I’ve finally finished building my custom 40% keyboard

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My requirements:

  1. Smallest possible size for portability. I move from workstation to workstation at my job. All the computers have the cheapest Dell keyboards with sticking or malfunctioning keys or some major problem. I want to be able to carry around my own keyboard without taking around a big slab of a keyboard.
  2. Must be wired. Because I’m moving around constantly, I can’t really have a wireless keyboard that needs to be paired with every computer.
  3. QMK/VIAL compatibility. There are a lot of actions that need to be done repetitively at work and I need a lot of programmed macros. The microcontroller in my current office keyboard (also made that myself) has very little memory.
  4. I want a staggered layout as I need to regularly use normal keyboards and there’s no space in my little brain for more muscle memory and relearning typing. Also everyone seems to split the keyboard with “B” going to the left side and I want it on the right.
  5. Silent operation in an office environment. I’ve uesd Gateron KS-33 Low Profile 2.0 Silent Black Switches. I love how absolutely silent they are. The bottom-out is a bit mushy with the dampening rings, but that’s a small price to pay for how well they’re working out.

There are a lot of options for split keyboard builds online, but I wanted the 2 halves tethered securely. The only folding keyboard I found online was this, and this is a stupid way to fold a keyboard that doesn’t really make the footprint much smaller.

I’m used to making things for myself:

laptop salvage emulation console, macropads, SFF PC, Hitbox controllers for fighting games, keyboards from a kit. So I decided to go ahead and make my own custom build keyboard.

Design:

I follow Joe Scotto on Youtube and made a couple of his macropads before (pictures linked above). I commissioned a 3D model of the case from my design and he did a great job. Found a local guy to 3D print for me. I’ve spent a bunch of weekends building, troubleshooting, refining and re-ordering parts…and now it is finally complete. I’m typing on this keyboard now. I’m back at work this weekend and looking forward to using this keyboard. I get endless questions about why this is required and how odd I am for being so obsessed with keyboards ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

  • QamarKb@reddthat.comEnglish
    2·
    1 hour ago

    This is genuinely impressive work. I love that the halves stay tethered, nothing loose to forget in a laptop bag, and the fold-out layout still reads like a normal keyboard when it’s open. Also a smart pick on the KS-33 low profile silents; a clacky build in an open office is a fast way to make enemies.

    How are the hinges holding up after some days of commuting? That would be the part I’d be most nervous about wearing out over time.

    • cRazi_manOP
      1·
      1 hour ago

      Thanks.

      I’ve only had it for a couple of days, but the hinge is leather and should easily last years of regular use. Even after that it is easily replaceable. The wires are silicone multicore cable and should also last, but can be replaced if needed.

  • Tolstoy@lemmy.worldEnglish
    4·
    4 hours ago

    Nice one but may I be dump and ask an question? Why wouldn’t you consider a small brim/ raised edge and fold the keyboard towards the caps?

    • thejml@sh.itjust.works
      3·
      3 hours ago

      That would be the style I would go for as well, fhat way the caps and switches are protected when it’s folded. But I can think of three issues: 1.) the wires would need to be able to expand more for that joint. 2.) the hinge point would need to be higher. 3.) if you were to use this on your lap, pushing down near the hinge would be supported. The hinge the way we were thinking would collapse the keyboard if not supported in the middle.

      • cRazi_manOPEnglish
        3·
        2 hours ago

        Exactly. The hinge and case would have to be very different. The gap at the flex point would be pretty huge to allow foldover that way. I don’t think it would have looked as good either. This is going to be put to pretty gentle use so I’m not worried about significant damage. If it does become an issue then I would rather carry it in a case. I have a little leather pouch that I could use for this if needed.

  • ZAP@sopuli.xyz
    5·
    5 hours ago

    I wish I had more upvotes to give. Really nice job!

    I’m personally moving towards 0 degree uniform key cap profile (going to test PBS) boards. For me that works the best as I don’t have wrist pain that steep angles cause.

    So your board It’s very interesting also from that perspective.

    Thanks for sharing!