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
  • theUnlikely@sopuli.xyz
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    11 months ago

    This is my first time hearing about this. Looks really cool! Can you update some of the Aliexpress links?

    These ones are dead:

    • 75V 0.15A Fast Switching Diode, SOD-123
    • EVQWGD001 Rotary encoder, dual channel, incremental quadrate outputs, with switch
    • Kailh Choc hot swap sockets PG1350
    • 30V Vds, 5.7A Id, N-Channel MOSFET, SOT-23
  • drkhrse96@lemmy.world
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    11 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!

    • g0g0gadget@artemis.camp
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      11 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.worldOP
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        11 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.

    • g0g0gadget@artemis.camp
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      11 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.world
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        11 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.

  • nebula@lemmy.ca
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    11 months ago

    Curious, how well rollers work in that location? Are you using index finger or thumbs for those?

    • MickiusMousius@lemmy.worldOP
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      11 months ago

      Index fingers, though you can use thumbs but that felt quite clumsy to me.

      In the base layer they act as arrow keys. In the functions layer they are volume and zoom.

      I’ve found the arrow key scrolling to be quite nice. It takes a little getting used to, but once you’re used to it regular arrow keys for text navigation feel clunky.