GergoPlex - A Detailed Look At This Ultra-Minimal Mechanical Split Keyboard

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My pursuit of a portable mechanical keyboard that I can use everywhere I go including with my iPad has led me to the tiny case-less GergoPlex! This is about as simple and purest form of a keyboard imaginable. It‘s just the PCB with the keys on top. That‘s it!
I start the video with a recap on my keyboard journey so far which provides some context and background on the way I’m evaluating this keyboard. If you‘re short on time you can skip to 04:05 to get straight into the Gergoplex review! (This video is 16 mins long but you did ask for detail!)
In this video I explore some interesting features of this keyboard, look at what it sounds like, what it fees like to type on and how well it meets my needs as the one keyboard to rule them all.
The GergoPlex is an ultra-light ultra-minimal keyboard based around the idea that all you need is a PCB with 36 keys on the top. This concept really resonates with me and I find myself very drawn to this.
The GergoPlex uses low profile Kailh Choc switches with very light linear springs which makes for a very unusual typing experience. The other interesting thing about these switches is they are closer together than the MX style switches, somewhat offsetting the need for a sculpted keycap profile to reduce the finger movement distance between rows and allowing for a less stretched hand between columns.
Learn more about the GergoPlex: www.gboards.ca
Buy the cables I use with my GergoPlex here:
TRRS UK amzn.to/3gj0UpX
TRRS US (this is similar but not exactly the one I have): amzn.to/3gc0Fwt
USB UK: amzn.to/3wdMlJy
USB US: amzn.to/3czT1Ki
See this video for details on the layout I’m using on this keyboard: • Designing A Keyboard L...
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📺 More of my keyboard videos:
Moonlander Review: • Moonlander Split Keybo...
Planck EZ Review: • Planck EZ Review - The...
Staggered vs Ortholinear: • Conventional Keyboards...
Tap Dance Walkthrough: • Awesome NEW Feature fo...
Using Mouse Mode: • iPad Mouse Support Wit...
Moonlander extreme tenting: • Is This The Most Comfo...
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Contents:
00:00 Intro
00:25 What led me to this point (how I’m evaluating the Gergoplex)
04:05 Gergoplex overview
05:30 How are choc switches different?
06:41 How do the choc switches sound?
07:13 Gergoplex ergonomics
09:17 Kit or fully built
09:28 Build quality
09:54 Mini-USB connector
10:38 Exposed pins underneath
11:19 Using the Gergoplex on your lap
11:33 Design
12:52 Optional case
13:10 The impact of the split on portability
14:24 A 3DKeeb.com Gergoplex?
15:07 The end game?
15:46 Wish list for the future
16:08 Bye for now!
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31 май 2024

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Комментарии : 261

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Given the issues around getting hold of these you might want to do what I’ve done and go straight to making your own! ru-vid.com/group/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

@BenVallack Год назад

@@netez5252 yeah it’s very sad to see what’s happened. The DIY route is super fun though!

@jebbish Год назад

This is truly fascinating to me. I have ordered a few kits and will start construction soon. The one thing I am missing (and I have spent several days searching) is where are you getting the keycaps? I am guessing they are Kam or Tea profiles.

@barbazzfoo Год назад

How do you feel about the lack of a case? And do you miss the lack of tenting?

@sakekasi 3 года назад

So glad you're giving tiny keyboards the coverage they deserve! It's really hard to find high quality videos on them, but they're *so* cool. Really enjoying my moonlander and olkb planck (both inspired by you!)

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Great stuff!

@gfilippou 2 года назад

although the moonlander isn't exactly small

@xwdishere 2 года назад

Re: 15g vs 12g springs: Jane discovered that after about a year Choc switches with 12g springs stop returning, and decided to stop stocking them. There's not much difference in weighting, and pressing four of them is still about as much total weight as a typical single MX switch, so it's great for chording.

@zoenagy9458 Год назад

its' possible to cut springs in half

@roughparrot6810 3 года назад

It's so funny you posted this today. I just received and programmed my gergoplex this week after doing a bit of research and finding that it was the best designed keyboard that fit my needs. After using it for only a couple days I'm really impressed. Genuinely great keyboard.

@philipanderson9434 2 года назад

Hi Ben, just wanted to thank you for sharing your down the keyboard rabbit hole jouerny. I have been suffering with neck and shoulder issues from mouse and keyboard over use. It's been affecting my work and causing issues for.some years and when it flares up I cannot use a mouse or keyboard. I just watched this video as was about to click pay on a zsa moonlander on ebay in the UK. So instead I ordered the GergoPlex kit instead. Your video inspired me and I think the keyboard will be better suited to my work as the keyboard needs to very portable and can be used in studio gallery's where the can be very little desk space. Watching you sit with it on your lap helped me to see how this could really work for me. So thanks again for sharing.

