If anyone is interested in some weird and wonderful keyboard for the FW16 as an input module, fill out this form.
https://forms.gle/esWwFFJSnjBzKJAf8
Request for the Atreus duly registered.
The standalone Atreus is a one piece unit. On the Framework I think it would be even better split into two modules, so that the user can fine-tune hand separation.
A CharaChorder keyboard would be really cool
Split keyboard would be a huge selling point, with or without rotation. I use a U.H.K., which has a pretty standard layout and is very comfortable for me. I really want switches along the lines of Cherry’s MX blue or clear, even if it means doubling the thickness of the laptop, but some low profile switches are a lot better than others. I don’t know what Framework is currently using for switches or other keyboard specs, like the key pitch cap dish. Frankly, not having this information makes me hesitant to order because I hate most laptop keyboards so much. The touchpad is a non-issue because I would probably want to remove it regardless of the keyboard. I don’t really need speakers or anything else on the inner surface either.
Katana60 layout with split design would also be interesting. It’s not as ergonomic as Atreus, but fits laptop format better.
The question of the keyboard is a decisive criterion for me, as I wouldn’t buy a laptop equipped with a classic, anti-ergonomic keyboard with staggered lines.
Ideally, I’d like the Framework Laptop 16 to feature a split keyboard with staggered columns, like the Rev57LP, but in two separate pieces, so that everyone could arrange the FL16’s modular surface as they wished.
In the absence of such an ideal keyboard, I’d be happy with a simply ortholinear keyboard, similar to the ID75.
Finally, if FL can’t let everyone send in their own layout so that the keys on their keycaps can be custom engraved, I’d like to buy a keyboard with blank keycaps.
Do you have a laptop with an ergonomic keyboard? I would imagine the options are slim. And you sound like someone who would know what’s available.
A split staggered column keyboard would be a really cool sight on a Framework. A DIY build would probably be the way we’ll see it.
Unfortunately, I know very few of them:
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The miniature laptop MNT Pocket Reform has an ortholinear keyboard by default, and the larger model MNT Reform benefits from ergonomic do-it-yourself keyboard projects:
◦ Ortholinear Keyboard Kit - MNT Reform - MNT Research Community
◦ Custom Reform keyboard -
Do-it-yourself ergonomic keyboard projects also exist for ThinkPad laptops, such as the ThinKeys.
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And finally, an orthogonal keyboard project for the Framework Laptop 16 was on a Framework stand a few months ago. You can see it in this PCWorld video.
Please consider adding Page Up and Page Down keys.
I especially enjoy the X-bows layout.
I can’t go back to an ordinary keyboard now, even a TypeMatrix feels odd to me.
I would love to have a split, column staggered input module. QMK is already there in available modules, but physical layout is fixed traditional one. The layout presented by @petitevieille is nice. I suppose that due to bending of the lower row which takes space the top row would probably have to be removed.
Do you think there would be a layout that would satisfy enough people to make it reasonable to produce it? Everybody has his/her own idea of an ergonomic layout.
What about a trackpoint?
I never travel with a laptop, but if I did I’d want as close as possible to a regular full sized keyboard, with the numeric keypad removed as that wouldn’t fit.
So, a full sized QWERTY keyboard and the numeric keypad module would just have the cursors and insert, delete, home, end, pgup and pgdown, then etc.
A much deeper key travel would be really good as well. Otherwise, I would take the full sized keyboard with me.