I'm deep in the rabbit hole of ergonomic keyboards and working on the design of a wireless, 36-key keyboard that can be used as a unibody or split. This came about because while I enjoy using a split when I'm at a desk, I found it cumbersome to use when I'm moving around at a coworking space or cafe, or even while working on a couch, where a unibody keyboard is more convenient (albeit with less ideal ergonomics).
Normally, split keyboards use two microcontrollers and batteries (one for each half), but this design uses a single microcontroller and a GPIO expander to bridge the two halves together via a magnetic 4-pin connector. It also features a reversible PCB to further keep the overall costs low.
Just finished bringing up the PCBs and putting the ZMK firmware together. Still designing the case for it, but all the files are open-source and on GitHub!
Normally, split keyboards use two microcontrollers and batteries (one for each half), but this design uses a single microcontroller and a GPIO expander to bridge the two halves together via a magnetic 4-pin connector. It also features a reversible PCB to further keep the overall costs low.
Just finished bringing up the PCBs and putting the ZMK firmware together. Still designing the case for it, but all the files are open-source and on GitHub!
https://github.com/justinmklam/dabao