Made some design updates based on feedback I received from a couple fellow keyboard designers and I just received the first two prototypes this week. Super happy with how they turned out.
Looks funny and elegant, but typing appears to be a nightmare on this layout.
The joke of this board is that the "QAZ" layout is not uncommon in "40%" and smaller keyboard, but leaves the user with extra keycaps. Most folks who would try using this board would configure it so that "Esc," "Tab,", and left "Shift" do Q, A, and Z respectively. The whimsical keys on the right would be for macros, navigation, or whatever the individual prefers, though IIRC @cloffwrangler@lemmy.world tried it with them mapped to the letters, like the mad lad he is. :-)
Haha you are correct, I have used it with QAZ on the right side.
It’s very ergonomic, I swear.
WERTY layout????
Do you actually use this keyboard, or is it just for show? Genuine question, btw.
It’s my daily driver. I was using the original prototype up until this one was delivered. Same layout, just a slightly different case design.
Man, you are a different breed then. I'd probably die of stress if my keyboard was this small. 😂
the group buy for a 173% keyboard is still open …
Holy shit, that's a massive keyboard. I'm a 96% guy. This is the one I have. I replaced the key caps with keychron's high profile KSA, the switches with baby kangaroo and taped the board and put extra foam in there. It now sounds fantastic. I'll keep it until it falls apart.
Man, if not for the tiny space frame keys and the 80s grain keycap texture I'd buy this in a hearbeat.
It’s not for everyone but you do get used to it surprisingly fast.
Definitely not for me and never will be, but I 100% understand and will never judge you. As long as you're happy with it. This is like Linux for me, it is not for everyone but it makes me happy :)
Haha totally understand!
I am curious about the layout. Why is it like this?
My friend always says my Vault 35 doesn’t have enough keys so I made this layout on Keyboard Layout Editor as a joke and then he said I should make it a real keyboard and then I posted it on the 40s discord and they said I should make it a real keyboard and next thing I knew I was making 3d printed prototypes and shopping for manufacturers.
Oh no!
Not OP. I guess that it is for someone missing a finger on their left hand
Damn it, why do I want it so bad??
Why QAZ? Aren't your brain looks for those keys on the left side?
I always found the idea of small keyboards peculiar; I always wanted MORE keys. Could you explain the idea?
The QAZ keys on the right is a joke. This keyboard layout is called a QAZ/35% layout, where the Q, A, and Z keys are gone. The Esc, Tab, and Shift keys on the left side default to typing Q, A, and Z respectively, with further keys hidden behind chords and layers.
I believe OP is making this keyboard as a response to someone's reaction to the QAZ board, right here on Lemmy.
To answer your question, many people prefer smaller keyboards mainly because 1. they're gamers and want more space for their mouse, and 2. smaller keyboards minimize hand movements and therefore are more ergonomic.
Smaller keyboards are also more easy to take with you!
I first got into 40s because I wanted more free desk space and then I moved to a 35%. My friend always said my 35 didn’t have enough keys so I designed this layout as a joke but enough people liked it that I decided to actually make it.
In my default layout, QAZ are mapped to Esc, Tab, Shift and I use the keys on the right for macros.
Oh, this chonky boy is gorgeous ! I especially love the QAZ placement.
Thank you!
I absolutely don’t need (nor can I afford) another QAZ but this is just too good and I must have it 🤤
so insane
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