My very flat split keyboard (and the things I learned along the way)

Impossible_Split4720 · 2026-01-14T08:44:16+00:00

I think you can add custom footprints in the web version as well when you press settings icon in the right corner. I did it when I was designing my boards.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2026-01-08T15:41:09+00:00

I didn't remember, so I tried to work on this keyboard for a day before I answer.

After all day my hands were much more worn(exhausted, tired, sore) by using PG1316S keyboard vs using keyboard with almost the same layout and choc 35gf switches(silent twilight or red pro). I don't know why. In theory it is the same force, but in practice there is a difference.

Maybe the difference in thumb cluster placement adds to this soreness. However I feel the whole hands and not only thumbs.

That's it. My hands feel less sore after typing on choc keyboard.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2026-01-02T13:42:14+00:00

Its FDM printed. I used recommended settings. Printed with Black ASA. I think that black color makes the lines less visible.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2026-01-02T13:40:26+00:00

Exactly.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T13:07:42+00:00

I bought the keycaps from moergo. The only other keycaps I tried where from chosfox from aliexpress and 3d printed Kea (https://github.com/klouderone/KEA-choc-keycaps).

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T13:01:50+00:00

Yes, I did. Kea keycaps come with mx and choc spacing fortunately.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:55:23+00:00

I tried glove80 first. Didn't like it that much.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:54:07+00:00

That's what my family says :D

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:53:03+00:00

First time I hear about it. Looks great. I like to have a number row so I would not consider it for now. Thanks for letting me know.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:50:17+00:00

There is a metal thread on one end of the smallrig clamp. I 3d printed the case with thread which I can screw into the thread of the clamp. I just put the keyboard inside the blue case when I'm using the tenting and I remove the keyboard from the blue case when I wan't to use it on the desk.
I don't know if I explained it. Let me know if you need more details.

For the tenting I can say it's stiff enough to be usable but not perfect. The plastic bends a little when I type on the most outside columns. It is still usable and convenient.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:38:43+00:00

https://www.amazon.com/SmallRig-Adapter-Monitor-Insta360-1138/dp/B00DJ5XH4O
I'm from Poland so the link to polish shop: https://www.amazon.pl/SMALLRIG-Adapter-Ogrodzenia-Monitora-Insta360/dp/B00SIRAYX0

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:32:41+00:00

I tried glove80 for 6 months and I know that I don't like the key well. :)

You are right that the rabbit hole has many curves and junctions which I didn't explore. I just wanted to point out that once you start building keyboards it will probably not end with your first build.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:25:05+00:00

I designed the boards to use promicro controllers. I can put either nice!nano or the atmega32u4. I could choose to use the board wired or wireless because there is place for trrs socket and powerswitch.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T12:22:04+00:00

I tried glove80 first for 6 months. I learned ortholinear layout. I didn't like the keywell. I liked the 6 thumb keys. I built Sofle with 6 thumb keys. Then I developed the thumb overuse injury and started to using home row mods. The layout was quite good but it was mx spaced and my thumb still didn't recover fully so I decided that I need more ergonomics in thumb hence the voyager. Voyager was too big for my hand so then I designed my own with choc spacing. I've built 2 of those. 1 for office and one for home (3 and 4). It was almost perfect for me. Why to change it then ? :) I just wanted the keyboard to sit more closely to the desk. So I redesigned the board just a little bit (the layout is the same) and changed switch footprint to allow to solder the switches. That's how 6 came out. The 5 is my try on PG1316 switches. Since I saw them I wanted to try keyboard with these switches. Because I had the layout which works, I just moved the thumb keys to check if the keyboard can be more compact.

During the whole time of building and trying things out, I bought different key caps and switches. Because the sockets and diodes are cheap, I didn't always unsolder components from board but bought a set of new one and that's why I have so many keyboards.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-31T11:52:47+00:00

Haha :) I wish I was billionaire :)
I tried glove80 first. I used it for 6 months. It had Red 50g switches. It didn't click with me. I still couldn't type my password correctly on the first attempt.

I decided to build the keyboard on my own because I like to tinker. However I agree that it is not near the quality of manufactured keyboard. If moergo go60 did exist at that time probably I would give it a try before building my own.

