Tag: ZMK firmware

  • Framework Aims to Surpass Logitech K400 with Improved Trackpad

    Framework Aims to Surpass Logitech K400 with Improved Trackpad

    Key Takeaway

    1. The wireless keyboard features a membrane key switch with 1.5mm travel, aiming for a high-quality typing experience.
    2. It includes a large, portrait-oriented multi-touch trackpad, deemed advantageous over competitors like the Logitech K400 Plus.
    3. The combination of keyboard and trackpad is designed for portable use, such as on a couch, with multiple connectivity options (USB, Bluetooth, USB-A dongle).
    4. The keyboard supports multi-device pairing (up to four devices) with easy switching via a key combination, and customizable keys via a web interface.
    5. Launch details and pricing for the Wireless Touchpad Keyboard remain unspecified.

    Introduction of the New Wireless Keyboard

    Today, the makers of the Framework Laptop 13 Pro unveiled a new product, a wireless keyboard with an integrated trackpad. This device is modeled based on the same keyboard that was used in the Framework Laptop 12, which features a membrane mechanism and a key travel of 1.5 millimeters. This design aims to combine portability with functionality, making it an interesting addition to the Framework lineup.

    Design and Features

    The keyboard’s key feature appears to be its first-class typing experience, which Framework claims is particularly good for laptops. Located to the right of the keys is a large multi-touch trackpad, recently modelled from the core of the Framework Laptop. Interestingly, the trackpad has been rotated into a portrait format, providing a different ergonomic feel. Framework states their trackpad offers significant advantages over other popular keyboards like the Logitech K400 Plus, which is a common choice but often criticized for its performance and feel.

    Practical Usage and Connectivity

    The compact combo of a function key-enabled keyboard along with a large trackpad is especially practical for usage on a couch or when space is limited, where traditional mice are not really usable. Users can connect this keyboard to various devices via USB cable, a USB-A dongle, or Bluetooth. It can connect to up to four devices simultaneously, allowing users to switch between them effortlessly with a dedicated key combination. The device’s microcontroller, the Nordic nRF54L20, combined with ZMK firmware, makes this possible because every key can be customized via a user-friendly web interface.

    Additional Information and Availability

    At this moment, the company has not announced when or how much the wireless keyboard with trackpad will cost. For further updates and detailed specifications, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official Framework website. Though the release date remains a secret, anticipation is high for this innovative accessory that aims to enhance portable device interaction.


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  • Open-Source Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Lenovo TrackPoint

    Open-Source Ergonomic Wireless Keyboard with Lenovo TrackPoint

    Key Takeaways

    1. Ergonomic Design: The PSKeeb 5 features a split design that aligns shoulders and enhances wrist and hand positioning, helping to prevent awkward hand positions and RSI symptoms.

    2. Unique Features: It includes a Lenovo ThinkPad-style track point, dual knobs, and a compact travel case that doubles as a laptop stand for improved portability and functionality.

    3. Columnar Stagger Layout: The keyboard has a 36-key layout with a columnar stagger arrangement, allowing fingers to rest comfortably on their respective keys, which enhances typing efficiency.

    4. Wireless Connectivity: Utilizing ZMK firmware, the PSKeeb 5 offers wireless connectivity between its two halves and the main device, reducing reliance on cables to just charging.

    5. Open-Source Plans: The creator plans to release the source code and build guide for the PSKeeb 5 soon, enabling others to create and improve on their own versions of the keyboard.

    Split mechanical keyboards are made to provide ergonomic and efficiency advantages, mainly due to their split design that helps align your shoulders and enhances wrist and hand positioning. There’s a wide range of options in the ergonomic mechanical keyboard market, especially innovative community projects like the low-profile wireless Beekeeb Toucan we recently discussed. However, a YouTuber named Tinker & Hack felt these options weren’t sufficient and has introduced the PSKeeb 5 — his version of a split wireless mechanical keyboard that combines features like a Lenovo ThinkPad-style track point, dual knobs, and a travel case that can be turned into a laptop stand.

    Key Features of the PSKeeb 5

    The PSKeeb 5 is a split wireless mechanical keyboard created with portability, comfort, and functionality in mind. It comes with a 36-key layout, featuring 5 columns, three rows, along with a three-key thumb cluster for each hand. The keys are arranged in a columnar stagger to allow each finger to rest comfortably on its respective key in the home row, preventing awkward hand positions. As mentioned in the project build log, the PSKeeb 5 is the fifth version of this project, initially conceived to help the creator with RSI symptoms, but it evolved into a quest for enhanced efficiency, portability, and comfort.

    Design and Build

    The PSKeeb 5’s cases are made through 3D printing and feature a steep tenting angle with built-in feet. The left half of the keyboard includes a small OLED display for monitoring keyboard configuration and status, while the right half features a Lenovo ThinkPad-style track point. Adjacent to each thumb cluster, there is a programmable rotary encoder, which has proven to be very beneficial in reviews of keyboards like the Keychron Q13 Max and Iqunix Magi65 Pro. This setup even includes a compact travel case that functions as a laptop stand, elevating the laptop to eye level for better ergonomics.