@GirdEmUp 3 года назад

Awesome! Very interesting build, for sure. I love how portable the GergoPlex is. Portability mixed with ergonomics and functionality is the holy Trinity of keyboards!

@BenVallack 3 года назад

The man himself! Yeah it‘s really cool for sure. Did you see you had a request in another comment on here for a GergoPlex with basic white backlight? heh.

@waywardpotato 3 года назад

I've had my eye on the Gergo for some time, glad it is so awesome!

@magnus1liljeqvist 2 года назад

Awesome channel. Well produced. Beautiful filmed and good info.

@alexmisk 3 года назад

Hey Ben! I've started my journey into the world of mech keebs just about a year ago. Ordered a Vortex Race III first, used it for about a month, disappointed and returned it to the seller. A few months passed when I accidentally discovered your Planck EZ review. It was love at first sight: I've ordered my Plank almost immediately and this keeb really was like a gateway drug for me. Now I am typing these words on builded from scratch Corne :-) Thank you sooooooo much for your passion and approach that has given me a new hobby!

@BenVallack 3 года назад

You’re welcome! Awesome! Yeah the Planck EZ is an amazing thing!

@Sengenda 3 года назад

I love your videos Ben! I am following a similar route into this weird rabbit hole, having moved from Full Size to TKL to 65 to Planck and currently using a Keyboardio Atreus. I have also gotten myself a FalbaTech Redox a few years ago, but as I couldnt get it to work properly back then I havent pursued that split keeb road any further. Cant get myself to use it now as it is too many keys, non hot-swappable and I just love my ergo clears. Next on my list was actually the GergoPlex, so thanks for that review!

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Awesome glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for commenting!

@jwoolson 3 года назад

Fantastic overview, Ben.

@u1ti 2 года назад

Hmm yeah I can see why this would have a significant advantage over something like the Planck, based on your use case. This is kinda why I want to get really good with Vim at some point haha. Thanks for putting a spotlight on this keyboard, it is definitely something I'll keep in mind as a possible end-game option.

@Hendori3 3 года назад

This really is an awesome minimalist keyboard. The design images on the pcb’s are I think inspired on ‘pi-the movie’. I myself am using an even smaller keyboard called the Ferris Sweep. It has 34 keys, but for the rest it is practically the same as the gergoplex. I love the low profile keys and the fact that the switches are so close to each other. It really helps with chording which is amazing with the light keyswitches that you use. Good luck and have fun with the keyboard

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Ah intesting! Sure I watched that film many years ago! I can totally see how chording would make a 34 layout possible. Do you have your layout anywhere to look at?

@Hendori3 3 года назад

@@BenVallack I don't have a shareable layout I'm afraid. It is in a fork of my qmk-firmware, but it is not properly formatted. I can share you my inspiration for it. I use something similar to i.imgur.com/j6Illg2.png. I am using qwerty layout. Especially the numbers like this work really well. It is rare for me to push a modifier to go to another layer. I think if you want to use chords, you really need keys just like on your gergoplex

@andytypes8271 3 года назад

i love hearing these keyboard journey how they ended up with what they use. I also would love to see if you had any miss-steps too

@BenVallack 3 года назад

I spent a long time learning Workman before going to Colemak DHm. That I guess was a misstep. The rest has been really fun!

@CraigBurden1 2 года назад

Hey Ben! I love the videos, they have inspired me to jump the qwerty ship and embrace tiny keyboards. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share the details of that TRRS cable you are using in this video, I'm struggling to find a nice one and that looks perfect. Keep it up!

@olafschermann1592 Год назад

BTW: very nice rembrand light on you and matching classic background light.

@mvargasmoran 2 года назад

MAD MAN! love your vids.

@alpacamale2909 3 года назад

I was very happy to settle with a common run of the mill 40% but it has been fun seeing how you've gone past it and done your own thing.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

heh 40% is pretty awesome. Main thing is you’re not carting around that row above the top row!

@jackfranklin3341 2 года назад

Love this video! Would love a guide on how to create and flash a layout onto the keyboard - struggling to get an idea of that. Thanks!

@999samus7 3 года назад

I am so happy that I talked to you about this keyboard and you made a video about it, I don't use it, but I can't stress enough that your videos are really interesting to watch Ben, still waiting on your transition to colemak mod dh, I don't know if you want me to give you a list of things that can help you plan the video...

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Thanks so much! Yes please do feel free to fire over some ideas/things you want to see in that video!

@999samus7 3 года назад

@@BenVallack - how did you come to the conclusion you had to switch. - the normal stuff, how hard it was to switch and how long it took for you to adjust, please specify if like myself and many other people you joined a community of people for emotional support haha, like the colemak discord server or if you just went on your own and practiced everyday. - are you enjoying the rolls? - things you miss from workman. - things yoy don't miss from workman that you notice are better in DH, if any. - word from advice you have to give to someone that would like to switch, I personally don't have an ortholinear keyboard and use vanilla colemak because dh is not the same in grid layout compared to row staggered keyboards and on top of that, the way you press the keys on the left side of the bottom row is different, I was too lazy yo relearn how I type even if it is that little thing.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

@@999samus7 Awesome many thanks this is great!

