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LinkCannonKeys Coming Soon PageINTEREST CHECK FORM___
About the Link:For a long time we have observed and admired the ergo scene as its own entity, largely separate from the typical “custom” keyboard scene, with a larger focus on individual ergonomics and productivity. One of our favourite ergo boards is the Sofle - a well-loved layout which has found a lot of use within the community, and using this layout we wanted to create something that applies our learnings from working within high-end keyboards to something tailored more towards the ergo scene.
Most ergo kits require soldering pro micros, nice nanos, elite-cs, elite-Pis, and others, and generally require much more of a DIY approach compared to other typical hotswappable customs. For the Link, we wanted to offer something easily hotswappable. Ergo kits also often use TRRS as a split interconnect, which could lead to microcontroller issues due to electrical shorts. Some MCUs are of course more resilient than others – but to counter this, we’ve made our own PCB with onboard RP2040 MCU and USB-C interconnect. Add to that a hotswappable OLED screen and you have an updated, fully supported split ergo with a high-quality aluminum case.
Speaking of the aluminum case - typically, Sofle variants that already exist are made in a sandwich-style construction, with a top plate and floating keycaps, or have a 3d printed plastic case. For the Link, we wanted to make a high profile aluminum keyboard case - so that the sides of keycaps were covered by the case. This does come with a tradeoff of additional weight, which could be a downside for some people, but we think the tradeoff is worth it and provides something new for the Sofle.
In addition to this - most existing Sofle / Sofle inspired options that already exist for people to purchase use some sort of variant of tray mounting, which limits the available type feel and sound of the keyboard. We wanted to bring a different option to the table, so the Link keyboard is gasket mounted - elevating the sound and feel to something more typically seen in other high-end custom keyboards.
Despite using an aluminum high-profile case and gasket mounting, we didn’t want to sacrifice a lot of the ergonomic functionality of the Sofle. We wanted to allow a wide range of tenting and angling options with the Link. We’ve designed an optional 3D printed tenting kit to add fixed tenting and angling to the Link. Upon the start of the group buy, we will open source this so that anyone can change it to fit their needs. These should provide an inexpensive option to dial in your Link exactly to our needs. And on top of this - there is a ¼-20 UNC threaded hole in the bottom of the Link case - so that any tripod mount compatible tenting / angling solutions will also function with the Link.
The Link’s layout was based on Sofle v2, with minor adjustments to make the design spacing a little more consistent. Due to the nature of the layout, it is fixed. However due to the beauty of QMK/VIA support you can map the keys to whatever floats your boat.
Finally - we hope to deliver this all under a price point of $250 at Group buy (hopefully even less! It’s totally interest dependent). Based on our search of existing other options - we think this is the cheapest aluminum case Sofle variant out there, with a lot to offer.
Current specs and features:Hotswappable OLED screen
Rotary encoder module
Hotswap MX PCBs
USB-C interconnect
Aluminum OLED cover
Tray/gasket mount
1.2mm PCB
0° angle case
Compatible with various OEM tenting solutions
Proprietary tenting bases will be offered (final design TBD)
More details TBDThe mounting:Gaskets are mounted inside the tray of the case, which align with various points on the PCB.
The plate assembly is then screwed down into the case, which allows the PCB to be comfortably suspended on the gaskets to effectively dampen the vibration from typing regardless of typing force.
Prototype photos:
Renders:
GB plans:Before scheduling a sale, we wanted to hear from the community to see what direction this project should go in. We’ve laid out a plan for what we’d like to accomplish with this board but ultimately you decide the final form.
Want to see wireless functionality? Have any particular colors or plate materials in mind? Would you go for an aluminum tented base or a simpler, cheaper, 3D printed version? Would you be interested in a fully prebuilt version? How about a custom keycap set with the default keymap displayed? Please make sure to fill out the feedback form!
Additionally, if this GB has sufficient interest and manages to sell 300 units we will open source the wired PCBs so the ergo community can continue to use and build on the platform for themselves.
INTEREST CHECK FORM 
