HandyWork, an ergo keyboard for the Framework 16

[Axel_Voitier]

Hello,

I share with you a work in progress to design ergo keyboards for the FW16 using One Key Modules:

keebs/Framework at main · AxelVoitier/keebs

8 different layouts that fit in the A1 design space of the FW16 are proposed, from a small 5x3 36 keys Miryoku-compatible, up to a “large” 6x4 50 keys for those allergic to layers. I also included options like additional modifiers keys, or a central nav cluster.

Each layout has a printable version for you to try. You can also find generated YAML files usable with ergogen, and JSON files for keyboard layout editor, if you want to play around with the layouts and propose some ideas.

I don’t intend to support all the variations. Therefore, I would like the community to voice its opinion on what you deem necessary in an ergo layout on a laptop. The goal is to reduce to 2 or 3 layouts (at least for that first design wave).

Some of the proposed layouts:
5x3

5x3 with extra modifier keys, and central nav cluster

5x4

6x3

6x4

[nrp]

Very much looking forward to seeing this!!!

[Tony_Grosinger]

Very cool! I will cast my vote for the 5x3.

Are these something you plan to offer for sale? I would be very likely to order one if so!

[Axel_Voitier]

Thanks for your input!

Nothing decided yet for commercial production. I would say it will depends if there is enough traction for it.

Though, if there is only a little demand then it might actually be feasible to do a few by hands in an artisanal way ;-).

[Kyle_Kliamovich]

I have been waiting for a keyboard like this. If this gets released, I am liable to buy a framework 16 and finally move my desktop to be a gaming server lol.

I currently use a dactyl manuform, with a full thumb cluster, so lots of keys. Its a 6x5. I love it.

For the laptop I could see myself going with a 5x3, 5x3 w/ mods, and a 6x3… I’d have to think about it for a bit.

Number row is nice, but I could get used to making a few layers…

You should make some 3d printed models, for users to print and try out on their own. or even print out on a piece of paper, where they can print it to scale.

[Edmund]

As someone with both a 54 key (6x4) and a 15x5 uniboard, I personally think a 16-18x5 would have a lot more buy in/universal appeal. Having the extra keys mean that people who need the extra keys aren’t discouraged, while those who dont can disable the keys they dont want. You get a similar amount of “split” by having

Another thing is splay and stagger are very personal choices which everyone have different preferences. I think if you are planning to support 2 options, a 36-42 key for the hardcore users, and a ortholinear as a gateway drug for everyone else.

[Clay_Sheaff]

Thanks a lot for doing this. I think I would like whatever layout comfortably allows for at least two thumb keys per hand. While I do like my number row (i use voyager), i see that including it means a single thumb key. Having said this, the 6x3 seems like the best fit for me.

[Paul_Larson]

I would buy a 6x4 and would recommend that option for production. Those who want a smaller number of keys can just program the unwanted keys to do nothing. But if the 5x3 or something similar with a smaller number of keys is produced, those who use a 6x4 or larger layout (such as the layout that I have used on my Dygma Defy, which has columns of 5 keys) will be much more likely to not buy it because our keymaps would not fit with the smaller number of keys.

Also, if you could fit a fourth thumb key on each side, and a small trackpad in between the two halves, that would be great!!!

[M_Mothersole]

I do recommend even a half key number row and programmable keyboard layout to set up layers similar to Oryx (web interface, pictured below) on the ZSA Voyager keyboard. I’ve been using this ortholinear setup with my FW13 at home since I needed NKRO for learning stenography (which is a feature that the FW13 keyboard doesn’t have but the FW16 keyboard does). I use a layer to have mouse functionality on my keyboard so I don’t have to swap back and forth between my keyboard and my trackpad. Here’s a link to my Oryx layout if you’re interested in seeing the different layers.

[Mark_Stosberg]

I would like the Corne 3x6 layout. Thanks for considering this.

[Mark_Stosberg]

Some advice on which layouts to choose:

• Known, popular layouts are likely to sell the best. Quick research that Corne (6x3+3 and Sofle (6x4+5) may be the most popular designs that fit.
• Among those, choose the biggest layouts that fix. A Corne 3x5 users can use Corne 3x6 and ignore the outer columns. A 3x6 user can’t use a 3x5 layout.

