Let’s talk about building your own wireless split ergonomic keyboard—a project that’s all about comfort, customization, and cutting costs, thanks to the magic of open-source projects like ZMK and TOTEM. If you’re into typing without wrecking your wrists, the ergonomic community has your back. Split layouts, angled keys, and full-on custom setups are what this crew lives for, and now, you don’t need to drop a fortune to get in on the action.
The Ergo Community: Comfort Meets Customization
In the ergonomic keyboard world, there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all. The community is all about split keyboards that fit your typing style and keep your wrists in the right place. Thanks to 3D printing and some clever design, you can now make your own custom keyboard without spending a fortune.
The real magic comes from ZMK, an open-source wireless firmware that powers your DIY split keyboard. ZMK is lightweight, customizable, and—best of all—totally free. And for those who don’t like diving into code, the Keymap Editor made by @Nickcoutsos is a lifesaver. It’s an online GUI that lets you easily create your custom keymap and compiles the firmware for you. Flashing your new layout is as easy as dragging the firmware file onto the keyboard—no coding skills required.
Hand-Soldering TOTEM: A Soldering Saga
Now, instead of waiting for PCBs to arrive, I went full DIY and hand-soldered the key matrix for my TOTEM keyboard. Using coated wire and an unhealthy amount of patience, I carefully stripped insulation and prayed I didn’t short anything. It was a labor of love, but it worked, and I now have a fully functional wireless keyboard powered by ZMK.
But if soldering isn’t your idea of a good time, don’t worry—I ordered some custom PCBs to make life easier. Since the minimum order was five, I’ve got four extras up for grabs in my store. These boards are optimized for easy assembly, no top plate screws required. Get one while you can!
Next Step: CNC Hardwood Housing
Because why stop at 3D printed plastic when you can make something fancy? My next move is creating a custom wooden housing for the keyboard, using my new Chinese 5-axis CNC machine. It’s a whole learning process (involving some interesting translations), but once I get it dialed in, I’ll be turning out beautiful hardwood keyboard cases that would make even the fanciest builds jealous.
The Future: Open Source & Affordable
We’re living in a golden age of DIY ergonomic keyboards, where open-source designs like TOTEM and ZMK let you build premium wireless split setups without the premium price tag. Whether you’re hand-soldering your way to glory or grabbing a PCB to speed things up, you’re part of a community that’s all about creating, sharing, and improving.
Stay tuned for more updates as I tackle CNC woodworking and make the dream of a custom wood-cased wireless ergo keyboard a reality. In the meantime, happy building—and may your wrists thank you.