Do you use a QMK Keyboard? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 12:54:06 pm
content: I just discovered the nice custom firmware QMK for keyboards,https://docs.qmk.fm/#/Curious to see how many of you EE are using one.Edit: Typo.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 01:54:43 pm
content: You meant QMK?I built one (dactyl-manuform), building another one, less fancy (https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2403698), but easier to adapt.

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 03:15:50 pm
content: Quote from: exe on March 29, 2019, 01:54:43 pmSorry typo. Thanks.Looks good, do you use some layers for some EE EDA CAD Software?

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 03:23:04 pm
content: Quote from: zucca on March 29, 2019, 03:15:50 pmSorry, what?

author: Domagoj T
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 04:27:59 pm
content: I'm trying, and failing, to imagine what is this custom firmware for specific DIY keyboards supposed to be capable of that I'm lacking in my everyday life, that also isn't possible to do with a simple script in Autohotkey.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 29, 2019, 07:39:07 pm
content: Quote from: Domagoj T on March 29, 2019, 04:27:59 pmYou have an assumption that you already have a keyboard. But when you build one from scratch you need an mcu and firmware. Qmk is a very good firmware.Concerning features, it supports both low-level functions (like, handles communication between two halves of a split keyboard), and high-level like OS-independent layouts (I'm going to use colemak when I have enough spare time to switch). Many features are for 40-60% keyboards. It also has tons bells and whistles, like support for leds, etc. See here the list of main features:https://docs.qmk.fm/#/features.

author: Domagoj T
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: March 30, 2019, 10:11:22 pm
content: Right. Does it happen often that DIYers who suddenly find themselves a keyboard short due to an unforeseen event, such as an immediate and catastrophic failure of their previous one, opt to just open their parts drawer and whisk up a home made one? Presumably without plugging in a replacement first to type up the firmware? After all, On-Screen Keayboard has been a standard part of Windows for a while.I have a cheap ass (as in $45 shipped from the other side of the planet) mechanical keyboard with individually controlled RGB backlight for each key. It does a good deal of the listed features out of the box.QuoteI don't mind if somebody complicates the very simple aspect of life, which is owning a keyboard, and want something that they can claim to have made themselves, but I just don't understand it. Ah well, if you have fun building it, I suppose that's purpose in itself. I'm not entirely innocent of that myself.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: March 30, 2019, 11:13:14 pm
content: Quote from: Domagoj T on March 30, 2019, 10:11:22 pmI think you are selectively ignoring some my statements. Like, not everyone is using Windows. Or your example with a $45 keyboard. Good luck finding a split curved keyboard customized to your hand for $45. I can also make it wireless if I want to. I also want many features implemented in hardware, as configuring software on multiple laptops I use my keyboards with is a burden I can avoid.And why spending $45 at all if there is a free on-screen keyboard? The answer is it's a matter of personal preference. It's silly to discuss this. It's totally fine if you are happy with a stock keyboard. It's impossible to beat a stock Chinese keyboard in price. I know that, it's definitely not to save money (although stock curved keyboards may cost well over $300, at this price point I prefer a DIY solution).Funny enough, I started building my second keyboard because my main keyboard (old stock logitech) started misbehave. Unfortunately, I didn't finish the project as it's a quite some job. But it's totally possible to build one over the weekend (or quicker if I traded build quality for build speed).

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 10:45:15 am
content: Quote from: exe on March 29, 2019, 03:23:04 pmNevermind, I wanted to know if you programmed special keys/hotkeys for example Altium Designer, KiCAD....I am now testing this guy here:https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=69169.0Basically it converts a normal keyboard in a TMK one. If anyone is interested to try it one I habe one available to sell.

author: exe
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 11:01:33 am
content: Quote from: zucca on April 01, 2019, 10:45:15 amAh, now I get it. I mainly use diptrace and ltspice, both have configurable hotkeys out-of-the-box. But the idea is interesting, may try with some other software that doesn't allow changing hotkeys.

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 11:19:01 am
content: The few times I've been forced to use a (mildly) split one, it felt really awkward and I constantly missed the keys near the edge because they were on the other half! I can type 120wpm+ on a regular QWERTY keyboard already...Interesting look at the firmware of a "real"keyboard:http://www.halicery.com/8042/8042_1503033.TXT

author: Zucca
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: April 01, 2019, 12:00:49 pm
content: Quote from: amyk on April 01, 2019, 11:19:01 amRespect.After 1 month of 10 finger system (https://www.typingclub.com) I am at 40wpm. It seems so so fast for me.