No Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Keyboard Design Provides Novelty and Durability

No Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Keyboard Design Provides Novelty and Durability

Building your own split keyboard just got a whole lot better! Let's dive into modifying its design for an enhanced user experience.

Why settle for just keys when you can have a split keyboard with a built-in pointing device? Imagine the convenience of navigating your screen without ever having to move your mouse! The integration of a small pointing device such as a trackpoint (nipple mouse), touchpad, or joystick module is achievable. You can either add the pointing device's circuitry and input lines to the microcontroller wiring of one half, or adapt or replace the firmware (e.g., using ZMK firmware) to support the pointing device input alongside the keyboard matrix.

Now, let's tackle that pesky issue of charging and powering two separate halves. A single power source for both halves can be easily implemented by running a power line cable between the two halves. Use a flexible wire pair or a TRRS cable that carries both the data signals and power from one side to the other. Power one half from a single battery or USB power source, and distribute power to the other half via the connecting cable. This simple modification eliminates the need to charge and power two separate batteries.

When powering both halves from one source, careful consideration of current and voltage drop is necessary. The wiring scheme should include appropriate voltage regulation and possibly a power switch on the master half. This wired power approach also simplifies turning the keyboard on/off as only one power source needs to be controlled.

These modifications to the DIY split keyboard design will not only enhance usability by consolidating power management but also add a convenient pointing interface. Embrace the benefits of a split keyboard without the drawbacks – give it a try!

Incorporating a trackpoint or other pointing devices such as touchpads or joystick modules into your DIY split keyboard can drastically improve user experience, as it offers a built-in navigation solution without the need for a separate mouse. To further optimize the design, consider implementing a single power source for both halves, offering a neater charging solution and an overall simplified user experience.

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