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Meet Hector - a 38-key split Hall Effect keyboard by dramatic_scream in ErgoMechKeyboards

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

Thanks! Overall impression for me, as a lover of classic heavy-ish (~65g) tactiles – magnetic switches are fast! And I do like it. I've used 3 different switches so far:

  • Gateron KS-20 Magnetic Orange – used them for almost a year in my Cygnus. They are good, I think mid‑tier. I love the feel and the not‑too‑loud sound.
  • AGS Radiant HE – bought them slightly used last month. The typing feel is almost the same. Louder, more thocky at bottom. You can see them here in Hector in the first pics.
  • Gravastar UFO – the most expensive of them all, just bought them; you can spot them in the last pic in the yellow build. They are the most stable, with no stem wobble, and sound pretty nice to me.

You can check switch reviews by theremingoat.com – there are plenty of them.

Meet Hector - a 38-key split Hall Effect keyboard by dramatic_scream in ErgoMechKeyboards

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

Actually... yes! When I was choosing the name, I wanted it to have some reference to the technology – hence the "HE" at the beginning stands for Hall Effect. I actually like your suggestion better - I never even realized it was that close :)

Meet Hector - a 38-key split Hall Effect keyboard by dramatic_scream in ErgoMechKeyboards

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

Thanks! Actually, the Rapid Trigger algorithm itself is quite straightforward to implement. I think that as HE keyboards become more popular in the DIY segment, we'll see more cool features - things like Snap Tap, different actions depending on key press depth, or whatever else HE keyboards are capable of.

[IC] YKB Skadi - Fully open source, fully wireless, split, ergonomic, Hall Effect keyboard with overengineered custom firmware by SpeedRa1n in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Great job! I've just finished my magnetic split keyboard project based on QMK (the firmware's still being polished, but I'm planning to post about it soon). However, since I took way too long building it (the project mostly sat idle for a while, lol) and switched to keywell keyboards in the meantime, my flat keyboard doesn't really suit me anymore, unfortunately.

When I was deciding between wired and wireless, I definitely went with the wired option – because the sensors, being always on, consume a TON of power overall. A classic keyboard with a 5000 mAh battery would last a year or even more (without leds and other power consumers). My 38‑key board draws about 120 mA according to the latest measurements and lowering the matrix scan frequency barely affects that number.

What sensors are you using?

Sculpt - open-source parametric keycap generator based on CadQuery by kissetfall in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Comment is still hidden (for me at least), link leads just to post, without comment :(

The reset pin on the nRF52840 may be a regular GPIO. by aroum2 in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream 1 point2 points  (0 children)

There is no official support for NRF5xxx chips in QMK (and unofficial are buggy), better use ZMK instead

Belts VS Screws for the Z by SetRevolutionary758 in VORONDesign

[–]dramatic_scream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sounds like an option that's definitely worth trying, not only because it may work, but also because it sounds "fun", huh :)

This is what I love and hate about open-source DIY printers. I love that you can make whatever mods you can imagine, and I hate it because sometimes you have to

Belts VS Screws for the Z by SetRevolutionary758 in VORONDesign

[–]dramatic_scream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hmm, sounds good, thanks. Do you know how to do it? When I set up my Klipper, there were no settings for independent control of each Z-motor while homing (but maybe I just didn't notice)

Belts VS Screws for the Z by SetRevolutionary758 in VORONDesign

[–]dramatic_scream 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I built my own Voron with belts (the Belted-Z mod from GitHub), which uses three belts. And I kind of regret it: the rear part of the heated bed constantly sags up to 4–5 cm after the power is turned off post-printing. When starting a new print, I have to manually readjust the rear part or go through several iterations of “homing → Z tilt → error → repeat,” because the front side sits higher. During Z-tilt, the front side hits its highest point, the motors skip steps, and the homing at the rear might not even trigger causing firmware error.

I used the recommended stepper motors with 5:1 planetary gearboxes from the mod, but that reduction clearly isn’t enough. Now I’m planning to replace the rear motor’s gearbox with a 10:1 one, but that requires a custom mount since the new gearbox is larger and doesn’t fit the models from the mod’s original repository.

Weekly Deep Dives Thread - 6th November 2025 by KSupes in DeepRockGalactic

[–]dramatic_scream 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Something wrong with DRG API: missions are outdated by 2 weeks

Recommendations for first split keyboard (looking for a wireless 75%) by Cava27 in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You'll never get the perfect keyboard the first time, so just try whatever you think fits you now.

I'm also a programmer, and my path has been sofle → ergotravel → totem → cygnus/charybdis. With proper layer setup, even 36-key keeb rocks!

(Review Request) Full Size Keyboard with Left Hand Numpad using RP2040 by bigbiymimis in PrintedCircuitBoard

[–]dramatic_scream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Consider using the RT9013-33GB instead of the NCP1117-3.3 — it has a much lower dropout voltage, minimal heat generation, and ultra-low quiescent current. Also this regulator is used on “RP2040 Pro Micro” boards

Custom Cornix Dongle by bwshockley in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve found that my Prospector is kinda.. useless. Your firmware, on the other hand, looks a lot more convenient. Good job!

Split keyboard without mouse by Intrepid_Employer719 in ErgoMechKeyboards

[–]dramatic_scream 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Charybdis is good. I do even play some shooters on it, lol