Interest CheckKeyboards

Ilex - Split Ergo with exposed components

by FootFingers

geekhackenriched

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Description

ILEX

Discord: https://discord.gg/GrbRj9wEvK

Interest Check Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYQ9ZD6R93mY7a6dVm-k5IhhC9GpLbr68OLyfTXM_E_Zx3hg/viewform

Ilex is a 44 key split ergo with exposed components, optional dual rotary encoders, OLEDS, and reversible TRRS jacks. The current version of the PCB supports LED underglow, Kailh Hotswap sockets on the North face, and Through-Hole Soldering on the South Face.

The layout is a 5x3 staggered column, a three key thumb cluster, a deconstructed pinkie column with an angled mod, and two optional 128x32 OLED displays. Rotary encoders are also optional on the key south of the OLED. 44 Keys total, 42 with both encoders.

There are two options for placement of the TRRS jacks: The first option is on the top edge facing north, the other is on the inside edge just south of the encoder. This provides more customization options for cable placement. Currently, there is only MX switch support, however Choc may be available in future if there is enough demand.

Firmware is now working in QMK.

Renders:
Renders were created by the talented /u/SuperAlex051
PCB designed by MechWild's SillyWorld

Exploded Views:

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FAQ

When will the GB happen?
Soon!
Target is late May / Early June for GB.
Specific date will be announced closer to the time both here and in the Discord server.

What is the estimated price?
TBD

Will tenting be supported?
Certain plate options will support tenting:
Brushed Aluminium
Black FR4

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Kit Options

Several kits will be available during the GB. Individual options are below:

PCB
Black, white or purple

Sandwich Case
Black FR4, Clear Acrylic, Frosted Acrylic, Aluminum Plates (Brushed Finish)

Acrylic Guard
Smoked or Clear

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Updates

Thumb Cluster redesign is now complete to support 1.5u on space / backspace.

Purple PCB's of V1 have arrived. Black / White PCB's of V2 have been ordered, I will update here with pics once the new versions arrive. Pics are now below

Carry Cases are currently being manufactured to sample - will update with pics once complete. Pics below

Firmware is now working on the prototype models. (April 30th)

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Prototype Images

Left Side:
Black FR4, Black PCB, Silver rotary knob, Clear Acrylic
Right Side:
White FR4, White PCB, Black knob, Smoked Acrylic

Carry / Storage Case:

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Layout Image

The layout is still being tweaked as using it over time shows various inefficiencies and improvements to its mapping for common uses.

I've included a pic below of its current keymap, just be aware that this a WIP and is likely to change.

The layout is heavily influenced by the Jian layout, which is an extremely efficient mapping based around using both Latin and Cyrillic alphabets with a limited number of keys.

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More details to come.