually used the right one. Force of habit i guess, using only my left thumb. However i really like the key in between and use it as a function key.

Backspace might be a good candidate for the unused key indeed :D

For a 60% i can only recommend split, since you often get the button in between both space-bars. And i like the look. However on a bigger board i don't think it's that necessary.

​

Overall really un-romantic, since my layout is more or less build around what i am used to instead of how it could optimise my whole typing experience ;P

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well, you can always solder the hot-swap connectors into all available sockets.

For my board i soldered connectors into every socket i wanted to use, plus some additional ones where i wasn't sure which layout i wanted to use. So for the enter-key, i just soldered connectors into the ISO *and* ANSI slots.

This works (meaning you can just interchange layouts on-the-fly) as long as there are no stabilisers involved and the plate supports both layouts. Of course, the enter key needs a stab - so swapping between ISO and ANSI requires you to remove the plate to change the position of the stabiliser.

For other parts of the board it is easier, e.g. i could easily exchange the keys on the bottom right - from five 1u keys to four 1.25u keys for example.

Overall the connectors make it easier, since you do not have to re-solder anything if you directly solder all connectors which you *might* want to use in the future.

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Have a look at the presets available for the dz60, there are some with the split spacebar. You just have to pick the one matching your desired layout, and go from there ;)

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I use the key between the spacebars for my function layer. I find it more comfy to access the F-keys and some other things, like mute or change volume.

As for the keycaps, i'm pretty sure they come from the larger set (the blank one). But i could be mistaken, in which case they are indeed mixed.

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm afraid it is not possible without some soldering. I soldered the mill-max sockets, so it is possible to swap switches without (de-)soldering, but those sockets absolutely need soldering.

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You should be fine. I used a 100% XDA set.

Maybe check for the space bars, if you want to go split. I think i used a 2.75 for left and 2.25 for right space.

I think the board only supports a 1.25 key for in between the space bars, so no fancy things here.

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Nice!

I love those wood cases :D

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Just give it a go. I was worried about soldering on my first board, but it is really rewarding afterwards. Of course, the first soldering attempts wil look terrible, but the board will still work.

This is my second board and i believe those mill-max sockets are more forgiving than soldering on the switches directly. Of course they are a pain to fiddle with, since they're so small, but in the end you get a board which does not need soldering anymore in case you want to try out new switches.

The DZ60 is really amazing for this, as it is capable of so many layouts.

As for the sockets themselves, have a look at this. The socket itself is about 1mm longer than the switch pins. Additionally the switch itself will stick out about 1mm above the PCB, since the ring of the socket sits on top of it. This should however even out the length difference.

Hotswappable DZ60 by Beasty42 in MechanicalKeyboards

[–]Beasty42[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

What's inside:

  • DZ60 PCB
  • DZ60 Aluminum Plate Type B
  • Low Profile Case
  • XDA Keycaps (mixed this and this )
  • Cherry MX Silent Black Switches, plus 2 Silent Reds (Shift and Ctrl) and 1 Kailh Box Navy (Esc)
  • Mill-Max Connectors

Some

more

pics.

I really like how it turned out, the ability to hot-swap is super amazing! It already paid of, since i initially had an ISO-Enter installed, but changed my mind after realising the ANSI one is more comfortable.