THE LITTLE KEYBOARD GUIDEBOOK your guide to the tiny keyboard scene
To all those that had to deal with my dying, thank you. I hope the final product makes you as proud as I am.
ENTS 11 15 19 59 83 85
Introduction.
Why keyboards? Why little keyboards?
Important Info.
Information for navigating entries. Need to know info - but explained.
Keyboards.
The boards themselves. Details on size, layout, creator, key count, etc. Divided by non-split and split keyboards.
In Use.
Showing what people actually do what these keyboards, and that they are used.
Final words.
Ending acknowledgements and the like.
Credits.
Photo and material sources.
INTRODUCTION
Infinitely customizable, and infinitely cooler than something that’s prebuilt, keyboards have become a means for people to express themselves.
Keyboards are extremely commonplace items. A necessity for communication at this point in time, given how most communication is done through text. Thought of as physical items, the definition has evolved as touch input devices have taken over. At this point, it may be safe to say that keyboards are more thought of as a way to turn physical input into text. There are different layouts available, and different types, but that is one common thing that brings them together.
A 40% keyboard is a keyboard that is approximately 40% of the size of a standard 104 key ANSI (American National Standards Institute) layout. There isn’t a number row. The modifier keys (shift, tab,ctrl,enter, etc.) are smaller than standard. This size usually is missing some of the punctuation. Seemingly impossible to use, these keyboards have inspired their own community, a smaller one in the greater mechanical keyboard enthusiast scene.
In the case of this text, physical keyboards are the subject. Often varying in size, shape, color, weight, feel, and sound, these input devices can have nothing in common at all other than that they are keyboards. This is where the idea of dividing them into categories comes in. Mechanical and non. Low profile or standard. Ergonomic or standard. Big or small. Qwerty, Dvorak, or Colemak? If the title hasn’t already been a clue, this book is going to be more focused on what the community has brought together as far as the little ones. Or, if we’re going to use the “language” of the community, 40% or smaller.
Another aspect that comes with the idea of building a custom keyboard, something deeply tied to 40% keyboards, is the idea the keymap can be changed to whatever a person wants. Programmers have a different use case than designers, as an example. With something this small, the ability to add layers and macros makes a person able to create a completely unique layout specific to them. The more keys you get rid of, the easier it is to find out what keys are essential to your workflow. It’s something many have found to be true concerning these sizes, and creates something attractive to those hoping to clear up space on their desks.
INTRODUCTION
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INTRODUCTION
Convenience. Size. Portability. The challenge. Just a few reasons people want to go down to this size, but it’s resulted in a community specific to this form-factor. Creativity, a want to make something to fit specific needs, a want to push the boundaries of what is able to be used, and the drive to follow through and actually create something. They’re what make little keyboards so varied, even with the limitation of it being based around a bunch of tiny rectangles.
Because of the creativity used when designing something for this scale, there’s variety. No two boards are truly the same at this size. Even with the same layout, different features make up the difference. It’s why this variety was able to even be documented without becoming repetitive. There are too many people with too many ideas for it to be relegated to ‘the same weird shit’ that shows up.
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Stingray cerakoted Neuron - Photo by WalletBurner
INTRODUCTION
What are mechanical keyboards? By definition, every keyboard is mechanical, as they involve some kind of force causing a key press to actuate. Of course, that isn’t applicable in this case, as it doesn’t do anything to help the categorization of keyboards. Another definition,
They became much less common in the 1990’s due to rubber dome keyboards being much cheaper to produce. Most keyboards available on the market are rubber domes, rather than being mechanical. Mechanical ones have been
commonly used, which we’re going to borrow, is that a mechanical keyboard is a keyboard that uses an individual switch to actuate rather than a rubber dome.
relegated to the gamer market, as well as those concerned about ergonomics.
What are these pages? Regarding this section, this is more of an explanation for some of the content in the following pages. Examples being what are switches? Why is the creator not listed with a name? What does SMD even mean? Though this book is directed with those that have more knowledge about the subject, a refresher is still nice. And even if not, giving an explanation to those that have no experience with the subject is a great way to help people get interested in the subject.
