normalized naming to kebab case.

content/posts/ferris-sweep-keyboard/index.md

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+title = "Building My New Keyboard."
+date = 2024-02-06T15:01:28-06:00
+draft = false
+[cover]
+image = "keyboard-with-case"
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+
+I've been using a split keyboard at home now for several years
+(specifically, the [UHKv2](https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/), though nowadays I probably would have gone for something ortholinear)
+and I've always wanted one for the office.
+The problem was, if I was going to get a new keyboard,
+I wanted it to be for both the office and travel,
+and most prebuilts around are not that portable.
+I also was not confident enough in my soldering skills to solder the SMT diodes found on many handbuilt designs out there.
+Eventually though, I stumbled upon the Github page for the [Ferris Sweep](https://github.com/davidphilipbarr/Sweep).
+
+## The Basic Build
+
+The Sweep seemed simple enough that I could assemble it,
+and after doing some shopping around,
+I was able to source all the parts I needed for under $100.
+I ordered the pcb from JLPCB and the parts from [Keebio](https://keeb.io/) and [Lowprob.ca](https://lowprokb.ca/),
+and started the long wait for it all to arrive.
+
+In the meantime, I researched how to flash the [elite-pi](https://docs.keeb.io/elite-pi-guide)'s I had purchased with QMK.
+(Normal elite-c's were out of stock, and I like the RP2040.)
+Its a little bit different, but as long as you have used QMK before, it isn't much extra.
+
+When the parts came,
+I socketed the microcontrollers,
+soldered the sockets to the pcbs,
+and finally soldered the switches in.
+(I used choc Purpz, a bit of a leap of faith from my usual heavy tactile switches).
+I did ruin one switch by letting a leg getting hot enough to melt the housing plastic,
+and desoldering it was unexpectedly difficult,
+but not every build can be mistake free, right?
+
+![The finished keyboard](finished-keyboard.jpg)
+
+Flashing QMK was uneventful, working exactly as the [QMK docs](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/ferris/sweep) for the Ferris Sweep suggested.
+I would, however, recommend flashing the micros *before* doing any soldering,
+I had to take my micros out of their sockets in order to access the boot buttons.
+(once the keyboard is assembled, there is a dedicated keycombo on most layouts to enter the bootloader,
+so you don't have to do this every time you reflash your keyboard)
+
+## Layout
+
+I wasn't feeling quite adventurous enough to switch away from qwerty,
+but, the Sweep being a 34-key board, some layout adjustment would be needed.
+I took the Sweeps [default layout](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/ferris/keymaps/default)
+and used the [QMK configurator](https://config.qmk.fm/) to customize it.
+
+First, I moved space to my left thumb, as I'm left handed.
+I put esc on one of the thumb keys for usage in vim.
+I moved the numpad layer to my right hand side, swapping its position with the function key layer.
+I also put the meta key as a hold-mod on the lower pinky keys, as my window manager uses it for all its keybinds.
+
+The mod-tap home row layer changes actually feel really natural,
+and the extra space afforded by layers allows me to organize things in a more natural feeling way,
+such as putting the numbers in a numpad layout, rather than along the top.
+I'm not quite happy with my modifiers being mod-taps on the bottom row,
+they can feel slightly awkward to reach,
+and I may experiment with moving them around, potentially on the top row.
+
+{{<image-gallery gallery_dir="layers">}}
+
+## Learning
+
+Of course, the board takes some getting used to.
+Between the physical layout of the keys,
+the layout making symbols different to type,
+and the lighter switches requiring a lot less force to actuate,
+it took me about a week before I got up to 50 wpm on it,
+and I still have to look at my keymap printout for symbols sometimes.
+
+However, all things considered, it was easier to learn than I had expected!
+Perhaps its because I already was used to split keyboards,
+or because I forced myself to use this instead of my 'normal' keyboard at work,
+but I am now at the point where it feels natural to type on.
+
+## Case
+
+I want this keyboard to be both my work keyboard as well as my travel keyboard,
+so a case is essential.
+(I don't want to carelessly set it down on a conductive surface and fry the micros, for example)
+I asked a friend to print [this case](https://www.printables.com/model/513831-ferris-sweep-22-case) for me.
+(I didn't have any TPU on hand.)
+With the case and some rubber feet to keep it from sliding over the surface,
+it becomes a very serviceable little travel keyboard,
+one I can throw in my laptop bag and use in place of the built-in keyboard.
+
+## Caveats
+
+Of course, nothing is perfect. The microcontrollers are still exposed,
+meaning they are vulnerable to static shock.
+The headphone jack connecting the two halves is a design flaw,
+as plugging it in or unplugging it while the keyboard is connected to usb has a chance of shorting out the microcontrollers,
+due to the design of the TRRS plugs.
+(unfortunately, they are one of the smaller form factor 4 wire connectors out there,
+and have firmly entrenched themselves in the keyboard building community.)
+Thankfully, both of these issues have a relatively minor chance of happening,
+and if they do, I did socket the microcontrollers for easy replacement.
+
+## Conclusion
+
+It took me all of a week to fall in love with the sweeps form factor,
+and, 1 month later, I'm convinced I will never let myself work on a regular keyboard for a long period of time again,
+that's how much I've come to appreciate split keyboards.
+The fact that the board has no pesky diodes or other surface mount parts means its very accessible first build,
+and one Id recommend to anyone interested in improving their typing ergonomics.