Crafting the Endgame Keyboard keebkaigi 2023 by foostan

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...

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.

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

The DIY Experience

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

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

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

Split Ergonomic Design ● Comfortable typing experience with column staggered layout ● Adjustable positioning with split design ● User-friendly thumb cluster ● Customizable tilt/tent design

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

The High-End Approach

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

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

High-End, Focus on a keystroke feel ● Aluminum body with brass weight ● Gasket mount ● Polycarbonate plate and foam ● Premium e-white color (Electrostatic coating)

Fusion with Ergonomic design ● Based on the Corne's column staggered layout ● Not a split design ● Unique 40% ergonomic design

Group Buy experience ● Collaboration with Yushakobo ● Difficult to predict demand ● Packaging know-how ● Variations and sales methods

The Unique and Freedom 3D design

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

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

Unique 3D-shaped Design for Freedom ● Negative tilt 3D design ● More user-friendly thumb cluster ● Specially designed palm rest ● Freedom

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

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

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.