Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Cheapis
Cheapis is a cheap single-MCU Ferris/Sweep alternative by PM_ME_YOUR_MAINFRAME.
Published January 12, 2023
150,000 readers. 54 supporters. Help keep kbd.news free - like Micah Alpern, Schnoor Typography, and RGBKeys.
Dotleon aka PM_ME_YOUR_MAINFRAME came up with a really cheap Ferris/Sweep alternative to test a 34-key setup:
Cheapis! A very cheap alternative to ferris and sweep. Good for experimenting with a 34 key layout. The PCB is under 100x100mm, so it can be ordered for $2 + shipping. I made this because I wanted to try 34 keys on a low budget – dotleon.
Specs
- Unibody angled split (sides angled by 20 degrees)
- 34 keys
- Compatible with MX, Kailh Choc v1 and Gateron low profile switches (soldered)
- 1n4148 SOD-323 diodes
- 19mm standard spacing
Pros: less than 100x100mm, reversible, so you can order less, needs only one Pro Micro (or alternative) – very cheap.
Cons: it has to be unibody, tenting is not possible, fragile without a plate as the Pro Micro keeps the two sides together.
Resources
Published on Thu 12th Jan 2023. Featured in KBD #111 (source).
Related
40% size, 60% convenience
40% size, 60% convenience. by SouthPawEngineer.
Idawgz32
Sporewoh is back with yet another monoblock split pocket keyboard: the $5(!) idawgz32.
Keyboard with Willow layout
Brand new keyboard with Willow layout by Hanachi. Posted by ykkap.
Trackball Reviung41
Idank's low-pro Reviung41 with trackball is open-source and also available at Holykeebs.