The Corne is a very popular split keyboard that is very cheap. It requires some level of DIY, but the main board can be had for $33. It can also be made Bluetooth with the nice!nano. You will still need switches and caps, but depending on what you’re after, those can be cheap as well.
this post was submitted on 07 Jul 2023
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ErgoMechKeyboards
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Ergonomic, split and other weird keyboards
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Posts must be of/about keyboards that have a clear delineation between the left and right halves of the keyboard, column stagger, or both. This includes one-handed (one half doesn't exist, what clearer delineation is that!?)
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¹ split meaning a separation of the halves, whether fixed in place or entirely separate, both are fine.
² ortholinear meaning keys layed out in a grid
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Some useful links
- EMK wiki
- Split keyboard compare tool
- Compare keycap profiles Looking for another set of keycaps - check this site to compare the different keycap profiles https://www.keycaps.info/
- Keymap database A database with all kinds of keymap layouts - some of them fits ergo keyboards - get inspired https://keymapdb.com/
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I'm obviously very new to the fancy shmancy keyboard world. Do I need to build this thing completely from scratch? Or do they sell ready made ones? The site is a bit intense haha
Hey, we all start somewhere! I ordered mine from keyhive and made the mistake of ordering the DIY version. I usually like to do things myself, but had a hell of a time soldering the SMD diodes on. I would recommend the partially assembled version. Keyhive also lists the other parts you will need. If you order the partially assembled version, you will only need a microcontroller, switches, and caps for a complete keyboard! Keyhive also lists the microcontrollers you can use. Personally, I love the nice!nano. It ads BLE and the battery lasts for quite a while. You will need to solder the microcontroller, but it’s easy to do assuming you have an iron. Let me know if you have more questions!
Ah I see all the Corne kits are sold out. But anyway, I was hoping for a more robust thumb cluster too. The Momoka looks like exactly what I'm looking for, only thing missing is tenting. Thanks for the help though!
I'm a big fan of the Sofle RGB layout. The board kit is about 25 bucks from little keyboards (where I got my kits). Add a 20$ case, some cheap caps and switches, and a set of micros and a cable and you're there.
Same for any other DIY board really, this will get you where you want to go without the level of spending you want to stay away from. Corne is mentioned here as well, similar layout with less keys.
You could go with something even cheaper like a Helix kit but you'll still be around 20 bucks plus the rest of the parts, so that extra 5-10 bucks on the kit is worth it if you want something a bit more contemporary.
Those look great. But I would really like bigger thumb clusters and some form of tenting if possible. However, I guess as an in between these could be great! Thanks
With those requirements, I would really recommend the Kyria from Splitkb. (Or Hillside from Beekeeb) It's not the cheapest setup, though, especially if you're buying tenting pucks and tripods.
keebio has some good options for affordable split keyboards
Check out the keyboards at Beekeeb. You can't go wrong with the Piantor. If 42 keys is too scary, try the hillside or one of the other big ones.
Don't forget you can cheap tent any split with some books, sand bags, cardboard, 3D printed parts...
Was worried about stability but yea beanbags would probably work great! Thanks!
If you're comfortable around a soldering iron, building a split can be pretty cheap.
What sorta features are you looking for? How many keys?
I'm comfortable enough. Wouldn't say I'm any good at it though lol.
I'm looking for a keyboard that has some tenting features to combat severe tendonitis in my forearms. I want a number row and a thumb cluster, would also like some additional programmable keys if possible, but not needed.
https://www.momoka.co/ergo for US$ 180,-?
This looks pretty cool! Will do some research on this. And free shipping to South Africa definitely helps!
Is there a way to mod the Momoka to add tenting?
The model I got (early adopter) had an aluminum top and bottom plate. I guess it still has those. I just stuck some rubber feet under it and placed the halves on two hardshell glasses cases that had the right height ;) , but you should be able to fix something more permanent to the bottom plate with screws or magnets (glued to the plate).
That sounds like a plan! Thanks!
Heyo. Quick question, I see on the QMK configurator that there are three layers on the Momoka. My questions are:
- Is this true? and
- How do you switch layers? The Momoka site is very bare and their chat has been unattended for a few days.
(I had to take a look at the keymap to verify, as I have been using a custom keymap for years.)
Yes, to switch to the second layer, you press and hold one of the FN keys and to switch to the third layer, you press the shift key in addition to that.
They do have a VIA-enabled firmware, in which you can change which keys are used for that in a graphical interface and, if you familiarize yourself with QMK and how to build it yourself (not as hard, as it may sound), you can have a keymap with as many layers as will fit in the keyboards memory and can have all kinds of useful functions.
My keymap for the Momoka has five layers, a key that will activate one layer when tapped and another when held, Home Row Mods (The keys on the home row produce letters when tapped and Shift, Ctrl, Alt and Win/Super when held), etc., etc.
That's cool! I was mainly hoping to avoid needed an external numpad by mapping the numpad onto the right hand for data entry. That's great! Should fit my needs perfectly. Thanks for all the assistance!
And another thing: All of the keyboards that were recommended to you here use QMK (or KMK or ZMK) firmwares and thus are equally configurable.
You're welcome. Full disclosure: I did have some troubles with the keyboard, as one of the USB-ports was wonky, but I was an early adopter and they sent me a replacement left half. They are a little hard to reach at times, and seem to concentrate on selling custom keycaps now, but aside from building a keyboard yourself, I doubt you will get one as cheaply as that.
Yea even if I was to build myself the price of switches and caps in South Africa is a joke. I can handle some tech issues. The next cheapest option is around $300 shipped to me to this is a great price with the thumb clusters I wanted. I'm in the Discord now and it's pretty barren lol. Will have to just place the order and hope for the best!
If you want to contact them, they have a discord server (called momoka), maybe you can try there?
One of the cheapest options might be building a cheapino. It should be around 50-70$ all in all. Though it's completely DIY and not the best option for beginners.
You'd have to order the PCBs and all the other stuff yourself and build it.
If you don't want to or cannot do that, there are already a lot of good options in the other comments.
EDIT: spelling
Where do you live? If you live in a major metropolitan area I would recommend checking Craigslist. I got a used Ergodox for around 120 there. When Mechmarket comes back there will be some good used options as well.
Unfortunately, I live in South Africa, so my options are extremely limited here. And by limited I mean there is not a single split keyboard listing lol
I was debating all the options with myself having the same hesitation about a month ago. I decided to try a version of the redox that comes already assembled: https://ergomech.store/shop/neodox-52. The keyboard with all the options I wanted came to less than $200 USD before shipping. I am looking forward to trying a split keyboard with some column stagger and with lots of thumb-keys. I felt good about this design because it has full alpha and num row keys with plenty of keys left over but I can still experiment with QMK when I want to try adding functionality. I'll be posting a review when the keyboard arrives. I would recommend contacting this particular store ahead of time to ask about what you are hoping for before making your purchase. They were very helpful and responsive when I emailed them. Ask about current lead times since they are moving offices.
This is a highly prototype niche board, but maybe you'd find it interesting. At the moment some assembly is required. https://www.lynxware.org/
This is a bit wild for my tastes! Looks sick though
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