Taking inspiration from the Planck (40% grid keyboard), I wanted to make a small keyboard that was also staggered. My first attempt was a 35% layout, which I originally posted to /r/mechanicalkeyboards. and then also here at Deskthority. There was enough interest over at /r/MK that I followed up with an interest check survey and then partnered with Jack over at Ortholinear Keyboards in order to produce the mounting plates for the Quark. The Quark is essentially an improved version of my 35% DIY project.
Quark Keyboard Layout
At 12 columns x 4 rows, the 40% footprint is the same as the Planck keyboard. Also, all of the modifier keys are standard sizes (1.25U and 1.5U) and the spacebar on the Quark (2.75U) is the same size as most right shift keys, so it shouldn't be difficult to reuse or find keycaps for this board.
Quark Top Plate
The metal top plates for the Quark will fit on all of the Planck cases and bottoms available at Ortholinearkeyboards.com. Another cool feature of this mounting plate is that it fits both Cherry MX and Alps/Matias switches. This also allows for the removal of the top part of Cherry MX keyswitches (i.e. disassembly).
Orders are being placed now (direct link). It will take some time to produce the plates and ship them, but I think the current ETA is mid-May (need to check on this).
So, what do you think?
