Anyone got or assemble split ergo keyboards like Corne or Lily58 or Similar

Forums › Desktop computing › Anyone got or assemble split ergo keyboards like Corne or Lily58 or Similar

KennyM

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#311635 3-Feb-2024 10:22

Hey All, just wondering if anyone had one of the split keyboards and there thoughts on them.
I cant seem to find anyone in NZ that is assembling them, maybe there isn't a market for them??

I've been looking at the split keyboards and was wondering if the design of them would be better for desk layout and arm position.
Few videos mention bit of a learning curve as they mostly have straight keys.

There is a few 'kits' out there, but bit vague as to the make time and likelihood of screwing something up.
There seems to be a heap of switch types and designs, and keycaps.

I like the look of the lily58, with the 4 rows of keys. The Glove80 also looks interesting, but I cant put $600+ into a keyboard - I'm not completely sold on the design either

Anyone rocking a split keyboard?
I checked for 1/2 keyboards, there seems to be a whole heap of Left hand "gaming" keyboards on Temu/Aliexpress, but I couldn't find a single Right hand keyboard.

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3190044 3-Feb-2024 19:35

I have just been looking into this myself.

Split ergos are a niche of a niche and are exoensive if you buy pre-built, DIY seems to be cheaper.

One i have my eye on, https://github.com/siderakb/ergo-snm-keyboard

KennyM

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#3190108 3-Feb-2024 21:22

Thats a really interesting looking one. I think that is even more niche with less support - less how-to videos, so probably a bit above me.
I like the idea of using the mouse without moving my hand, A lot of the stuff I do isnt particularly tab friendly, but I could likely find more keyboard shortcuts if i tried (and with the function keys being more reachable now)

I'm looking at this one at the moment:

https://mechboards.co.uk/products/lily58-hotswap-pre-build?_pos=2&_sid=1dc0c2b1f&_ss=r
Although I'm happy to solder, being pre-flashed is a bonus.

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3190148 4-Feb-2024 08:44

I like the idea of having a trackball on a split ergo, I am a fan of Thinkpads and the Trackpoint.

The lily58 looks good, and better priced then the more refined Ergodox Moonlander. It could do with a better thumb cluster though.

Another DIY option I saw is the Charybdis https://bastardkb.com/charybdis/

gehenna

8667 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 3883

Moderator

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#3190152 4-Feb-2024 09:06

I remember when Microsoft brought out their first Natural keyboard around 1994. It was so futuristic looking. I seem to recall seeing it in a TV show, maybe seaQuest DSV. I hyper fixated about it until I finally got one, probably using my student loan, and typed like an inaccurate maniac on it compared to my usual keyboard.

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3190224 4-Feb-2024 10:43

gehenna: I remember when Microsoft brought out their first Natural keyboard around 1994. It was so futuristic looking. I seem to recall seeing it in a TV show, maybe seaQuest DSV. I hyper fixated about it until I finally got one, probably using my student loan, and typed like an inaccurate maniac on it compared to my usual keyboard.

There is no denying the learning curve, one video I watched they started at 16wpm and got to 180wpm in a few weeks

gzt

18684 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7824

Lifetime subscriber

#3190256 4-Feb-2024 12:04

BadCo: Split ergos are a niche of a niche and are exoensive if you buy pre-built, DIY seems to be cheaper.

There were several reasonably priced to choose from around the time of Microsoft Natural. It's surprising there is no easily available split membrane option given the renewed demand. The small runs would make them expensive as usual but 1/3 the price of the mechanicals you are considering.

I'm still googling ; )

Dyson

Shop now for Dyson appliances (affiliate link).

gzt

18684 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 7824

Lifetime subscriber

#3190274 4-Feb-2024 12:34

There are good looking reasonably priced one handed gaming keyboards. If only the other side was available, ideally with a trackball. Two USB cords is a tidier solution than a connecting cable anyway.

Years ago I did consider cutting a Microsoft Natural in half. As I recall the switch backing conductors were printed on a plastic sheet. Cutting and joining that was going to be the challenge.

KennyM

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#3198615 22-Feb-2024 09:46

Hey guys,

Just updating that I did actually happen to find a 2nd hand MoonLander keyboard on Trademe. It did cost a fair bit more than I was hoping to spend (even 2nd hand!) but had the advantage of already being in the country and ready made.

The comment above about the Words Per Minutes is pretty on point.

Ive had it just over a week now, and mostly normal typing is fine now, but still too high of an error rate.
I've never used Monkeytype before, but did a couple with my regular keyboard before swapping, was consistent 80ish WPM with 99%+ accuracy.
On the new keyboard it was around 25WPM and only about 50% accuracy. Ive got it up to a consistent 60+WPM but accuracy is still around 90%+, ive noticed anything under about 96% (even 98%) accuracy is still too many mistakes.

Notes for anyone looking into these:

I find the per key RGB to be great, i have a keypad setup on a 2nd layer that is a different colour, so its easy to spot.
Also handy if i accidentally hit the layer toggle key that the colours change and i can see what ive done.
Definite learning curve. - letters are not the worst, its the moving of the enter/space/backspace that are most noticable.
comfort is better having them angled out with a space between them.

BadCo

109 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 29

#3198651 22-Feb-2024 10:33

KennyM:

Hey guys,

Just updating that I did actually happen to find a 2nd hand MoonLander keyboard on Trademe. It did cost a fair bit more than I was hoping to spend (even 2nd hand!) but had the advantage of already being in the country and ready made.

The comment above about the Words Per Minutes is pretty on point.

Ive had it just over a week now, and mostly normal typing is fine now, but still too high of an error rate.
I've never used Monkeytype before, but did a couple with my regular keyboard before swapping, was consistent 80ish WPM with 99%+ accuracy.
On the new keyboard it was around 25WPM and only about 50% accuracy. Ive got it up to a consistent 60+WPM but accuracy is still around 90%+, ive noticed anything under about 96% (even 98%) accuracy is still too many mistakes.

Notes for anyone looking into these:

I find the per key RGB to be great, i have a keypad setup on a 2nd layer that is a different colour, so its easy to spot.
Also handy if i accidentally hit the layer toggle key that the colours change and i can see what ive done.
Definite learning curve. - letters are not the worst, its the moving of the enter/space/backspace that are most noticable.
comfort is better having them angled out with a space between them.

That was a good find! Are you using the standard QWERTY layout? I reckon a split keyboard would benefit from a more efficient layout.

https://getreuer.info/posts/keyboards/alt-layouts/index.html

I got myself a stop gap, Keychrom K11 Pro with an alice layout for work.

https://www.keychron.com/products/keychron-k11-pro-alice-layout-qmk-via-wireless-custom-mechanical-keyboard

KennyM

221 posts

Master Geek
+1 received by user: 10

#3199369 24-Feb-2024 09:27

I am still using QWERT, at this stage I don't think I will change.

I do about 2 hours of emails a day at work, so not full time typing, and I do have a home computer and occasionally use the laptop as well - adjusting between different layouts may be too much for my little brain to handle.
Home computer I do want to order a Lily58 kit when I get some funds. May look if it is worth making them up locally to sell, but will see if I enjoy it enough and make times.