@happytony6181 2 года назад

It's great, the zsa team needs you!

@Etlos1 2 года назад

Im sitting between this and the moonlander. Already pretty set on using your layout, so the Gergo seems like the prober solution. But how does the 2 compare in terms of ergonomics when taking the tilt of the moonlander, and the generel feel into acount? Would you say theres is still a place for the moonlander for you, and if so where/what is that place compared to the Gergo? Cheers, love your vids! your my ergo guru!

@princez.2648 3 года назад

Where's a good place to get a corne LP but with backlighting and assembled for you? I haven't had a lot of luck finding anywhere that offers it. Any help would be great because i absolutely need backlighting on an ortho LP keyboard. :3

@DanielASchaeffer 2 года назад

I've been using the UHK for about 18 months and thinking of going to a 40% layout. I want a split keyboard that allows me to route the bridge cable around the back of my chair with the keys on my armrests. This GergoPlex looks fascinating but do you know how long the cable can be? I see G Heavy Industries is a bit indisposed these days so I don't want to trouble them.

@hellzsaint5 3 года назад

Great video! Would love to support 3Dkeeb making some of these to get them rolling out sooner 👍 have just finished my own 36 key layout on the moon lander after being inspired by your own journey and might get one of these as a travel keyboard :D

@coleonoscopy69 2 года назад

If you want this in bluetooth, I would suggest you try to get your hands on a Corne-ish Zen. I purchased it while it was in gb, and just recently got it, and I am very excited to see how this works out for me

@lpanebr 2 года назад

I've just finished my DracuLad 36 keys layout keyboard using kailh choq switches! I'm loving it. The only thing bothering me is the springs are heavy and I can't find where to buy the 12 gram springs you mention??

@solverz4078 Год назад

Corne choc kit + choc sockets + nice!nanos == lightweight, wireless, and lowprofile split keyboard. You should definitely look at this combo ☺

@jeelliovuscow5522 2 года назад

Thank you for putting together all this content! I'm getting ready to start with my first mechanical keyboard, but had switched to Colemak a few years back because of the comfort of staying "on the home row". (You've taught me about Colemak-DH! So now I have some learning and practice ahead of me.) That same intent-to minimize finger movement-makes this 36-key layout on the GergoPlex very attractive...very! ¿Do you feel that your journey through layouts/keyboards with more than 36 keys is am important transitional exercise when coming from a full size keyboard or do you think that making the transition "cold turkey" from a full size to 36 would be difficult, but efficient in getting to the ultimate goal of keeping your fingers within one key of home at all times?

@BenVallack 2 года назад

You’re welcome! I guess there is a case for not doing too many things at once. I must admit I am a bit of a 'jump in and hope for the best' type once I have an idea in my mind! Maybe learning stagger on a normal size first would help, also depends how many keyboards you want to get through I guess! I've been a bit spoiled with the many freebies.

@rheijne95 3 года назад

I came here from your Optimum No Rinse video: This is some alien technology lol. It looks so weird and cool to me!

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Yeah totally! I really love the way it looks! I will be doing a ‘custom keyboards for total beginners’ at some point to show what’s involved with getting started with something like this. It’s a fun thing to have got involved with. Funnily enough I still don’t really consider myself a keyboard enthusiast (any more than I consider myself a car cleaning enthusiast!) just a computer user in pursuit of the ultimate keyboard!

@MCgranat999 2 года назад

Hi, Where can I find resource or BOM list for GergoPlex? It would be even more awesome if it would have the Heavy plate but for now GergoPlex is out of stock for quite some time, both prebuilt and diy.

@producdevity Год назад

I can’t seem to find where to buy springs for the Kailh Choc V1’s. Could someone link me a place to order these?

@sqwert654 Год назад

I've loved ergo keyboards ever since having the original, MS white ergo. Have the MS ergo wireless atm . But the keys are not mechanical. This split design looks very nice, love the minimal design just for coding. What I have about Cherry switched is they seem to rattle a lot, these keys seem far firmer. On O-rings try the ones used in FPV drone flight controllers, they cushion the controller and are about 0.5mm in diameter

@Reflectives 2 года назад

How durable is the naked pcb keyboard? How long will it work without the case?