IMPORTANT INFO
The following information is more of a quick and dirty run down, giving explanation to things that aren’t necessarily clear, or elaborating how something simple applies to this subject, as there are some distinctions to be made. An example of this being how creators are credited, as explained on a following page, they use handles rather than their actual names, as most creation and publicity comes from social media platforms.
IMPORTANT INFO Name
Switch Type
Everything needs a name and keyboards are no exception. These ones, being often made by single creators, have names that are a bit more memorable than pre-built boards.
Again, comes a set of 3. This time, regarding switches. Switches are the components that actually register key presses. They have different colors, shapes, feels, and of course, types. There are many other types, but currently there are 3 types of switches that dominate the modern custom market. These are MX,
that are equal in quality or surpass them. Alps is a switch less commonly seen, notably they were used in the old Apple keyboards produced before 1994. They have a different footprint than MX switches, and use different keycaps because of their differing stem. There are clones available, but most used currently
Alps, and Kailh Choc.
are either ‘New Old Stock’ or harvested from old keyboards. Kailh Choc are a low profile offering, that are newer than their counterparts. Like Alps, they use a separate footprint, and different keycaps.
Creator One thing easily noticed while going through the keyboard section is the lack of a real name associated with these boards. While websites are available,most creators go by their handles. These handles are often cross platform, the relevant platforms in this case being GitHub, Geekhack, and Reddit.
MX is currently the “standard” switch in use. Originally derived from the Cherry MX Switch, as their patent expired, many ‘clones’ have come onto the market
MX
Alps
Choc
Stagger There are four main types of staggers. Standard stagger, which is the normal stagger used by normal sized keyboards. Uniform stagger, which is similar to standard stagger, but rather than going by the standard, uses a uniform amount of space to stagger the
Connection
keys by. Most commonly this stagger goes in increments of .25 units ( 1u being the standard size of letter key ). Columnar stagger, which is what it says on the tin, staggered columns rather than staggered rows. And finally, Ortholinear stagger, which some consider to be an oxymoron, as ortholinear isn’t staggered, rather, it aligns the keys all on a grid, and changes the modifier keys to all be 1u, instead of the other sizes available.
the surface of the pcb, negating the need for a separate controller, like those found on daughterboards. Daugherboards in this case contain the microcontrollers and the port needed to connect the keyboard to the computer. Examples of this include the Pro‑Micro, Elite-C, and Proton-C.
To keep things simple, there are two different types of connection. SMD port, or a daughterboard. An SMD port is surface mounted device, directly soldered to the board. The microcontroller, or the brain of the keyboard, is also mounted directly on
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CATEGORY
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
NAME CREATOR STAGGER SWITCH TYPE KEY COUNT CONNECTION
A little explanation about the keyboard in question, some of the features may be included, as well as anything that especially distinguishes it from its peers as far as the layout, features, or design. May or may not include if it’s popular or not, as it’s not always applicable.
The layout for each board, showing what size keys go where! As most of these boards are programmable, not everyone puts letters or modifier keys in the same place, so it only shows sizes.
The basic information about the keyboard, and what to consider if you end up wanting to buy a keyboard kit.
An outline of the pcb at real size! This is just the pcb footprint however, as different cases create different footprints. This one for example, is the Pain27, found on page 37.
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A mechanical switch for scale. These are life size, so if you set an actual switch on top of it, it’d fit right over it perfectly.
Fun Fact! May be a fun fact about the board, the design, the purpose, or the name!
KEYBOARD NAME
KEY
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NON-SPLIT
The easiest divide to make between these keyboards, with their differing layouts and features, is whether or not they’re split. This category of course being dedicated to those that aren’t split into two pieces. While perhaps not as ergonomically sound as the split keyboards, these certainly have fun with layouts, and assembly and setup is said to be easier because a person doesn’t have to deal with two separate halves.
Non-splits are also more friendly to those that are new to the 40’s scene, as they end up being closer to what most people expect to see when finding a keyboard. Keys like space are certainly smaller, but the core finger placement is generally the same of a larger keyboard, just with a few columns and rows chopped off.
