Crafting the Endgame Keyboard

1. Crafting the Endgame Keyboard keebkaigi 2023 by foostan
2. Self introduction As a keyboard designer and software engineer, I’m passionate about crafting compact keyboards with distinct concepts. My creations include Corne, Cornelius, and more. • Corne https://github.com/foostan/crkbd • Cornelius https://github.com/foostan/corneliuskbd • 自作キーボード設計入門 • and...
3. Keyboard Design Journey This presentation introduces the approach to keyboard design: • The DIY Experience • The High-End Approach • The Unique and Freedom 3D design Embark on a journey to uncover the inspiration behind each design, and explore their unique features and purposes, paving a new path towards your keyboard endgame.
4. Starting point of my Journey HHKB Professional2 • Used for 6 years since the end of univ • No Legend model Let’s split • Split • Ortholinear • 40% • self-made
5. The DIY Experience
6. Corne The DIY Experience Summary • Compact/Split/Column staggerd • Open-source, anyone can create a new one based on it • Simple and low cost design Concept • Inspired by: Helix • Compact and DIY-Friendly • Split Ergonomic Design • Open Source: Powered by the Community
7. Inspired by: Helix • The legendary keyboard in the Japanese DIY keyboard community • Incorporated the concept of assembly kits • Open-source and the catalyst for many more keyboard designers • Compact and slim split keyboard
8. Compact and DIY-Friendly • Only 42 keys, with no number row • Simple design intended for self-assembly • Adopted the thin design method from Helix and equipped with OLED • Later became the inspiration for writing a design book
9. Split Ergonomic Design • Comfortable typing experience with column staggered layout • Adjustable positioning with split design • User-friendly thumb cluster • Customizable tilt/tent design
10. Open Source: Powered by the Community • 3.5k stars • Enhancements based on user feedback • The variety of variations and options • Growth and development in forked projects
11. The High-End Approach
12. Cornelius The High-End Approach Summary • Compact design with a focus on keystroke feel • Aluminum body for a substantial weight • Unique high-end 40% ergonomic keyboard Concept • Inspired by: Polaris • High-End, Focus on a keystroke feel • Fusion with Ergonomic design • Group Buy experience
13. Inspired by: Polaris • Designed by a globally famous keyboard designer • Relatively affordable keyboard with a focus on keystroke feel • Incorporates design features and materials that later become the de facto standard, such as gasket, polycarbonate plate, and foam • Simple, refined, and cool design
14. High-End, Focus on a keystroke feel • Aluminum body with brass weight • Gasket mount • Polycarbonate plate and foam • Premium e-white color (Electrostatic coating)
15. Fusion with Ergonomic design • Based on the Corne's column staggered layout • Not a split design • Unique 40% ergonomic design
16. Group Buy experience • Collaboration with Yushakobo • Difficult to predict demand • Packaging know-how • Variations and sales methods
17. The Unique and Freedom 3D design
18. Cornetyl (仮) The Unique and Freedom 3D design Summary • Compact 3D design • Based on Corne's shape and usability • 42 keys split column staggerd Concept • Inspired by: Dactyl • Unique 3D-shaped Design for Freedom • From Clay Concepts to 3D CAD Design • Split Ergonomic Design
19. Inspired by: Dactyl • Split 3D design • Generated with Clojure, customizable by parameters • Open source and various variations available • Basically handwired without a PCB Reference: https://github.com/abstracthat/dactyl-manuform
20. Unique 3D-shaped Design for Freedom • Negative tilt 3D design • More user-friendly thumb cluster • Specially designed palm rest • Freedom
21. From Clay Concepts to 3D CAD Design • Prototyping with clay to get experience • Adjusting of thumbs and other keys • Ease of use and freedom of design • Patterned based on Corne design
22. Split Ergonomic Design • Split type with reference to dactyl and kinesis advantage. • Negative tilt instead of bowl shape, considering the size of the hand • Not too eccentric, but a natural shape for Corne users
23. Conclusion In conclusion, I have introduced three distinct concepts aimed at crafting the Endgame Keyboard. What does your Endgame look like? Having a clear concept will help you refine your journey and get to Endgame.