@trocchiettoski 2 года назад

As adults with familiy, would like to know if such a low actuation key, helps when one have to type when is tired, or on the morning if did not sleep enough.Sometimes I gotta invest some extra energy with the planck with brown cherry, so sparing energy without wobbling is my only selling point

@youngwanify 3 года назад

which qmk github branch did you use when flashing? qmk main does not support gergoplex I think. qmk configurator is working for this board? I did not find this on the qmk configurator

@BenVallack 3 года назад

There is a fork that supports it by Germ (the GergoPlex creator) github.com/germ/qmk_firmware

@HLover03 2 года назад

Hi there, thanks for the great video. You mentioned that you didn't have much problems with accidental hits, I was wondering if you rest your fingers on the keycaps while not typing and if you use a palm rest with this or your ferris keyboard. I tried the white keychron low profile optical linear switches with 30g operating force and while resting my finger tips on the keycaps and my palm on the palm rest, I'll always actuate the keys without applying any force just by the weight of my finger tips, so I'm having difficulty choosing switches as I also really like the feeling of light switches.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Yeah I’m very nervous of the accumulating pressure of resting my wrists on anything so don’t use a wrist/palm rest. I think my fingers may just touch the keys for orientation sometimes but light enough to not hit them.

@ChrisLeeW00 2 года назад

Love to see you try an ASETNIOP layout ;)

@taylorpetty2198 2 года назад

I'm beginning to look into tiny keyboards from an RSI standpoint, not a portability standpoint. Less finger travel --> less strain. If you could put up something about key mapping, or whatever it is that you do to gain access to digits, symbols, etc, that would be great. And separately, although it seems that I would be more ergonomic to move your fingers less to hit punctuation and symbols, do you find that's actually true? I program computers a lot.

@GregorGorjanc 3 года назад

Nice video! Would love to watch one on making this keyboard quiet;)

@GregorGorjanc 3 года назад

This video ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-dWfQeuXDK_o.html shows what’s possible, I think

@GregorGorjanc 3 года назад

This one ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-aAV7b0U4d8Y.html

@tygriffin5528 Год назад

I've got a GergoPlex "heavy" that I'm getting ready to rebuild. Each side is surrounded by (not exactly sure) but maybe a 1/3 lb metal case. Not really portable, but it is a beautiful keyboard.

@user-td5gy2fh3p 11 месяцев назад

this looked so cool! it's a shame that it's not being sold anymore :(

@Seefood73 3 года назад

Endgame? Come on, you haven't tried Neuralink yet :) Also, I know a lawyer guy who uses a 7 key keyboard, I don't think the company exists anymore, but it should be easy to recreate with an Arduino. 2 thumb keys for layers, other 5 keys for the 5 fingers, where you have 31 binary combos (2⁵-1). He trained himself to type a comfy 50 or 60 wpm if memory serves. Single handed (yup), the most minimal it gets...

@BenVallack 3 года назад

heh true. Re. 7 keys, wow yeah that is impressive!!

@RykerFreegeld 2 года назад

What a cool company. Very quirky products on their website too. Thanks!

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Yeah they are a bit overwhelmed at the moment but catching up I think! Check my community posts for some updates on this.

@RykerFreegeld 2 года назад

@@BenVallack Yep, all "Sold Out" and entire site "Shutdown due to backlog". Will do! Thanks!

@avgsoul 3 года назад

How does programming the key binding on GergoPlex and 3DKeeb compare to ZSA's Oryx? What are the limitations of these keyboards, if any, compared to ZSA's keyboards? What compromises, if any, did you have to make to your keybindings?

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Limitations are two-fold. One is the size of the space available, I had to remove a lot of my tap dance keys to get the firmware to fit. The other limitation is the complexity to getting the layout setup and on the board. Oryx makes it so easy and fun that it lets you freely experiment whereas the hassle of writing the code in QMK kind of puts you off making small or big changes. The advantages are that QMK features are ahead of the Oryx implementation so you can do things like chords in native QMK but not in Oryx.

@garciajero 2 года назад

Do you still use these kind of setups when you are under pressure? im an SRE and im all happy to try new keyboards switches etc.. but when there's a fire (workwise) i switch laytouts keyboards and everything cause the stress would be too much.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

I do now but agree it isn't something you want to be doing until it's totally in your muscle memory!

@notgate2624 2 года назад

Something like this but more solid and wireless (not between the halves) is ideal for me. My firmware requires low latency communication between each half, so having the halves be wireless sounds like it would complicate things, but maybe it would be fine.

@todologic Год назад

Hi. Sorry to bother you, but I can’t locate the name of the keycaps that you are using (displayed in the miniature of the video). I remember finding them in the past… can you point me to them? Thanks a lot.

@BenVallack Год назад

mkultra.click/mbk-choc-keycaps

@todologic Год назад

@@BenVallack Thanks.

