Heyo
I want to switch to a split keyboard setup, but I really don’t want to spend $400 only to end up hating it. Are there any cheaper options that I can get as a temporary board while deciding?
EDIT: Massive thank you to all the replies I got. All of the suggestions and advice are great and have been very helpful. That being said, I will likely be going for the Momoka Ergo due to it having free shipping to South Africa and includes switches and keycaps. (Switches are extremely expensive here (around $250 for a set of Cherry switches for example))
The Corne is a very popular split keyboard that is very cheap. It requires some level of DIY, but the main board can be had for $33. It can also be made Bluetooth with the nice!nano. You will still need switches and caps, but depending on what you’re after, those can be cheap as well.
I’m obviously very new to the fancy shmancy keyboard world. Do I need to build this thing completely from scratch? Or do they sell ready made ones? The site is a bit intense haha
Hey, we all start somewhere! I ordered mine from keyhive and made the mistake of ordering the DIY version. I usually like to do things myself, but had a hell of a time soldering the SMD diodes on. I would recommend the partially assembled version. Keyhive also lists the other parts you will need. If you order the partially assembled version, you will only need a microcontroller, switches, and caps for a complete keyboard! Keyhive also lists the microcontrollers you can use. Personally, I love the nice!nano. It ads BLE and the battery lasts for quite a while. You will need to solder the microcontroller, but it’s easy to do assuming you have an iron. Let me know if you have more questions!
Ah I see all the Corne kits are sold out. But anyway, I was hoping for a more robust thumb cluster too. The Momoka looks like exactly what I’m looking for, only thing missing is tenting. Thanks for the help though!
keebio has some good options for affordable split keyboards
One of the cheapest options might be building a cheapino. It should be around 50-70$ all in all. Though it’s completely DIY and not the best option for beginners.
You’d have to order the PCBs and all the other stuff yourself and build it.
If you don’t want to or cannot do that, there are already a lot of good options in the other comments.
EDIT: spelling
I’m a big fan of the Sofle RGB layout. The board kit is about 25 bucks from little keyboards (where I got my kits). Add a 20$ case, some cheap caps and switches, and a set of micros and a cable and you’re there.
Same for any other DIY board really, this will get you where you want to go without the level of spending you want to stay away from. Corne is mentioned here as well, similar layout with less keys.
You could go with something even cheaper like a Helix kit but you’ll still be around 20 bucks plus the rest of the parts, so that extra 5-10 bucks on the kit is worth it if you want something a bit more contemporary.
Those look great. But I would really like bigger thumb clusters and some form of tenting if possible. However, I guess as an in between these could be great! Thanks
If you’re comfortable around a soldering iron, building a split can be pretty cheap.
What sorta features are you looking for? How many keys?
I’m comfortable enough. Wouldn’t say I’m any good at it though lol.
I’m looking for a keyboard that has some tenting features to combat severe tendonitis in my forearms. I want a number row and a thumb cluster, would also like some additional programmable keys if possible, but not needed.
