Keyboard Builders' Digest
Save 5% at Divinikey! Code: KBDNEWS
Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects

Bunchiez40

The bunchiez40 is an ultracompact ortholinear keyboard designed by Christian Lo – with mouse switches!

KBD.news
Published November 28, 2023
This free blog runs thanks to just 54 supporters - like Timo, zzeneg, and BeaverKeys. Join them now!

Christian Lo aka sporewoh released bunchiez40, an experimental ultraportable keyboard that uses mouse switches to achieve a compact form factor while allegedly still being viable as a daily use keyboard.

I hit a limit with how small I can go with conventional keyboard switches, so I opted to use mouse switches to get an ultra compact form factor. Because the mouse switches have an actuation force similar to MX switches (~70g), I’m able to type at around 85 wpm on it, and I’m at a point where I can daily drive it (albiet with some acute wrist discomfort if I’m not careful :) – Chris.

As a coincidence, I just a parcel from Chosfox the other day with the minipeg48 and kowgary16, two previous projects by Chris with CFX spacing, similar to the bancouver40. And now he shares bunchiez40.

Pic: Bottom three boards: bancouver40 (17x17mm), hampsterz40 (15x15mm) and bunchiez40 (15x15mm)

Bottom three boards: bancouver40 (17x17mm), hampsterz40 (15x15mm) and bunchiez40 (15x15mm)

I'm not really sure what to make of this, but the designer put a lot of effort into this project as usual: beside the PCB you can find case file for both 3D printing and a CNC version.

If you’re curious about the design process, you can read Chris's blog post here.

Specs

  • 40 keys (5x4 per "half")
  • Kailh/Huano 7.3mm mute switches
  • 10x10mm spacing
  • RP2040-Zero
  • OLED display
  • 3D and CNC alu case

Pic:

Resources

Do you like this post? Share, donate, subscribe, tip me off!

Published on Tue 28th Nov 2023. Featured in KBD #145 (source).


Related

TypeMatrix

This TypeMatrix may be the first keyboard using the term "ortholinear". (Not the first ortho one ofc.)

Barnacle

The Barnacle is a modular ortho keyboard by floookay – heavily inspired by the Boardrun keyboards.

PD40 ortho

The PD40 is a 40% handwired wireless ortho by Peter Dye – with case files and build log.

Briq

Kunsteak's Briq is a wireless-only split ortho keyboard.

Preh Commander

The Preh Commander is a hefty ortho for German pharmacies. Not mechanical but features MX compatible caps (posted by ryota25).

×
top