diff --git a/content/posts/ferrisSweepKeyboard.adoc b/content/posts/ferrisSweepKeyboard.adoc new file mode 100644 index 0000000..ffab463 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/posts/ferrisSweepKeyboard.adoc @@ -0,0 +1,77 @@ ++++ +title = "Building My New Keyboard." +date = 2024-02-06T15:01:28-06:00 +draft = true ++++ +:caution-caption: pass:[] +:important-caption: pass:[] +:note-caption: pass:[✏️] +:tip-caption: pass:[💡] +:warning-caption: pass:[] +:toc: +:toclevels: 6 + +Ive been using a split keyboard at home now for several years, +(specifically, the https://ultimatehackingkeyboard.com/[UHKv2], though nowadays I probably would have gone for something ortholinear) +and ive 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 https://github.com/davidphilipbarr/Sweep[Ferris 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 https://keeb.io/[Keebio] and https://lowprokb.ca/[Lowprob.ca], +and started the long wait for it all to arrive. + +In the meantime, I researched what how to flash the https://docs.keeb.io/elite-pi-guide[elite-pi]'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 wasnt much extra to that. + +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? + +Flashing QMK was uneventful, working exactly as the https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/ferris/sweep[QMK docs] 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 dont have to do this every time you reflash your keyboard) + +== Layout + +I wasnt feeling quite adventurous enough to switch away from qwerty, +but, the Sweep being a 36-key board, some layout adjustment would be needed. +I took the Sweeps https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/ferris/keymaps/default[default layout] +and used the https://config.qmk.fm/[QMK configurator] to customize it. + +First, I moved space to my left thumb, as Im 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. + +== 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 more or less 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 dont want to carelessly set it down on a conductive surface and fry the micros, for example) +I asked a friend to print https://www.printables.com/model/513831-ferris-sweep-22-case[this case] for me. +(I didnt have any TPU on hand) diff --git a/themes/PaperMod b/themes/PaperMod index 4a924ce..66904cc 160000 --- a/themes/PaperMod +++ b/themes/PaperMod @@ -1 +1 @@ -Subproject commit 4a924cef54081b61530a30bd69d442ae95f16561 +Subproject commit 66904cc4c2b292e6a3686d483e4054904a9f3954