@_.gray._ 3 года назад

I really like the minimal design of the keyboard, but I'd probably end up going with a 3D-printed case if I were to get one (maybe with a clear material so I can still see the awesome artwork on the PCB)! How long would you say the switch from a larger split keyboard took? I think my biggest question comes down to the configurability. How much freedom do you have in which keys do what? I'm pretty used to Oryx by now, being an Ergodox owner, so that may be the hardest part of switching. Great video, by the way, keep up the good work!

@FelixSargent 3 года назад

The Gergoplex runs QMK, which is the same underlying firmware that the ZSA keyboards use, though without the snazzy interface. There are GUI tools like VIA which can make similar configurations, but for complex macros and tap key customization you're going to do some code splunking.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Many thanks! Yeah as Felix says there is no limit with what you can do, only how you do it. In fact you can do things like chords with QMK that aren’t supported on Oryx yet.

@_.gray._ 3 года назад

@@BenVallack Glad to hear it, thanks! I guess I might pick up a kit sometime soon and make this my first real mechanical keyboard project!

@_.gray._ 3 года назад

@@FelixSargent That's very helpful, thank you! I guess I've got some studying to do very soon haha

@marekchudy8893 Год назад

Thank you

@angushenderson4033 2 года назад

would there be a chance i could buy your old corne keyboard off you i really want to try these awesome keyboards i just dont have the money

@miftahfadhlulla 3 года назад

I’ve been using ergo mech keebs quite a long time and I wish a could elaborate my keyboard journey as you do. If you want a low pro keeb, Corne Light is the low pro version of Corne Classic/Cherry. But Idk whether the outer column can be cut as Corne Classic can be. Whilst Planck through hole or Plaid could be your low pro alt for your Planck EZ

@ImDino 2 года назад

You don't know what smooth is until you tried sakurio switches, especially if you lube and film them. They're more silent than my kailh box silent pink aswell (and smoother even without lube and film). I realized film is not just for noise, it helps the keypress me more stable/smooth if your press is a bit off (center)

@danielrodrigoalegriasallo6479 Год назад

I went from wanting to buy a 60% keyboard to a 40% keyboard and now that I've seen some of your videos I really only need this.

@BenVallack Год назад

Yeah 36 keys is a good layout. I don’t think anyone really needs more than that! You can go smaller though :) ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5RN_4PQ0j1A.html

@codypappa1667 Год назад

I wish I was able to get one of these to try out

@briandublidi4708 2 года назад

Why not make hexagonic layout on ultrasmall keyboard?

@BenVallack Год назад

Subscribe to my new custom keyboards channel! www.youtube.com/@BenVallacksKeyboards

@ryanwwest 2 года назад

You have excellent, high-quality content, I love it. I recently ordered the Planck to get into this, but I noticed that both this and your split Planck video only have 5 main columns of keys per hand, not 6. So you are using your index finger for double duty on that inner-most column. The thumb also can move both left and right. Why not do the same for the pinky fingers, having an extra 6th outer column? Clearly the GergoPlex doesn't offer these keys, but I'm wondering what disadvantage that would pose. And also, what profile keycaps are on the GergoPlex here? They look slightly less flat than F10s.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Bascally the idea of stretching my pinkies out to another column is something I really want to avoid. I need to move my hand to do that as they definitely can’t reach if I keep my hands in the home position. My index fingers aren’t doing any more work as a result of this, they are used for the same letters as normal. I just come up with alternative ways to get things like backspace shift and enter. See this video for details. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-S0bBmcoVsm8.html

@ryanwwest 2 года назад

@@BenVallack That makes sense, thanks! I've got the Planck now and can see what you mean.

@markmoreno7295 Год назад

Colemak? And do you resort to the software keyboard for the rare occasion that you need numbers?

@BenVallack Год назад

It’s all on thee with layers - I’m using this layout now: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-5RN_4PQ0j1A.html

@LiftedStarfish 2 года назад

One way that you could probably solve the portability issue, if one were the kind of person to get a case for it, and they were so inclined, it probably wouldn't be a too design a case which snapped the two halves facing one another.

@dewijones92 3 года назад

I have been wondering recently about gloves that controls input. Only requiring tiny finger movements to trigger input. The ergonomics and comfort would be the best. I may do some research 😁

@BenVallack 3 года назад

There are some serioury strange things out there, got to love how humans test things out!

@ethereal41 2 года назад

If you wanted to go really quiet, i suggest overlubing the springs, the sliders and the stems. i woudl recoment making a case too. Not a REALLY THICK case, maybe more of a "As Thin As Possible", and add case foam. I really dont know if this is possible with choc switches, but maybe you could film them? That would reduce rattle. O-Rings are great, but in my opinion O-Rings are basically adding the rubber back to a keyboard type that was built to remove every last trace of rubber and membrane. But, it works so you should try it.

