Hi. I’ve been using Dactyl Manuforms for quite a few years now. Settled down with a 5 column with an extremely sculpted SA keycaps and bobba u4t switches. I use only 2/3 thumb keys regularly but enjoy having more.
I’m interested to know if anyone thinks an alternative is worth trying ? Any input would be appreciated!
I’ll be posting with more details on the board once I’ve consider it finished but happy to share here as well.
As far as modifications I made:
- adjusted stagger of each column
- adjusted splay on the pinky columns
- used flexible pcbs (from the BigSkree)
- made the switch plate one piece per side (orig was individual columns)
- added side walls to the switch plate
- added additional support to the thumb cluster so it has less wobble
- one piece, 6 key thumb cluster
- support for both choc and mx switches on thumb cluster
- added ARRI locating holes to the 1/4" mounting point
Lot of my modifications make the board less configurable but provide an easier and sturdier build. Making this a 5 column build would not be difficult. The original is 5 columns by default and 6 with an extension plate. Modified version is all one piece but modifying the CAD to chop off a column would be no problem.
Currently the thumb cluster has a mix of DES profile caps on MX switches and CS profile caps on choc switches.
Aside from the 3D printed parts build just uses some heat press inserts and screws.
I’ll be happy to share the modified files once I’ve got everything finalized and organized, hopefully that will be later this week.
I’d love to try it out! Looking forward to it.
Do you intend sharing it in this sub?
Now to look for a good and not too expensive place to print it :-)
Edit: Forgot to ask - is it too thin to handwire? Was hoping to keep it cheap.
Yes I will share on this sub. Since you are interested though you are welcome take a look at my github early. Added a 3x5 version of the case there as well (not tested printing).
Hand-wiring shouldn’t be much more difficult than my first build with per key pcbs. It is pretty thin though and assembly will be a bit tricky regardless of how it’s wired. For printing I’ve only tried with MJF and SLS and I didn’t really take into consideration any limitations of Resin or FDM printing. I don’t think there is anything that would make printing any of the parts with those techniques (though maybe some parts are a little thin for FDM) so keep that in mind.
Wow, Thank you! For the 5 column fix especially. That’s very generous of you.
I know next to nothing about 30 printing, I intend to order it from some service. Any settings I should ask for? Which would be altogether better, MJF or SLS?
