deskthority

This is my second iteration at modifying an Infinity-Ergodox kit to provide me a thumb cluster, better to my comfort and liking. There are 8 buttons for each thumb cluster.

• The vertical 2U button (SA Row 3) under the 'B' and 'N' keys is my thumb neutral position.
• The three to the inside are hit with the thumb slightly tucked under the palm. Notice the use of the Row 1 and Row 2 SA profile keys, which, to me, has a better feel than the all Row 3 keys that I first tried.
• The three black keys (SA Row 2) and the far green 1.5U key (SA Row 1) outside the neutral key are hit with the thumb extended comfortably (for me) outwards.
• The bottom black key can be easily chorded (pressed together with) either the middle black key or the outside green key. This gives me a Ctrl-Layer combination with just a single thumb press.
• The bottom, central button is a palm button that I map to the GUI key.
• Additionally, I hit the bottom, outside column key with the upper, pinky side palm. Notice that this is an SA Row 4 key, turned around to match the palm angle.

You can see the blank expanse of stainless steal where the original thumb cluster of the kit was positioned. I found this an uncomfortable stretch. The inner thumb cluster keys were taken from the bottom row of the kit, which I also found inconvenient to use.

Here is the first iteration:

Really interesting!
Is that handwired or..??

Custom switchplate, Infinity-Ergodox PCB, with the moved switches 'hand-wired?' and threaded back to the PCB.

(these are from the first build)

Here are the key mappings, and underlying JSON file, for this build: Here is a link to the JSON file that can be used to bootstrap the keymappings and layout with the on-line configuration tool at input.club
https://github.com/john-r0/ErgoHack/blo ... hack3.json
https://input.club/configurator-ergodox/

Love the extra level of customization you've done!

Was it difficult to source the custom plate?

I just built my Ergodox Infinity and I'm overwhelmingly happy with it in the stock configuration. But now I want a second for home use. Not sure I want to wait for another drop so I'm wondering just how tricky it would be to source all the parts for an original ergodox as it seems you can buy the PCBs for those on a few sites. I don't want to go with an EZ because I don't like the switch choices they offer and to be totally honest, I really enjoyed the build. Wouldn't mind doing a little more work to get that extra level of customization by sourcing everything.

Thanks in advance!!

are you planning to design an pcb?

(sorry for the outage)
The custom plate was easy. I use lasergist.com and found them cheaper, quicker, and easier to work with than the metal fabrication shops in my metropolitan area.

I get my prototype 3 and 4 case custom cut through ponoko.com. The quality is good, quickness is good, but I wish the price were better. I might do more shopping for the plate and the case if I start building these for others. For now, I have been finding appreciative homes for my previous prototypes amongst extended family members who are either gamers or programmers.

With my third, and upcoming fourth prototypes, I have used fasteners and cork feet from McMaster-Carr (https://www.mcmaster.com/). They have a huge selection of kit. I'll post a picture shortly.

I have started posting the plate and case cut files at https://github.com/john-r0/ErgoHack , as these are open source derivatives.

And lastly, once my key positional tweaks have stabilized (I'm almost done, maybe prototype 4 will be 'it'), I do plan to edit the Infinity-Ergodox PCB. In addition to aligning the keys with the plate, I want to move the LCD display above the thumb cluster, where it will be visible. Currently, my SA row 1 keys hide the display from much of my view.