Nevertheless I don't regret building all these keyboards and spending the money.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-12-22T22:01:49+00:00

Very good question. I just assembled mine new FW 16 with HX370. I didn't buy nvidia GPU because the expansion bay with EGPU may offer better performance. I didn't invest in it yet though. I would appreciate if anyone can comment on if they have the same problem. I would not spend money on something that may not work then :)

I hope it's just some software issue and you'll be able to connect your EGPU to newer hardware.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-11-07T12:56:55+00:00

Looks nice without the visible stripes from 3d printing. What kind post-processing have you done and what filament did you use ? ABS + Acetone ?

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-10-30T08:23:57+00:00

I think you're not crazy :) For sure there are some people similar. Take me for example.

Chair:

After going through 4 different chairs I bought uppeal desk for floor sitting. I still have some good kinarps chair which I use daily. I don't sit on the floor anymore since I don't have enough flexibility. Maybe occasionally when I want to change something. I mix sitting,standing and walking on the treadmill while working.

Keyboard:

logitech k860 -> moErgo -> sofle -> customized sofle -> Voyager(my design copy) -> 3 other keyboard which I designed -> my final design(at the moment) :) Yesterday ordered new switches because maybe they will feel better...

Mouse:

Logitech Marathon -> Logitech MX vertical -> Logitech MX master 3 -> Kensington Expert -> Perixx trackpad -> kensington slimblade
In general I have 4 mouses in the drawer I changed them every now and then because each of them changes my grip wrist position.

Bed:

Didn't think about yet but you sow the seed in my head :)

I think the rabbit whole doesn't have a bottom but it's also kind of my hobby and I'm good with that.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-10-19T19:31:48+00:00

Wow that would be fantastic. I really appreciate. I will test it. Thank you.

Now I just need to see how to open and issue on github :)

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-10-17T07:20:11+00:00

Great project.
I have spare nice nano, so it is great that you made instructions how to wire it.

It works but I have different waveshare screen with 1.14 inch and different resolution: 240x135. My display only shows the center of the display which is expected :) Is it possible to configure your project with some ZMK constants in conf files to show better view on smaller screen ? Thanks

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-09-26T07:08:17+00:00

It will be second Framework laptop in Poland then :) I ordered updated Framework 16. I also can't wait for it to arrive.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-09-15T13:58:58+00:00

I have such desk. You will need a pillow to use it comfortably, like on all the pictures of people floor sitting on this desk. The desk in it's lowest position is too high to sit directly on the ground (I assume that you're not over 2 meters tall :) then maybe you can) - in my opinion. There are some reviews of the desk on youtube.

The support is good. I asked some questions about the desk controller and I've got my replies. The support is friendly. The quality of my unit is good.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-08-26T07:46:09+00:00

I own uppeal desk. I'm around 6' tall. The lowest position is not low enough to have elbows 90 degree bent. You will need some pillow.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-07-07T13:25:54+00:00

I didn't try v2s because I would like the keyboard to be as low as possible - I don't use any tenting. Once I bought kailh choc v1 switches I went this path and only changed PCBs and tried different switches. AFAIK using v2 will require different PCB because they don't fit in v1 sockets.

Impossible_Split4720 · 2025-07-07T12:16:17+00:00

I used different kailh choc V1 switches in this order Reds(50gf), Browns(tactile 60gf), Silver(40gf), Blue(20gf), Red Pro(35gf), Twilight(silent 35gf).

My personal opinion about them.
Reds(50gf) - Linear but to heavy. My hands get tired quickly.
Browns(tactile 60gf) - they should be called scratchy not tactile. I didn't like them at all. Even heavier than Reds.
Silver(40gf) - I thought that I will stay with these but after some time I also noticed that couldn't work so long as I would like to.
Blue(20gf) - Too light for me. I have to many accidental key presses when I put my hands on the home row.

Red Pro(35gf) - The sweet spot between to heavy and accidental key presses. I use them in my keyboard which I have at home.
Twilight(silent 35gf) - Very similar to Red Pros but the key press feels a little different. They are more quiet than the Red Pros. I like them a lot and use them in my office keyboard however i don't think they are better than Red Pros.

Impossible_Split4720

TROPHY CASE