Recently picked up a Kinesis Advantage 360 Pro and I love it! I also love bringing my laptop to the coffee shop to do work.

I’m wondering how difficult and expensive it would be to build a custom split keyboard to match the Kinesis as closely as possible. I would want this keyboard to be flat and use low-profile keys, but have the same thumb clusters and ortholinear layout allowing me to utilize the same muscle memory. I would also like it to be flat enough that I can fit it in a laptop sleeve case.

I have no idea how difficult it is to build custom keyboards. I’ve watched a few videos, but I would love some tips. I have some very basic soldering skills and I would love a fun project!

I want something designed to last, but I would love to do this for under $200 if possible. I have no idea if that’s remotely realistic.

If there are prebuilt split keyboard that match the Kinesis closely, I’m happy for recommendations but I figured this is specific enough it would need to be custom.

Thanks in advance!

  • moseschrute@lemmy.worldOP
    1·
    8 days ago

    Yeah, but it didn’t seemed as stable or well built as the Advantage. And for a travel keyboard it’s not flat enough imo. But I know a lot of people like it and I didn’t actually get a chance to try it. But the Advantage does feel very solidly built.

    • TheUnicornOfPerfidyEnglish
      1·
      8 days ago

      It feels a little bit flimsy because the palm rest is only attached in a small area. Adding an extra connection between some of the feet on either side of that connection fixes that entirely. I’ve done it with a baseplate and that allows me to attach hem to tripods, clamps, etc. too.

      They could definitely be more portable though. I’ve just picked us a mutch smaller Geist Totem to those ends. I’m hoping to build it over the holidays.