Hi All,

Here’s ht latest update to the Rolio split keyboard. It’s now almost done, it just needs some minor cosmetic and manufacturability tweaks.

The GitHub repo is here: https://github.com/MickiusMousius/RolioKeyboard

A quick run down on the features (so far):

  • The keyboard itself
    • Fully wireless thanks to the Nice!Nano controllers and awesome ZMK firmware
    • Excellent battery life, I’ve personally been getting 2+ weeks before it gets to 60% with the previous iteration.
    • A low profile, compact choc spaced form factor that is similar to the Corne
    • Additional “Sometimes” buttons on the bottom row just like the Sofle
    • Horizontal roller encoders on both halves
    • A backlight that is efficient enough to be used on battery
    • A robust chassis so that it can be treated like a normal keyboard
    • An FDM version for at home low cost production
    • A CNC option for a slick look and very premium feel
    • A travel case that can easily be made using any FDM printer
  • ZMK Keymap & Custom keycaps:
    • The keycaps are fully customized and match the ZMK keymap thanks to FKCaps
    • MacOS and Windows modes as part of the keymap to keep the “same” handy macros in both OSs
    • All of the symbols and special behaviors can be accessed using at most two keys
    • The settings keys and different modes are documented in the key caps themselves (easy to learn).
    • The keymap can be easily customized thanks to ZMK, the keycaps can also be customized to suit your needs
  • drkhrse96@lemmy.worldEnglish
    3·
    9 months ago

    Nice updates. I don’t know if it can give up my number row yet but I may have to consider it. Thanks!

    • MickiusMousius@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      4·
      9 months ago

      Thanks.

      I am working on a similar MX design that has a number row (Rolio Max). In addition to the roller encoders it’ll have these bad boys too:

      https://au.mouser.com/ProductDetail/Alps-Alpine/RKJXT1F42001?qs=6EGMNY9ZYDTsBzSTrhiL0w%3D%3D&mgh=1&vip=1

      It’ll be much more of an at home board than one you can shove in a backpack. But I figure why not make an all you can eat board too.

      I don’t anticipate having the prototypes even until December though as I’ve got a fair bit of work happening at the moment. In practical terms I guess that means no publicly available designs until early next year.

    • g0g0gadget@artemis.camp
      2·
      9 months ago

      Having had a full numpad on one of my layers for the last few years, I hate having to stretch my fingers all weird to hit 6, for instance, when using my laptop’s keyboards with a number row.

      • drkhrse96@lemmy.worldEnglish
        3·
        9 months ago

        Yeah, I think I have to just buckle down and really get used to my layers. I got two orthos in front of me with different layers and I should just start practicing num layouts now.

    • g0g0gadget@artemis.camp
      2·
      9 months ago

      Having had a full numpad on one of my layers for the last few years, I hate having to stretch my fingers all weird to hit 6, for instance, when using my laptop’s keyboards with a number row.

      • MickiusMousius@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
        2·
        9 months ago

        I hear you, it’s a slightly bigger stretch, but on the other hand habits are hard to break. Also, if you’re a gamer I could definitely see the dedicated number row as a hard requirement, particularly if you’re not comfortable making custom layouts.

        I still use a qwerty layout and have a number row in my numbers layer as it requires less re-training.

        I suspect that layouts with a dedicated number row are a transitional form for most people that stick with it, I quickly moved away from the Sofle for example. As before though I can understand the desire for something different.