    Connectivity and Future Plans

    To facilitate portability and simple setup, the PSKeeb 5 employs ZMK firmware, enabling wireless connectivity between the two keyboard halves and the main device. Traditionally, split mechanical keyboards, such as the Corne V4 (sold on Amazon for $89), require a USB-C or TRRS cable to link the left and right halves, but with ZMK, these cables are only necessary for charging. The creator hasn’t yet released the source code or build guide for the PSKeeb 5, but he plans to open-source the design soon, allowing anyone motivated enough to create their own version and even improve upon it. Once available, the PSKeeb 5 split wireless keyboard will likely be posted on the creator’s GitHub page, where previous PSKeeb versions can also be found.

    The ZMK firmware that runs the PSKeeb 5 is recognized for its wireless efficiency, with some companies stating that it can provide thousands of hours of use from just 2,000 mAh. It also allows for detailed configuration of the keyboard’s functions via the ZMK Studio web interface, even wirelessly — a feature that remains quite uncommon even among custom mechanical keyboards.

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  • MoErgo Go60: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual Touchpads

    MoErgo Go60: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual Touchpads

    Key Takeaways

    1. ZMK Firmware Popularity: The open-source ZMK firmware is gaining traction in the wireless mechanical keyboard market, with brands like Keychron adopting it for its wireless functionality and efficiency.

    2. Compact and Ergonomic Design: The Go60 is a 60% wireless split keyboard designed for portability while maintaining ergonomic comfort similar to the larger Glove80.

    3. Advanced Features: The Go60 features hot-swappable low-profile Kailh Choc V1 switches, exclusive silent Cherry Blossom switches, and POM keycaps for enhanced durability and touch quality. It also includes dual 40mm trackpads for better usability.

    4. Enhanced Portability: With a slim design and a bento box-style case for easy transport, the Go60 is lightweight and includes magnetic tenting attachments, offering six angle options for ergonomics on the go.

    5. Long Battery Life: The Go60 boasts a 1,000 mAh battery on each side, providing up to 336 hours of battery life, wireless connectivity for multiple devices, and a wired option for versatility.

    Recently, the ZMK firmware, which is open-source, has been gaining attention in the wireless mechanical keyboard market. Even well-known brands like Keychron are opting for ZMK due to its design that prioritizes wireless functionality and efficiency. MoErgo, the company behind the Glove80 and now the Go60, has been involved with ZMK for a while, having launched the Glove80 in early 2022. The new Go60 is a more compact wireless split keyboard aiming to offer the great comfort and ergonomic advantages of the Glove80 in a smaller and more portable form.

    Compact Design

    As indicated by its name, the Go60 is a 60% mechanical keyboard, making it smaller compared to larger models like the Lemokey L1 HE that we reviewed recently. However, beyond its split ergonomic shape, the Go60 has several unique features that distinguish it from typical mechanical keyboards.

    Advanced Features

    To begin with, this new keyboard comes with hot-swappable low-profile Kailh Choc V1 switches, and it includes silent Cherry Blossom switches that are exclusive to MoErgo and the Go60. Similar to the Glove80, the Go60 uses POM keycaps, providing a premium touch and better chemical resistance when compared to materials like ABS and PBT.

    The most notable aspect of the Go60 is its dual touchpads, which are positioned like the single trackpad on the Beekeeb Toucan split wireless mechanical keyboard we reviewed earlier. The 40mm circular trackpads are located above the thumb cluster, allowing optimal use with the index finger while reducing side-to-side movement.

    Enhanced Portability

    The flat design of the Go60, which has a total height of 17.5 mm, makes it more portable than its predecessor. MoErgo has further improved portability by creating a bento box-style case that includes storage for snap-fit tenting attachments. This allows users to enjoy the ergonomic advantages of the Go60 while on the move, except for chair attachments.

    These tenting attachments are attached magnetically for easy use and offer six different angles ranging from 6.2° to 17°. Despite having a steel bottom case, the keyboard is lightweight at just 600 g, and the carrying case is a compact 178 × 135 × 43 mm, making it a perfect fit for smaller backpacks.

    Impressive Battery Life

    The MoErgo Go60 has a 1,000 mAh battery on each side, and the company claims it can last up to two weeks of continuous use when “powered-on 24/7 with ZMK sleep functionality disabled and RGB off,” which translates to about 336 hours of battery life. Previous reviews have shown that RGB lighting can significantly impact battery life, so it’s likely that enabling backlighting will reduce battery duration, even if set to the lowest setting. Wireless connectivity is supported by BLE 5.0, allowing connection to up to four devices wirelessly and one through USB.

    MoErgo has also released a selection of accessories for the Go60, such as a mounting puck and an optional walnut palm rest, and it seems many accessories from the Glove80 will also be compatible. In contrast to keyboards like the Corne split keyboards (currently $99 on Amazon), the Go60 operates fully wirelessly, meaning the two halves can work independently without a wire, making setup easier when traveling. However, it does come with a TRRS cable for those who prefer a wired connection, and it will automatically switch to wired mode when the cable is plugged in. The Go60 aims to provide a versatile input solution for people who primarily work at a desk but need the flexibility to take their ergonomic setup with them.

    Pricing Expectations

    Pricing details for the MoErgo Go60 have yet to be revealed, but it’s reasonable to expect it won’t be inexpensive. The MoErgo Glove80 is priced at $399, which includes a travel case. Nevertheless, since the Go60 is less complex, mainly due to the absence of key wells, it may turn out to be more budget-friendly, even with the inclusion of trackpads.

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    MoErgo Go60: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual TouchpadsMoErgo Go60: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual TouchpadsMoErgo Go60: Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Dual Touchpads

     

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