Skribbles4420 shared the files of his OpenOT, a 5x11 ortholinear keyboard with an integrated trackball.
KBD.news Published September 16, 2022
Creators! Feel free to tip me off about your keyboard related projects to bring them to 140K readers.
You could see some photos from Skribbles aka Skycode22 on his OpenOT, with the first teaser posted more than a month ago, but he just got back to me with the files which are publicly available now.
OpenOT is an ortholinear keyboard with a trackball integrated to the right side (the design could be mirrored for left-handed users).
The trackball mount used is called OpenMount, another open-source project of the author, and can be used for other trackball designs as well.
The OpenMount uses 10mmx4mmx5mm roller bearings, I found the larger size to impact smoothness and longevity in a positive way – Skribbles.
The encoder wheel is a unique orientation that is embedded into the case and trackball and requires a bit of technical knowhow to get it right.
The encoder wheel also needs a "center axle" that goes through and also connects inside the encoder wheel.
Personally I have been using 1.5mm steel baling wire that I cut and straighten to the right length, and then flattening out one end so that it "keys" into the encoder.
I tested KBDcraft's brilliant Israfel, a 50% unibody split with an adjustable angle, made of LEGO. It's impressive and offers a huge bang for your buck. Flock to the store, folks!