Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Heron v1
Sneftel is introducing Heron, a Dactyl-inspired unibody keyboard with each column mounted on a laser-cut acrylic scaffold.
Published August 17, 2023
The pretty unique Heron is a scooped monoblock split keyboard by Sneftel, with each column mounted on a laser-cut acrylic scaffold – inspired by predecessors like the Dactyl, Glove80 and DataHand (thumb cluster).
With this keeb, I wanted to get as far away as possible from the “big plastic brick” look of the Dactyl. I was inspired by the Glove80’s sleek look and in particular by its “hey, just bend the FR4!” construction, but I wanted staggered columns and a more “weightless” look and I was sick of flat thumb clusters slowing me down – Sneftel.
The scaffolds are all parameterized and can be individually reprinted to adjust height, column cant/shift and bend radius. The only thing you'd need to adjust on the case is the column roll and spacing.
Column positioning is essentially borrowed from a Dactyl, with an extra partial row at the top so that the author could use the same 4x1 PCB for each column. (It’s a 3x6 at heart.)
I’m quite proud of the thumb clusters, though, which are inspired by the DataHand: wrapping around the thumb, with a heel-toe motion for the middle, makes it quick and easy to press virtually any combination of keys, and thumb travel is so much less than the flat Manuform cluster.
With regards to typing, the scaffold and case make a solid enough foundation that it, according to Sneftel, basically just feels like any other handwired.
It depends on how you feel about the Kailh Choc brown switches, though, which are divisive at best (though I like them).
The columns are 0.8mm FR4 PCBs screwed into 8mm acrylic; FFC ribbons run down the back legs, and diodes are on the main board.
Material: the base is a single 3D printed part, SLA printed resin in "the ugliest yellow", and six coats of spraypaint and varnish. The bottom is a clear acrylic plate. Elecrow did the printing, laser cutting and the PCBs as well. ("Not the quickest turnaround in the world but they do good work and their prices are remarkably low.")
Resources
Published on Thu 17th Aug 2023. Featured in KBD #131 (source).
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