@modularcarpet 2 года назад

What is your experience with the software for configuring the keyboard? What website do you use to configure your layout? How easy is it to flash? How does it compare to ZSA’s config site? I currently use a Planck EZ and I find the ZSA site very easy to use. Thanks.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

So you have to install the creator’s branch of QMK, it’s pretty geeky stuff, then you use the command line to flash it once you’ve edited the config files. Quite a different league to the ZSA polish really!

@modularcarpet 2 года назад

@@BenVallackThanks for the reply. I had a Ergodox Infinity and I had a lot of trouble getting that to flash with QMK - I ended up having to use their own configurator, which has several limitations. That's what I love about the ZSA experience - simple, but powerful. If only ZSA would do a small split keyboard like the GergoPlex (even if it was a bit bıgger). I was going to get a Moonlander, but your videos have convinced me that smaller is better (less finger travel). I love the Planck, but I would like a small split keyboard for my desktop at work. The GergoPlex looks so cool, but they only have kits left and I'm not sure if I fancy soldering SMDs with my limited soldering skills...

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Yep exactly, we can only hope for a smaller Moonlander!! Hopefully Gboards will start making Ready boards again soon. Not sure what the status of 3dkeeb.com making Gergoplexes is but they are on the site.

@dgaa1991 3 года назад

I guess you still are using workman, how are you handling keybindings with various editors and IDE's? I would really like to use the workman layout but I find it hard to use with vim and vim for vscode....

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Actually changed to Colemak DHm a while ago. I will do a video on it soon. The way I dealt with vim it to just remap the bare minimum of keys to make hjkl eqivalents work, then map those to somewhere else. Feel as confident in vim now as I ever did with QWERTY.

@nickcbet 2 года назад

Is that cable long enough to split the board to be on both sides of a 14inch laptop? Run the cable behind it but have each section on opposite sides of the laptop to open up my shoulders.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

That particular one would probably be too short but you can get a longer version. One with right angle connectors might work better too. Cheers!

@huxt2010 2 года назад

What switches did you use?

@juanfrancisco6049 2 года назад

Hey! sorry, I want to ask you wich keyboard do you prefer, moonlander or kinesis advantage 2? also, there is a new version of kinesis that will be at the market at end of this year. by the way, English is not my native language :)

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Moonlander because of this: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QrKanx-n8vo.html

@davidbcg286 3 года назад

As usual, great video Ben! I've never used a split keyboard but considering one (or the Planck) thanks to you :p Question: Are the thumb keys positioned perfectly? When checking the layout it seems they could be further out (towards the in-between space).

@BenVallack 3 года назад

You’re right I do think they could be naturally slightly further out, only a tiny bit perhaps. I think I find my thumbs resting just on the edge of the home thumb key rather than its center.

@Winter0192 Год назад

Well you could go even smaller with a steno layout if you were dedicated enough. You could save 13 keys. 7 on the left, 10 on the right, 4 vowel keys, a number key, and finally the * key for modifiers. You can completely replace a keyboard with just those keys. However, that would just be if you wanted absolute minimization and learned steno. I like the keyboard though, good job!

@malkcontent 2 года назад

Really enjoy and love the videos and making your files available for your layouts. Sadly I have the oklb Planck and not the Planck EZ and I don’t think you have the files for that since you’d have to write the file like you did for the gergo plex which might be a stretch for me at moment

@malkcontent 2 года назад

Also did you know your SSL cert for your website seems to not be correct. Your site comes back as insecure.

@ThalassTKynn 2 года назад

Is it possible to connect multiple bluetooth keyboards to a tablet or PC? I've never tried, myself. If that could be done then it'd be fairly simple to do, right? Each half already needs a microcontroller anyway, might as well make it a pair of nice nanos, with complimentary halves of a keymap... I dunno, though. I'm still working up the courage to build my first keyboard 😅

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Check out the video I just posted, with the nice!nano controllers they are wireless between the halves so no need for them both to be paired to the host, just one. Building and designing a keyboard is now much simpler than it used to be.

@ThalassTKynn 2 года назад

@@BenVallack ah awesome! I've been resisting but I think I'll end up making a keyboard this year some time.

@GT-tj1qg Год назад

7:01 I reckon O-rings would reduce the travel a bit, and the Gergoplex already has very little travel. But yeah, cool keyboard. Hadn't seen choc switches before

@douglasrohman6191 2 года назад

I ordered this about 3 weeks ago but haven’t heard anything from the seller… has anyone else had this issue?

@mOeFFM187 2 года назад

Hey,got the same issue. did you get the keyboard?

@Natekv223 2 года назад

were can i buy them already soldered, i dont have the tools to solder :( and on the site it seems to be sold out

@Xerunox 2 года назад

you cannot

@davidbcg286 3 года назад

You could consider a slim case that can be split when needed ; or put together as 1 piece for working on your laps.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Yeah that‘s a cool idea actually.

