Beautiful! 😯

You can always map the function keys to custom layers on the keyboards without them. I have a ZSA Voyager, and I created a layer for those function keys that don't fit in a small 52 key split keyboard. It works great. I just hold down one of the thumb keys, and the functionality of the keys changes to a numpad on the right half of the keyboard and the F-keys and other function keys in the left half.

I used to think that until I got a ZSA Voyager and started using layers for the numpad. Now, I get the best of both worlds: ergonomics of a homerow setup, and a layer that gives me a numpad without having to move my hand to reach the numpad.

I love these keycap but does anybody really type on these?

The springtime colors really suit that layout — the soft greens and blues keep it calm instead of busy, which I like on a bigger board. I am curious how much difference the foam and force-break changes made in person, since that is a lot of layering at once. Did you try it without the kit first, or go straight to the full setup? And do not worry about the focus, the overall look still comes through clearly.

That is a fair worry with sculpted artisan caps, but most people do not replace the whole board with them. I would treat a cap like this as an accent on Escape or another key you do not hit while typing fast, and keep the rest of the board in a normal profile. That way you get the cat-at-night look without your fingers having to relearn the keys you actually type on.

With the ISO Swedish requirement, the layout filter is going to matter more than anything else. Most barebones kits are ANSI by default, so look specifically for ISO add-on kits or vendors that actually stock them, because finding the perfect kit and then discovering the ISO bits don't exist is miserable. For the sub-43g clacky linear feel, Gateron Clears would be worth trying, though honestly I'd order a small switch sampler first since light plus clacky is a very specific combination. Since you want to build from parts, budget for the plate separately too. Polycarbonate plates give a deeper sound than aluminum, which pairs well with the clacky profile you're after.

Thanks.

I've only had it for a couple of days, but the hinge is leather and should easily last years of regular use. Even after that it is easily replaceable. The wires are silicone multicore cable and should also last, but can be replaced if needed.

This is genuinely impressive work. I love that the halves stay tethered, nothing loose to forget in a laptop bag, and the fold-out layout still reads like a normal keyboard when it's open. Also a smart pick on the KS-33 low profile silents; a clacky build in an open office is a fast way to make enemies.

How are the hinges holding up after some days of commuting? That would be the part I'd be most nervous about wearing out over time.

Exactly. The hinge and case would have to be very different. The gap at the flex point would be pretty huge to allow foldover that way. I don't think it would have looked as good either. This is going to be put to pretty gentle use so I'm not worried about significant damage. If it does become an issue then I would rather carry it in a case. It fits neatly in my back pocket as is. I have a little leather pouch that I could use if needed.

Love to see it, good job finishing the project!

That would be the style I would go for as well, fhat way the caps and switches are protected when it's folded. But I can think of three issues: 1.) the wires would need to be able to expand more for that joint. 2.) the hinge point would need to be higher. 3.) if you were to use this on your lap, pushing down near the hinge would be supported. The hinge the way we were thinking would collapse the keyboard if not supported in the middle.

That's a very interesting way to make a hinge with wires on it. Really nice job.

Nice one but may I be dump and ask an question? Why wouldn't you consider a small brim/ raised edge and fold the keyboard towards the caps?

I wish I had more upvotes to give. Really nice job!

I’m personally moving towards 0 degree uniform key cap profile (going to test PBS) boards. For me that works the best as I don’t have wrist pain that steep angles cause.

So your board It’s very interesting also from that perspective.

Thanks for sharing!

[LAST CALL] Moonlit Mischief - Mid-Autumn Cats

https://www.jellykey.com/artisan-keycaps/moonlit-mischief

Hi everyone,

About 24 hours left. We're closing the Moonlit Mischief group buy earlier than planned, on Sep 30 at 11:00 AM (GMT+7). We never reopen a group buy, so this is the last chance to get one.

My guess is that it is about to be discontinued because most people were not willing to pay $329 for a keyboard...

looks around at his Mechanical Keyboards

Um, I'll just sit this conversation out I guess.

way to make a keyboard stupidly hard to use

keychron sells barebone boards too

https://falbatech.click/

This Polish site is cool, I got a really nice redox from them.

im gonna sound picky here but i don't really want to buy a complete, i like the experience of getting all of the parts and building a unique board 🤷‍♂️

edit: and yes i could buy a complete and swap everything out but that just doesnt feel right and will probably be more expensive anyway

Nuphy Halo 75?

Edit: nah, that's neither ISO nor (stock) Cherry profile. Still, it's 75, half colored transparent, and can come with very light switches.

Keychron has so many SKUs. They might be able to check the most boxes. The V1 in frosted black, whatever ISO model is available, then some Cherry keycaps. Their reds are 45gf, or you could source something lighter.

Great question. Not "hard", no. 🙂 I've been using QWERTY for almost 40 years, so that's pretty ingrained. Like riding a bike. Also I'm still on QWERTY on my phone.

But, I do type slower on a regular keyboard nowadays. Partly because I changed my layout, and partly because the ZSA Voyager, which is my main keyboard, is both split and column-staggered, rather than row-staggered like most keyboards. It's hard to go back to rowstag after getting used to colstag. Rowstag just feels so incredibly wrong. Not at all meant for a human hand. 🤖

Man it looks amazing!

Looks great! I love the background glow!