Ordering guide about options and common questions.

 

Adding this to help people with various options.  As someone pointed out to me that this can be a lot for someone new to ergonomic keyboards.  I will add more as I think of them.

TRRS: TRRS is a type of audio cable commonly used in split keyboards for the two halves to talk to each other and share power.  All of my wired keyboards use these other than the option for the Lotus58 to have a USB C cable instead.

USB C: All of my keyboards use a USB C to USB A cable to connect from the keyboard to your device.  Also the Lotus58 that I sell has the option to use this rather than a TRRS cable.

Encoder: A encoder is a EC-11 rotary encoder which is more commonly referred to as a volume knob.  I have various keyboards that have these and they can be programmed to any 3 keyboard tasks.  Turn knob left, turn knob right, press in.

Switches: Switches are the physical switch(button) that is under the keycap.  My advice would be to google the different options per the keyboard you're looking at.  Some switches are Clicky, Light to the touch, Heavy, Silent, Tactile with a bump and so on.  All of my keyboards are hot swappable meaning even if you don't like your switches you end up with you can buy different ones and socket them in yourself.

Keycaps: The keycaps are what go on the switch.  These can also be removed and replaced with others as long as they are compatible.  If you get a keyboard with Kailh Choc V1 switches they take certain low profile keycaps only.  If you get a MX or full sized switch keyboard you can use many different keycaps as long as they are MX compatible which most are.

 Layer: Ergonomic split keyboards use multiple layers that are accessed by holding or toggling a key.  Once you hold down your layer key that will make all the other keys change to another layer allowing you to bind a whole new set of keys that are quickly accessible.

Keymap: The keymap is just referring to what each button does.  Since these keyboards use multiple layers the keymap is just referring to all layers, keys, combos, macros, etc.

Combos: Combos are my absolute favorite!  This will allow you to press multiple keys to get a new key.  Example would be I use "a" and "b" pressed at the same time to output "Escape". Combos are a great way to increase ergonomic and fast typing behavior with minimal keys.

Macros: Allows for more advanced functions with a single key press.  You could for example press one key and have it type out your email address among many other uses.

58 key, 42 key, 58 key 1 encoder:  Those types of variations are just stating how many keys and how many encoders.  Example of the Sofle Choc Wireless versions I am able to allow customers to choose if they want any encoders or if they would rather have more keys.

Wireless: All my wireless keyboards are Bluetooth running ZMK and can be used in wired mode by plugging in just the left half of the keyboard via USB to your computer or device.  This will allow you to use the wireless keyboards on devices without bluetooth or if you need to enter GRUB or BIOS.  Most of my wireless keyboards come flashed with ZMK studio allowing for basic keymap changes on the fly with a web app.

Wired: All of my wired keyboards use either a TRRS or USB C to connect the halves.  They are all running Vial-QMK as firmware which allows users to quickly edit and change their keymap on the fly without having to re-flash.

Displays: Displays are screens that show various info related to your keyboard.  One of the most useful examples is with the e-ink low powered displays on the wireless keyboards.  These are called Nice Views and show current layer, Bluetooth profile currently connected, battery, WPM type graph.   The wired keyboards use OLED displays and show current layer and some other info depending on the keyboard.

Wireless multiple device support: All of my wireless keyboards are flashed with the firmware called ZMK.  ZMK keyboards allow users to hot swap between multiple devices on the fly with a key combo.  Example would be if you are using your home computer and want to bring your new wireless keyboard to work.  To pair to your work computer you just switch bluetooth profiles to "BT 1" on your keyboard(labeled on the keymap I send with your order) then pair it as a new device. 

 

 

 

How do I access numbers and other keys that I don't see on the smaller keyboards like the Corne?  The beauty of these ergonomic split keyboards is the utilization of layers.  You will access many other things by using keys that act as a "Fn" key on most laptops allowing you to switch layers.  You can also add combo keys, macros and much more.  The theory is the less hand movement the better.  With a good keymap you can fly with minimal pain.

Do you warranty your keyboards? Yes I warranty all my keyboards.  If something needs to be fixed within the first 2 months just contact me and I will pay shipping both ways and repair.  2 months-12 months you have to pay to ship it to me but I will pay to ship it back.  After 1 year you have to pay shipping both ways but I will still fix for free.