<aside> 💡 Welcome! This is an overview of the research I've (Cawley) done into mechanical keyboards, specifically split mechanical keyboards.
The aim is for this guide to help me (and you) navigate the many options, projects, and features that have come about in the lovely DIY mechkeyboard community.
~Last edited January 27, 2025
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📑/MechanicalKeyboard Reddit community
📑/ErgoMechBoards Reddit community
🗒️List of Mechanical Keyboard terms
💡Use MonkeyType or Keybr.com to train a new layout
*The physical layout of keys
Many, many keyboard designs are available these days. The traditional row-staggered layout is dominant, but there are hundreds of DIY designs now.
Ergonomic keyboard generator → https://github.com/ergogen/ergogen
Custom Corne manufacturer → https://typeractive.xyz/
https://youtube.com/shorts/HxhRP6Xobgs?si=SJtRmTuSkE5C0rAF
*The actuator for each key
🤔 there is even a software that simulates the sound of various switches → 🌐 MechVibes
Anything below a 60% keyboard will typically require firmware to manage key mapping. QMK is the most common of these for DIY keyboards:
*The digital mapping of keys to characters/actions
There are several widely used keyboard layouts: qwerty, dvorak, colemak, and workman
Two cables are needed: USB-C and TRRS