Right here’s a narrative which may be acquainted: [der-b] is a Linux developer who’s compelled two carry two laptops — one for work with unavoidable work stuff on it, and one for software program improvement. Sadly this results in keyboard confusion between the 2 when one is linked to an exterior show.
In an try to beat this, [der-b] designed a keyboard that can be connected to more than one device at a time, regardless of in the end pondering that this can result in one other layer of confusion. The purpose was to attempt to make one thing as light-weight as potential, since carrying two laptops is already a wrestle. As a bonus, this mission was a studying expertise for soldering SMD components.
The keyboard itself is predicated on the Planck and makes use of an ATMega32u4 operating QMK firmware, so which means it’s a 40% ortholinear with 48 keys whole. [der-b] used low-profile Cherry MX switches to maintain issues glossy.
With the intention to change between totally different host units, [der-b] makes use of shortcuts as you’ll see within the brief video after the break. That is completed with a FSUSB36 IC on the USB connections between the ATMega and the host.
[der-b] encountered a spate of points whereas constructing this keyboard, which you’ll be able to learn all about within the weblog submit. We like to see transparency on the subject of your write-ups, particularly when the tasks turn out to be studying experiences. (Aren’t all of them?) But when 48 keys aren’t practically sufficient for you, check out this learning-experience keyboard build.