[Dzming_Li]

Thanks a lot for doing this, I will cast my vote for 6x4 layout. It will be a a day-one buy for me!

[Olivier_Wenger]

Thanks a lot, I will cast my vote for the 5x3.

[Mark_Stosberg]

For reference, here’s a Corne overlaid on the Framework 16 keyboard. It appears to be overlapping the the outer edges, but that’s a camera-perspective issue.

There appears that there could be room for a fourth row as well.

[Mark_Stosberg]

Seeing this gives me an idea. What if a split keyboard for the F16 left space in the middle for a magentic trackball input device– not something that you could close the lid on, but something that could snap into place when thee laptop was open and would be stored separately when the laptop was closed? Aside from the hazard of closing the laptop screen down on the trackball, could be interesting to have a full-size trackball on a laptop.

[Tom_McConlogue]

I have trouble with keyboards without 5 full rows, what i’d love to see is something like a preonic built in or a split ortho board with 2 5x6 segments or even something with a few more columns to fill in the space.

[Axel_Voitier]

An update on the project a few months later

First completed proto:

Second almost complete, back side view without the foam:

The first prototypes where manufactured and validated .

It sports a unibody-split 5x3 + 3 mods keys per side + 3 thumb keys + a nav cluster in the middle.
It has per-key LED matrix as well. It uses a RP2040, and a recent QMK.
Its stack-up is made of a 4-layer 0.8mm PCB glued to a 0.8mm aluminum PCB. There is EVA foam padding to grossly match the FW16 profile underneath the keyboard. Plus a thin sheet of mylar for isolation. It also has the magnetic elements needed to fit properly on the FW16.

That makes its overall thickness (ie. where there are no trough underneath) to basically match the thickness of the One Key Module: 3.65mm .

• PCB design files
• Fabrication files with ordering guide (NB: a new revision will come soon)
• Firmware source files
• Assembly instructions (will come later once I finish the second one)

Concerning the layout, I know very well in the ergo keyboard community there cannot be one single layout that please everyone ^^.
This one is simply based on my personal one. It does not prevent making future variants with different layouts. Or to make your own.

Because there is another thing this project brings: template PCB to make your own.
You can find it here: keebs/Framework/Kicad templates at main · AxelVoitier/keebs · GitHub
It basically has the PCB layout (for both the main PCB and the alu plate), a fully routed RP2040 and IS31FL3733B for per-key LED, and pre-fanned out tracks for all rows, columns, and their LED variants. It supports by default 5 rows and 13 columns. But there are still some pins available on both the RP2040 and the LED matrix driver if needed.
The electronics is minimally tucked away in one corner. Though it should not be too difficult to move it around in case your layout really need to fit a key there.

And the last thing this project also have is base footprints for both the One Key Module and boards fitting the FW16 (the A1 form-factor only for now). You can find them here: keebs/Framework/Framework.pretty at main · AxelVoitier/keebs · GitHub
I will also put up a soldering guide for the OKM soon.

I would like to thanks particularly Framework for selecting my project, providing enough OKMs for this and future prototypes, reviewing my design, and sponsoring the manufacturing of this first one .
If you attend their Next Gen event in person today, you should be able to see the keyboard in their developer corner .

[Jeremy_Genge]

I am so ready for an ortho layout!!! How about a simple Planke or Preonic layout? My vote for the proposed layouts would be the 6x3. I still think a Planke or Preonic would be best. I’d lean towards using Vial if possible. Excited to see where this goes!

[Hector_Medina]

That is so cool!

I saw the Linus Tech Tips video where Nirav was showing off a prototype, and boy I’m excited! Personally, I’m used to the layout of the ZSA MoonLander, so I may tinker with the template to get that layout.

Thanks for sharing the schematics for this hardware project

[Liam_Aharon]

Hi there, as a 5x3 guy this is the most exciting thing I’ve seen for a laptop in years!

Is there a path to custom ergo designs like this ever making it to the new Framework 13 Pro? I would pull the trigger instantly if so.

Thank you for your work on this.