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NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
PANCAKE SPACEMAN ORTHOLINEAR CHOC 48 DAUGHTERBOARD
Using a 4x12 grid, the pancake is a Kailh Choc exclusive board. Unlike most other boards, the pancake is compatible with feather, giving the user a chance to make the board bluetooth. Another special feature is that this board features choc spacing, rather than MX.
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Fun Fact! The pancake pcb kit also comes with a pancake recipe, lest you get hungry while putting it together. It’s also plateless, keeping it low profile.
PANCAKE
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
GNAP/UT47 40PERCENTCLUB UNIFORM MX 47 DAUGHTERBOARD
A cheaper open source alternative to getting into 40’s, the GNAP. or UT47 as it’s more commonly known, is a staggered board with a triple split space. An unusual layout using uniform stagger, it’s more compatible with most keysets than other layouts.
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Fun Fact! GNAP comes from “GNAP’s not a planck”. The name has since been changed to UT47 allow for commerical production, as OLKB owns the rights to Planck.
GNAP/UT47
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
MINIVAN EVANGS STANDARD MX 44 SMD USB-C
The minivan is often cited as a gateway into the realm of 40% keyboards. It’s an easily accessible layout (with other options), relatively affordable, and not requiring the ability to solder, the van delivers a non threatening entry to downsizing keyboards.
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Fun Fact! The Minivan is one of the most popular staggered 40% layouts, and has even had a successful Kickstarter (Kumo)!
MINIVAN
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
NEURON WALLETBURNER STANDARD MX 45 SMD USB-C
The Neuron is a more premium offering within the world of 40’s. Available in polycarbonate, or anodized aluminum, it uses smd usb-c it uses premium materials that while common in more full sized boards, are a bit more of a rarity at this form factor.
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Fun Fact! The Neuron has an alternate pcb! This one is for a staggered layout, and called the Schwann, named after Theodor Schwann who discovered the Schwann cells in the 19th century.
NEURON
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
BUTTERSTICK GBOARDS.CA ORTHOLINEAR MX,CHOC,ALPS,X 20 SMD MINI-USB
The butterstick is something special. Using chorded QWERTY rather than layers, the typing experience is completely unique to it. Using 20 keys, it seems like it’d be used as a macropad, rather than full keyboard, but the default keymap makes it possible.
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Fun Fact! The pcb of the butterstick is all you need besides switches! Because it uses smd parts, it can be used without a case.
BUTTERSTICK
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
ALPHA PYROL HALF ORTHO MX,CHOC,ALPS 28 DAUGHTERBOARD
One of the keyboards considered to be unusable. the Alpha’s default keymap utilizes layers in ways other boards don’t need to. Only having a spacebar and layer switch, it uses layers to add other modifiers like backspace, or control.
33
Fun Fact! The alphabet has 26 letters!
ALPHA28
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
GHERKIN 40PERCENTCLUB ORTHOLINEAR MX 30 DAUGHTERBOARD
The gherkin, aptly named with its pickle-like silhouette, is one of the smaller keyboards available. Not as small as the Alpha28, it’s been deemed “more usable” by some. Again, it uses layering to access numbers and modifiers to access other functions.
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Fun Fact! The Gherkin is often used as a macropad, and because of this the creator created an alternate version called the “PB Gherkin�, which allows switches face any direction so a user can change the orientation when building it.
GHERKIN
NON-SPLIT
name creator stagger switch type key count connection
PAIN27 WORLDSPAWN STANDARD MX 27 DAUGHTERBOARD
The Pain27 inspires to create its namesake. One of the more difficult to use layouts, the creator intended to make a useable unusable keyboard. Rather than chording, this keyboard uses hold / tap to use letters to access function layers, and the shift + ctrl keys.
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Fun Fact! The Pain27’s default layout is designed to cause pain, only being the alphabet and space. It’s once you get to the prime layout it becomes more usable.
