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!
My heavily modified version of the Explorer RxCT. This current iteration is almost complete, some additional custom keys for the thumb cluster on the way right now and not 100% sold on the current key I've got on here. Thumb cluster angle is adjustable and keys can be swapped for either choc or mx.
Also another iteration on the base plate with modified 1/4" mounting point for better balance is in the works.
Can't see the photo yet, happened earlier with the first comment and then got fixed.
It's beautiful! That is what ill build! Is it a lot to get other than 3D print?
what did you modify??? Please share :-)
Edit: OK, your thumb cluster is a must. Is it low profile switches or just really cool keycaps?
Would editing it to be a 5 column board be a lot of work?
Edit 2: Would you be willing to share your modifications?
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:
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?
You're welcome, like I said was easy enough to chop off a column.
I'm in more less the same boat as far as printing goes. Either MJF or SLS will be fine. This iteration as MJF previous was SLS. MJF is a little nicer imo. Smoother surface finish and it can be dyed black. SLS is a little cheaper though. I used jlcpcb and didn't ask them to do anything special.
I'll look at the design and maybe order it this evening.
I'll also see how easy it could be to connect a xiao ble controller instead.