First Working Prototype Complete - Swirl Split Keyboard
First Working Prototype Complete - Swirl Split Keyboard
It's not done yet, but I figured I'd show off a little bit since I have been using this for a few weeks now. This is the "swirl". It's heavily inspired by the helix with some notable changes:
- mbk Choc Spacing (Dimensions are about 12.5cm x 8.5cm on either half)
- Reversible roller encoders on the top inner switch
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Looks awesome! Why use two boards and the trrs cable? Couldn't you use one board and the cable? Or can each of the two halves be used independently of one another?
Yeah, you can use them independently. I don't have this board, but I have a Levinson from Keebio.
When I play games, I'll often map all the keybinds to one side and unplug the other for more space, like for my cat to lay down on the desk or to eat some food or whatever.
The way it works (at least with QMK) is that one side is designated in the firmware as the main board and the other is a subordinate. You can unplug the subordinate and just use the main one, no problem.
Oh ok, sweet! That's awesome!!
Because this allows you to keep the halves further apart, which is considered more ergonomical.
Typically, each half can, in fact, be used independently (they each have their own microcontroller).
why cords? why not two separate wireless devices?
Because then things like holding shift on one half and a letter on the other wouldn't work.
if those issues could be solved by software drivers would the cord free aesthetic be preferred?
In a perfect world, yeah totally. I could use controllers that are approximately twice the price (nice!nanos) and have to rewrite the firmware (qmk -> zmk) and deal with Bluetooth, or I could just use wires and have it "just workā¢". I personally prefer this, but tons of people go the wireless route.
I have a larger build and nailing down the ergonomics is really hard without a split board.
I could use a unibody split but this is just easier to adjust and travel with this way.
I could also use either half independently. (with a quick firmware change on the right, but still)