PAIN27
SPLIT
Split keyboards are an entirely different animal than their rectangular cousins. While there are a few that do retain the rectangular shape, they’re often meant to be more ergonomic, and utilise the thumb in a way that non splits tend to avoid doing. Different sizes, thumb clusters, and key amounts make them a bit more varied in layout than the average keyboard, as what one person finds comfortable and creates may be unusable and or painful to use for someone else due to how different people’s hands are.
A bit more daunting than the standard non-split, split keyboards are starting to become more common in the customs community, as more people see them. They look completely out there, which some people see as a “flex”. They let you change how far apart your hands sit, and for some, it gives another cable to customize and add to their setup.
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SPLIT name creator stagger
CORNE FOOSTAN COLUMNAR
One of the more prolific split keyboards, the Corne (or CRKBD) is a great way to break into 40’s, or splits. It uses columnar stagger, and a three key thumb cluster. All but two of the keys are 1u, making it have easy compatibility with most sculpted keycap sets.
switch type key count connection
MX,CHOC 42 DAUGHTERBOARD
41
Fun Fact! The corne keyboard is named after a Japanese pastry, the chokokorone. Often filled with chocolate, each side of the keyboard approximates the shape of the pastry.
CORNE
SPLIT name creator stagger
FOURIER BAKINGPY STANDARD
Another cheap way to enter the world of 40’s, the Fourier is a board currently discontinued, but was available on Keeb.io. A bit of a rarity, it’s a split with standard stagger, rather than columnar, ortholinear, or uniform.
switch type key count connection
MX 46 DAUGHTERBOARD
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Fun Fact! The Fourier is named after the Fourier Series. which is an expansion of a periodic function. This in turn, was named after Joseph Fourier who discovered it.
FOURIER
SPLIT name creator stagger
LET’S SPLIT WOOTPATOOT ORTHOLINEAR
Another “entry level” split, the Let’s Split is a split ortholinear that makes it easy to get going. Low cost, and a simple layout, it creates an easy entry into the world of ortholinear boards, as well as splits. It’s also known as the Levinson.
switch type key count connection
MX 48 DAUGHTERBOARD
45
Fun Fact! The Let’s Split is also known as the Levinson, named after the Levinson-Durbin recursion algorithm. There’s also a Split Levinson recursion, which fits appropriately.
LET’S SPLIT
SPLIT name creator stagger
HOUNDSTOOTH WORLDSPAWN ORTHOLINEAR
The Houndstooth is a split that shows off all of its components, putting them on the top edge and presenting them in a way that can be considerd more aesthetically pleasing. Unlike other splits, it uses a ribbon cable to connect the two halves, so it only needs one controller.
switch type key count connection
MX 46 DAUGHTERBOARD
47
Fun Fact! Houndstooth is a pattern commonly found in textiles. The oldest recorded usage of this pattern is between 360 and 100 BCE, found on a garment in a Swedish peat bog.
HOUNDSTOOTH
SPLIT name creator stagger
GERGOPLEX GBOARDS.CA COLUMNAR
The Gergoplex was created specifically to fix problems the creator had with the ergonomics of another board, the Gergo. By changing the layout, stress was taken off the pinky, and wrist motion was reduced.
switch type key count connection
CHOC 38 SMD USB MINI-B
49
Fun Fact! The Gergoplex is the little brother of the Gergo, and only the beginning of pursuing peak ergonomics.
GERGOPLEX
SPLIT name creator stagger
GEORGI GBOARDS.CA COLUMNAR
Designed primarily with stenography in mind, the Georgi has two rows of 6, a 3 key thumb cluster per half. With built in Plover compatibility, it offers a cheap alternative to expensive stenography machines currently available, as it takes advantage of open source software.
switch type key count connection
MX,CHOC,ALPS,X 30 SMD USB MINI-B
51
Fun Fact! Stenography is primarily used in court reporting, or or other situations where dialog needs to be transcribed in real time. Stenographers can type up to (and sometimes over) 200 words a minute.