@davidbcg286 2 года назад

www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/oaygvb/i_made_a_thing_cornecrkbd_keyboard_tray/ That tray for the Corne is also a good idea

@SCORP1ONF1RE 2 года назад

I would love to place this on each arm of my Lazy Boy or Barcalounger chair, but I would need at least a 3 ft cord.

@jeelliovuscow5522 2 года назад

What did you use to program the Gergoplex? QMK?

@BenVallack 2 года назад

The creator of the Gergoplex has her own fork of QMK as the normal one doesn’t include the Gergoplex. All pretty easy to figure out actually.

@The8merp 3 года назад

How difficult is setting up layers on this thing, I know ergodox oryx makes it really easy to experiment with layouts. Also Andrew if you are reading this, this design with a slim case and basic white backlight would be amazing

@BenVallack 3 года назад

To be honest I havn’t changed my layout from the one I created for me Planck and Moonlander, so it‘s really mostly just a copy of that. The QMK config is pretty easy to get your head around though but certainly nothing beats Oryx for visualising what you’re doing and the ease of setting it all up.

@rickcowap5061 2 года назад

Hi Ben - Great videos - thanks. I'm sticking with the Corne for now but some time ago I chucked some money at a TextBlade. I have no trouble calling myself an optimist (amongst other things) expecting that one day it will be delivered.... It ticks a lot of boxes I probably share with you though.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Many thanks! Wow that is an iteresting thing with an interesting story!! Heh!

@wyfyj Год назад

I don't use Apple products really. Is there a way to use Vim and text edit on there? Would be really interesting if so.

@BenVallack Год назад

I use Vim with my custom keyboards :) works beautifully.

@redumptious2544 2 года назад

Does anyone know how the IPad Beanbag is called? It looks quite handy.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

iBeani - amzn.to/3M9o5zi

@redumptious2544 2 года назад

@@BenVallack thank you! They don't seem to have it in that beige-ish color anymore :( Great keyboard content btw 🙏

@BillBaran 2 года назад

Great vid. What's that bean bag you're using?

@TheOfAndTo 2 года назад

i just want that have a rgb led to indicate which layer is active, and perfection.

@klyok 3 года назад

What about tap dance and other software customization? How much efforts did you invested to port your EZ layout to this thing? :)

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Very little really! Pretty much copy and paste.

@mschoenholzer 3 года назад

@@BenVallack Can it be flashed with Oryx in the same way as a moonlander?

@josephluck4341 3 года назад

No, you need to use QMK firmware

@BenVallack 3 года назад

@mschoenholzer unfortunately not, but porting a layout from Oryx is actaully pretty easy. Flashing is just done with a command from the command line once you have QMK installed with your layout files set up.

@PKAWA 10 месяцев назад

So how fast are you with this

@NerdAlert4 3 месяца назад

i think your soposed to use that with plover for steno

@hermida 3 года назад

People said to try some shelf liner under the board to keep pins from... pinning things

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Yeah that would work well.

@threepe0 2 года назад

Interested to see your thoughts on the Corne-ish Zen wireless bluetooth spit. Seems like exactly what you're looking for in the end of the video

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Yeah nice looking thing for sure!

@ShawnFumo 2 года назад

I might try to grab one of those once it comes back in stock. They do seem pretty nice!

@karlosdelacruz3803 Год назад

So I've essentially just started on this custom keyboard journey and I can tell I'm going to get sucked in! I've been toying around with my new CRKBD and to my surprise I'm actually not in love with it, BUT, I realize the potential and your videos are shedding a lot of light on what can be done. I opted for the choc low pro switches and realized that these out of the box PCB's are better suited for larger MX style switches. I say this because the chocs can feel a bit far apart, the inner most keys in particular are taking some time to get used to. But when I come back to your videos I notice that your keys are MUCH closer together. So down the rabbit hole we go... to trace tolerances and many late nights. Thanks Ben.

@EldritchElric 3 года назад

For travel purposes they're very nice, and they're very cool aesthetically, but I don't think very low actuation force very low travel distance are ergonomic. I think very low actuation point with low to moderate actuation force in the beginning up to the actuation point but then increasingly high actuation force up to the end, which should be fairly high would be better to help avoiding bottoming out while still allowing for fast typing at the same time.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

This is interesting, what kind of switches achieve that? Interested in experimenting with that. By low actuation point do you mean near the top?

