u/Silcantar

There have been keyboards that are portable and there have been keyboards that have integrated pointing devices, but to date there haven't been any keyboards that combine both features. With this new design I intend to change that.

I'm reaching the end of the design phase on my new keyboard, Androphage. It's a folding unibody split keyboard with 44 keys and a finger trackball in the center. When the keyboard is closed, all the more delicate components --- switches, keycaps, screen --- are protected inside the rugged SLS nylon case. Additionally the trackball is secured in-place by the folding base of the keyboard.

Additional Renders

• Front View

• Top View

• Key Layout

Highlights:

• Unibody with fixed 15° split angle* and 10° tent angle.

• 44 keys: 3x5, plus 4 thumb keys, row 5** middle and ring finger keys, and key that can either be a very tucked thumb key or a row 5 index finger key.

• Rugged SLS nylon case.

• NRF52850 microcontroller and ZMK firmware for Bluetooth, dongle, or wired connectivity.

• Dual-sensor 34mm trackball is capable of 3-axis control, i.e. twist-to-scroll à la Kensington SlimBlade.

• Trackball uses ball transfer units (BTUs) as bearings for maximum smoothness.

• Nice!View or similar screen for layer, pairing, and charging status.

• Low power consumption microcontroller and trackball sensors (PMW3610) paired with a 300 mAh LiPo battery for days or weeks of battery life.

• USB-C charging and connectivity.

• Compatible with Kailh Choc V1, Kailh Choc V2, and Gateron Low Profile (KS-33) switches.

• Designed for Chicago Steno or KLP Lamé keycaps but can potentially be adapted for other low-to-mid-profile keycaps.

• The custom hinges are SLM stainless steel for maximum durability.

• There is space inside the base for storing the charging cable.

• Unfolded dimensions: 290 x 135 x 62 mm

• Folded dimensions: 148 x 135 x 45 mm

* Measured between the centerline of the keyboard and the axis of the index finger key column.

** That is, two rows below the home row, equivalent to the modifier row on an ANSI/ISO keyboard.

Interest Check

I'm getting ready to start building a short run of prototypes. To defray some of the cost of prototyping I'm looking to sell some of them at cost --- I'd roughly estimate $300. It will probably take 3-4 months for me to source all the components, assemble, test, debug, etc. before I'm ready to ship. I'm not taking orders or payments at this time, just checking whether there's interest.

Your feedback is appreciated if you have any suggestions for improvements to the design.

Open Source

This project is licensed under the CERN Open Hardware License, Strongly Reciprocal 2.0. The source code is available at https://github.com/Silcantar/androphage.