GEORGI
SPLIT name creator stagger
KYRIA SPLITKB.COM COLUMNAR
The Kyria is a newer contender in the split market, having just recently arrived to the scene. It holds a more aggressive vertical stagger in the pinky area to compensate for how much shorter the pinky is than the rest of the fingers, and also has a more populated thumb cluster.
switch type key count connection
MX,CHOC,ALPS 50 DAUGHTERBOARD
53
Fun Fact! The Kyria is named after the Greek crocus, also known as the Greek saffron flower.
KYRIA
SPLIT name creator stagger
GINNI GBOARDS.CA ORTHOLINEAR
Ginni was designed for chording, stretching the limits of what is possible, while also trying to remain as ergonomic as possible. Hands generally have 5 fingers. so the most ergonomic layout possible would have no finger travel, and only have 5 keys.
switch type key count connection
MX,CHOC,ALPS 10 SMD USB MINI-B
55
Fun Fact! The Ginni isn’t the first iteration of this design, but rather, a perfected ergotaco.
GINNI
SPLIT name creator stagger
FOOBAR 40PERCENTCLUB ORTHOLINEAR
The Foobar was brought into the world by the same genius that created the Gherkin, as a split version of it. Each half is three rows with five keys, though they’re still just rectangular halves.
switch type key count connection
MX 30 DAUGHTERBOARD
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Fun Fact! The Foobar manages to avoid being shoved into macropad territory by it’s being split. The Gherkin is not so lucky, as people would rather use it for a macropad instead of the keyboard it is.
FOOBAR
IN
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The following is a group of photos graciously put forth by community members that were willing to show off their boards. Not everything shown before is pictured, but it shows exactly how a person can make a board their own. Be it a different case, switches, keycaps, or even OLED design on some boards, the sky’s the limit on customization, and reflecting one’s personality and or preferences. Different cases, switches, and keycaps are on display here, as they’re what make boards look different even if the base it’s made from is the same. People use these differences to create different sounds, feels, and obviously looks, designed to fit their preferences.
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3D printed Alpha - photos by dingusxmcgee
IN USE
IN USE
Acrylic Gherkin - photos by rose.shortcake
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3D printed Gherkin - photo by Tom Barnes
IN USE
IN USE
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Pancake prototype - photo by Spaceman
Polycarbonate Neuron - photo by Walletburner
IN USE
IN USE
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Piano black (top) + Catalyst (bottom) Minivan - photos by tominabox1
Butterstick - photos by gboards.ca
IN USE
IN USE
Acrylic (top) and 3d printed (bottom) Alpha. Bottom features tominabox1 using the keyboard - photos by Sithlord121
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Kumo Minivan + Kumo Holster - photo by jetpacktuxedo
IN USE
IN USE
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MHKB Minivan - photo by jetpacktuxedo
3d printed Alpha - phoro by melindabirkenstock
IN USE
IN USE
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Georgi - photo by gboards.ca
Gergoplex - photos by gboards.ca
IN USE
IN USE
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Ginni - photo by gboards.ca
Plate case Kyria (top),High profile Kyria (bottom) - photos by splitkb.com
IN USE
IN USE
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Plate case Corne - photos by tominabox1
Plate case blockered Fourier - photos by sammbastion
IN USE
IN USE
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Plate case Let’s Split - photos by sammbastion
High profile Corne - photo by tominabox1
IN USE
IN USE
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Acrylic Corne -photo by Brooke Baylis (meatsmoothies)
Again I have to offer a big thank you to those willing to help with the creation of this, as well as the donation of content. Without it, this piece wouldn’t be possible. A special mention to the 40% Keyboards discord server, as it was mainly their encouragment and help that I could bust this out and make it presentable in the time given for this project. 83
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Photo credit goes to these lovely people, who can be found on Instagram, Reddit, Geekhack, Github, and Discord. dingusxmcgee
rose.shortcake
splitkb.com
gboards.ca
sammbastion
Tom Barnes
jetpacktuxedo
sithlord121
tominabox1
MelindaBirkenstock
Spaceman
Walletburner
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C: 61 M: 40 Y: 30 K: 71 Designed by Brooke Baylis Fall 2019
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