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RedBeard4X - Ergo 40% DIY Kit

by MechWild

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Description

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IC Form

The RB4X is an ergonomic board with columnal stagger and will be sold as a DIY kit. It is powered by a Black Pill development board (similar to the way you would use a pro micro on other boards, such as the MurphPad).

The case is a new type of sandwich case that our designer Sillyworld has dubbed the "RedBeard" case style. This style will be utilized in other low-profile projects in the future, as well.

The RedBeard case setup is simply an FR4 sandwich with a single acrylic mid-layer. This style is unique because of how compressed it all is thanks to the utilization of soldered standoffs to the bottom plate. This allows the board to sit completely flat on the typing surface if desired and creates a very sturdy product that minimizes exposure of sensitive electronics.

Prototype

The current prototype uses a 32x128 OLED. We have already changed the design so the final product will use a 64x128 OLED.

The design goals of the RB4X hit a couple different points:

Have a sturdy resilient low profile case design that doesn't compromise on aesthetics.
To provide a cost effective way to have a board that feels comfortable to use for Stenography
Accomplish the goal for #2 in a way that doesn't compromise its ability to be used for QWERTY typists as well.
Utilize the more cost effective black pill
Have a status OLED to show what typing mode/layer/options you have set
Support MX and Choc (low profile) switches
Accomplish the goal for #6 in a way that doesn't compromise its ability to be used for stenography

Layouts