@EldritchElric 3 года назад

@@BenVallack Yes, I mean near the top if you want speed (which may or not be a priority), but with enough strength to not bottoming out easily (that also requires practice). I think the important part is not having very short travel distance. And a medium range actuation point while not typing at near max speed might have actually a better feeling and be much more comfortable, so at the end it is case of preferences, compromises, and what are you looking for (speed, portability, flexibility for different setups, aesthetics, touch feeling...). So ideally you don't want the switches to have very little force and at the same time you don't them to be too heavy so you don't get tired quickly. Ones I'm going to try in a few days are the Kailh Copper (tactile) but maybe more like that, or if you like linear ones there are for sure some switches better fitted for you. Think that you can in fact have zero actuation force if you type on an ipad, for example. That lacks the tactile feedback from actual keys but there is actually zero resistance preventing your fingers to flat out stopping completely when touching the screen. Those micro impacts do stack over time. Here you have a list of different brands of switches with plotted travel distance, actuation point and force: chart-studio.plotly.com/~haata#/ Also keep in mind that more keys is more ergonomic. Sure, overextending your fingers is bad but chording keys (like with a small keyboard in order to access the different layers) is also much worse than having more keys, as long as you move your whole hand without stretching your fingers. The downside being that it is potentially slower and perhaps less productive depending on the specific task. Basically there is no golden bullet, although a young person in good physical condition can get away with things that an older person (or with propensity for injuries) cannot. And it depends a lot on how much you type, if you do it -let's say- half an hour per day the ergonomic aspect is most likely not going to be an issue unless there is very bad posture while typing. And I want to add that I'm not an expert but just that I've researched it (and still learning) after suffering repeated rsi incidences, more and more often as I get older.

@BenVallack 3 года назад

@@EldritchElric Very intersting thanks for the info. I will do some testing on this. Certainly using the GergoPlex with very light pressure to avoid hard bottoming out seems a very nice way of using it. I agree re. fewer keys and chording/layers making things worse! I created a layout based on one time layer and toggle layers here to solve this issue m.ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-WA_GUYS8UJg.html

@youngwanify 3 года назад

Cable is not included even though you bought ready to use?

@BenVallack 3 года назад

Correct, not sure if that was explained somewhere on the site or not but ’ready’ for me didn’t come with usb or trrs cable.

@Raven.flight 2 года назад

I'm really keen on trying the ergonomic/smaller keyboards BUT they aren't cheap, and it's a hell of an expense for a trial, and not something that will sell quickly and easily if you don't like them.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Yeah agree - the best bet is to go straight to making your own: ru-vid.com/group/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

@chris8910 2 года назад

I love my planck except it still hurts my wrist when I type for an extended period of time.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Have you tried hover typing and really focusing on keeping your hands in line with your wrists? ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1C2bJkzIaPE.html

@jannik8664 3 года назад

Does anybody know what these keycaps are called and where to get them? Thx 🙏

@BenVallack 3 года назад

They are the MBK choc caps. I’ve not used this shop before but they appear to have them. mkultra.click/mbk-choc-keycaps

@jannik8664 3 года назад

@@BenVallack that was fast, thanks 🙏

@pun1ca 3 года назад

@Ben Vallack were the caps included in the order you made on gboards.ca (so was the board „ready“ and you just had to get some cables to use it)?

@BenVallack 3 года назад

@@pun1ca yep caps included but not cables. Just make sure you ask for the MBK caps as I don’t think it‘s them by default.

@pun1ca 3 года назад

thanks for the fast answer! And did you chose the 12g or 20g choc switches? I cant „test“ them before and it makes it hard for me to make a decision..

@TN-ec6ec 2 года назад

What kind of work are you doing with your 36 keys? Mainly just writing on the iPad?

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Web development in Vim :)

@BenVallack 2 года назад

But I’m currently using 16 keys heh

@TN-ec6ec 2 года назад

@@BenVallack Wow, really? I would love to know how you practically are able to write special characters plus code with only 16, haha. I might want to switch over then. :)

@ellox 2 года назад

GergoPlex doesn't have a plate? How do you feel about it?

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Love it, it’s so thin and light, I can actually carry it in my pocket.

@ellox 2 года назад

@@BenVallack Thanks. These switches are pretty tempting, I need to find a PCB keyboard for those :).

@Cpt.Tripps 7 месяцев назад

What's the price point on these? Website seems closed at the moment.

@BenVallack 7 месяцев назад

Yeah they shut down unfortunately.

@BankruptGreek Год назад

I have an identical zippo, at least in color

@RichestTea 2 года назад

Did you get a look at the Ginny model, the ten key ASETNIOP? Assuming you have worked out a license with Jane and not just 'borrowing' her design.

@BenVallack 2 года назад

Crazy thing isn’t! Can’t help but want to try it though!

@RichestTea 2 года назад

@@BenVallack I have one and it suits my stiff fingers. You can configure it well enough for Vim. With a rebuilt from the ground up QMK, Its an incredible bit of compact engineering. Hand sanitiser and earbuds will remove the flux.

@chancesmith2658 Год назад

Where can you buy this keyboard?

@BenVallack Год назад

gboards.ca but it looks like the site is unavailable at the moment. There were some issues with the person who makes them, health issues etc. I think they struggled with demand. I would just jump in and build your own now. ru-vid.com/group/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD