GergoPlex - A Detailed Look At This Ultra-Minimal Mechanical Split Keyboard

[@BenVallack]

Given the issues around getting hold of these you might want to do what I’ve done and go straight to making your own! kzbin.info/aero/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

[@BenVallack]

@@Chownio yeah it’s very sad to see what’s happened. The DIY route is super fun though!

[@jebbish]

This is truly fascinating to me. I have ordered a few kits and will start construction soon. The one thing I am missing (and I have spent several days searching) is where are you getting the keycaps? I am guessing they are Kam or Tea profiles.

[@barbazzfoo]

How do you feel about the lack of a case? And do you miss the lack of tenting?

[@sakekasi]

So glad you're giving tiny keyboards the coverage they deserve! It's really hard to find high quality videos on them, but they're *so* cool. Really enjoying my moonlander and olkb planck (both inspired by you!)

[@BenVallack]

Great stuff!

[@gfilippou]

although the moonlander isn't exactly small

[@roughparrot6810]

It's so funny you posted this today. I just received and programmed my gergoplex this week after doing a bit of research and finding that it was the best designed keyboard that fit my needs. After using it for only a couple days I'm really impressed. Genuinely great keyboard.

[@xwdishere]

Re: 15g vs 12g springs: Jane discovered that after about a year Choc switches with 12g springs stop returning, and decided to stop stocking them. There's not much difference in weighting, and pressing four of them is still about as much total weight as a typical single MX switch, so it's great for chording.

[@zoenagy9458]

its' possible to cut springs in half

[@alexmisk]

Hey Ben! I've started my journey into the world of mech keebs just about a year ago. Ordered a Vortex Race III first, used it for about a month, disappointed and returned it to the seller. A few months passed when I accidentally discovered your Planck EZ review. It was love at first sight: I've ordered my Plank almost immediately and this keeb really was like a gateway drug for me. Now I am typing these words on builded from scratch Corne :-) Thank you sooooooo much for your passion and approach that has given me a new hobby!

[@BenVallack]

You’re welcome! Awesome! Yeah the Planck EZ is an amazing thing!

[@BenVallack]

Subscribe to my new custom keyboards channel! www.youtube.com/@BenVallacksKeyboards

[@GirdEmUp]

Awesome! Very interesting build, for sure. I love how portable the GergoPlex is. Portability mixed with ergonomics and functionality is the holy Trinity of keyboards!

[@BenVallack]

The man himself! Yeah it‘s really cool for sure. Did you see you had a request in another comment on here for a GergoPlex with basic white backlight? heh.

[@andytypes8271]

i love hearing these keyboard journey how they ended up with what they use. I also would love to see if you had any miss-steps too

[@BenVallack]

I spent a long time learning Workman before going to Colemak DHm. That I guess was a misstep. The rest has been really fun!

[@waywardpotato]

I've had my eye on the Gergo for some time, glad it is so awesome!

[@Sengenda]

I love your videos Ben! I am following a similar route into this weird rabbit hole, having moved from Full Size to TKL to 65 to Planck and currently using a Keyboardio Atreus. I have also gotten myself a FalbaTech Redox a few years ago, but as I couldnt get it to work properly back then I havent pursued that split keeb road any further. Cant get myself to use it now as it is too many keys, non hot-swappable and I just love my ergo clears. Next on my list was actually the GergoPlex, so thanks for that review!

[@BenVallack]

Awesome glad you enjoy the videos and thanks for commenting!

[@Hendori3]

This really is an awesome minimalist keyboard. The design images on the pcb’s are I think inspired on ‘pi-the movie’. I myself am using an even smaller keyboard called the Ferris Sweep. It has 34 keys, but for the rest it is practically the same as the gergoplex. I love the low profile keys and the fact that the switches are so close to each other. It really helps with chording which is amazing with the light keyswitches that you use. Good luck and have fun with the keyboard

[@BenVallack]

Ah intesting! Sure I watched that film many years ago! I can totally see how chording would make a 34 layout possible. Do you have your layout anywhere to look at?

[@Hendori3]

@@BenVallack I don't have a shareable layout I'm afraid. It is in a fork of my qmk-firmware, but it is not properly formatted. I can share you my inspiration for it. I use something similar to i.imgur.com/j6Illg2.png. I am using qwerty layout. Especially the numbers like this work really well. It is rare for me to push a modifier to go to another layer. I think if you want to use chords, you really need keys just like on your gergoplex

[@999samus7]

I am so happy that I talked to you about this keyboard and you made a video about it, I don't use it, but I can't stress enough that your videos are really interesting to watch Ben, still waiting on your transition to colemak mod dh, I don't know if you want me to give you a list of things that can help you plan the video...

[@BenVallack]

Thanks so much! Yes please do feel free to fire over some ideas/things you want to see in that video!

[@999samus7]

@@BenVallack - how did you come to the conclusion you had to switch. - the normal stuff, how hard it was to switch and how long it took for you to adjust, please specify if like myself and many other people you joined a community of people for emotional support haha, like the colemak discord server or if you just went on your own and practiced everyday. - are you enjoying the rolls? - things you miss from workman. - things yoy don't miss from workman that you notice are better in DH, if any. - word from advice you have to give to someone that would like to switch, I personally don't have an ortholinear keyboard and use vanilla colemak because dh is not the same in grid layout compared to row staggered keyboards and on top of that, the way you press the keys on the left side of the bottom row is different, I was too lazy yo relearn how I type even if it is that little thing.

[@BenVallack]

@@999samus7 Awesome many thanks this is great!

[@trocchiettoski]

As adults with familiy, would like to know if such a low actuation key, helps when one have to type when is tired, or on the morning if did not sleep enough.Sometimes I gotta invest some extra energy with the planck with brown cherry, so sparing energy without wobbling is my only selling point

[@alpacamale2909]

I was very happy to settle with a common run of the mill 40% but it has been fun seeing how you've gone past it and done your own thing.

[@BenVallack]

heh 40% is pretty awesome. Main thing is you’re not carting around that row above the top row!

[@tygriffin5528]

I've got a GergoPlex "heavy" that I'm getting ready to rebuild. Each side is surrounded by (not exactly sure) but maybe a 1/3 lb metal case. Not really portable, but it is a beautiful keyboard.

[@GT-tj1qg]

7:01 I reckon O-rings would reduce the travel a bit, and the Gergoplex already has very little travel. But yeah, cool keyboard. Hadn't seen choc switches before

[@philipanderson9434]

Hi Ben, just wanted to thank you for sharing your down the keyboard rabbit hole jouerny. I have been suffering with neck and shoulder issues from mouse and keyboard over use. It's been affecting my work and causing issues for.some years and when it flares up I cannot use a mouse or keyboard. I just watched this video as was about to click pay on a zsa moonlander on ebay in the UK. So instead I ordered the GergoPlex kit instead. Your video inspired me and I think the keyboard will be better suited to my work as the keyboard needs to very portable and can be used in studio gallery's where the can be very little desk space. Watching you sit with it on your lap helped me to see how this could really work for me. So thanks again for sharing.

[@LiftedStarfish]

One way that you could probably solve the portability issue, if one were the kind of person to get a case for it, and they were so inclined, it probably wouldn't be a too design a case which snapped the two halves facing one another.

[@ImDino]

You don't know what smooth is until you tried sakurio switches, especially if you lube and film them. They're more silent than my kailh box silent pink aswell (and smoother even without lube and film). I realized film is not just for noise, it helps the keypress me more stable/smooth if your press is a bit off (center)

[@u1ti]

Hmm yeah I can see why this would have a significant advantage over something like the Planck, based on your use case. This is kinda why I want to get really good with Vim at some point haha. Thanks for putting a spotlight on this keyboard, it is definitely something I'll keep in mind as a possible end-game option.

[@olafschermann1592]

BTW: very nice rembrand light on you and matching classic background light.

[@CraigBurden1]

Hey Ben! I love the videos, they have inspired me to jump the qwerty ship and embrace tiny keyboards. I was wondering if you'd be willing to share the details of that TRRS cable you are using in this video, I'm struggling to find a nice one and that looks perfect. Keep it up!

[@ethereal41]

If you wanted to go really quiet, i suggest overlubing the springs, the sliders and the stems. i woudl recoment making a case too. Not a REALLY THICK case, maybe more of a "As Thin As Possible", and add case foam. I really dont know if this is possible with choc switches, but maybe you could film them? That would reduce rattle. O-Rings are great, but in my opinion O-Rings are basically adding the rubber back to a keyboard type that was built to remove every last trace of rubber and membrane. But, it works so you should try it.

[@jackfranklin3341]

Love this video! Would love a guide on how to create and flash a layout onto the keyboard - struggling to get an idea of that. Thanks!

[@rheijne95]

I came here from your Optimum No Rinse video: This is some alien technology lol. It looks so weird and cool to me!

[@BenVallack]

Yeah totally! I really love the way it looks! I will be doing a ‘custom keyboards for total beginners’ at some point to show what’s involved with getting started with something like this. It’s a fun thing to have got involved with. Funnily enough I still don’t really consider myself a keyboard enthusiast (any more than I consider myself a car cleaning enthusiast!) just a computer user in pursuit of the ultimate keyboard!

[@solverz4078]

Corne choc kit + choc sockets + nice!nanos == lightweight, wireless, and lowprofile split keyboard. You should definitely look at this combo ☺

[@dewijones92]

I have been wondering recently about gloves that controls input. Only requiring tiny finger movements to trigger input. The ergonomics and comfort would be the best. I may do some research 😁

[@BenVallack]

There are some serioury strange things out there, got to love how humans test things out!

[@magnus1liljeqvist]

Awesome channel. Well produced. Beautiful filmed and good info.

[@user-td5gy2fh3p]

this looked so cool! it's a shame that it's not being sold anymore :(

[@Seefood73]

Endgame? Come on, you haven't tried Neuralink yet :) Also, I know a lawyer guy who uses a 7 key keyboard, I don't think the company exists anymore, but it should be easy to recreate with an Arduino. 2 thumb keys for layers, other 5 keys for the 5 fingers, where you have 31 binary combos (2⁵-1). He trained himself to type a comfy 50 or 60 wpm if memory serves. Single handed (yup), the most minimal it gets...

[@BenVallack]

heh true. Re. 7 keys, wow yeah that is impressive!!

[@Wolfci]

Did you try on the Corne keycap tilters?? You can get a kit on Etsy would be a cool video , I’m planning on getting them and a corne

[@Winter0192]

Well you could go even smaller with a steno layout if you were dedicated enough. You could save 13 keys. 7 on the left, 10 on the right, 4 vowel keys, a number key, and finally the * key for modifiers. You can completely replace a keyboard with just those keys. However, that would just be if you wanted absolute minimization and learned steno. I like the keyboard though, good job!

[@davidbcg286]

You could consider a slim case that can be split when needed ; or put together as 1 piece for working on your laps.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah that‘s a cool idea actually.

[@davidbcg286]

www.reddit.com/r/ErgoMechKeyboards/comments/oaygvb/i_made_a_thing_cornecrkbd_keyboard_tray/ That tray for the Corne is also a good idea

[@danielrodrigoalegriasallo6479]

I went from wanting to buy a 60% keyboard to a 40% keyboard and now that I've seen some of your videos I really only need this.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah 36 keys is a good layout. I don’t think anyone really needs more than that! You can go smaller though :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OxkGeGhpWdZ6M

[@happytony6181]

It's great, the zsa team needs you!

[@taylorpetty2198]

I'm beginning to look into tiny keyboards from an RSI standpoint, not a portability standpoint. Less finger travel --> less strain. If you could put up something about key mapping, or whatever it is that you do to gain access to digits, symbols, etc, that would be great. And separately, although it seems that I would be more ergonomic to move your fingers less to hit punctuation and symbols, do you find that's actually true? I program computers a lot.

[@jwoolson]

Fantastic overview, Ben.

[@EldritchElric]

For travel purposes they're very nice, and they're very cool aesthetically, but I don't think very low actuation force very low travel distance are ergonomic. I think very low actuation point with low to moderate actuation force in the beginning up to the actuation point but then increasingly high actuation force up to the end, which should be fairly high would be better to help avoiding bottoming out while still allowing for fast typing at the same time.

[@BenVallack]

This is interesting, what kind of switches achieve that? Interested in experimenting with that. By low actuation point do you mean near the top?

[@EldritchElric]

​@@BenVallack Yes, I mean near the top if you want speed (which may or not be a priority), but with enough strength to not bottoming out easily (that also requires practice). I think the important part is not having very short travel distance. And a medium range actuation point while not typing at near max speed might have actually a better feeling and be much more comfortable, so at the end it is case of preferences, compromises, and what are you looking for (speed, portability, flexibility for different setups, aesthetics, touch feeling...). So ideally you don't want the switches to have very little force and at the same time you don't them to be too heavy so you don't get tired quickly. Ones I'm going to try in a few days are the Kailh Copper (tactile) but maybe more like that, or if you like linear ones there are for sure some switches better fitted for you. Think that you can in fact have zero actuation force if you type on an ipad, for example. That lacks the tactile feedback from actual keys but there is actually zero resistance preventing your fingers to flat out stopping completely when touching the screen. Those micro impacts do stack over time. Here you have a list of different brands of switches with plotted travel distance, actuation point and force: chart-studio.plotly.com/~haata#/ Also keep in mind that more keys is more ergonomic. Sure, overextending your fingers is bad but chording keys (like with a small keyboard in order to access the different layers) is also much worse than having more keys, as long as you move your whole hand without stretching your fingers. The downside being that it is potentially slower and perhaps less productive depending on the specific task. Basically there is no golden bullet, although a young person in good physical condition can get away with things that an older person (or with propensity for injuries) cannot. And it depends a lot on how much you type, if you do it -let's say- half an hour per day the ergonomic aspect is most likely not going to be an issue unless there is very bad posture while typing. And I want to add that I'm not an expert but just that I've researched it (and still learning) after suffering repeated rsi incidences, more and more often as I get older.

[@BenVallack]

@@EldritchElric Very intersting thanks for the info. I will do some testing on this. Certainly using the GergoPlex with very light pressure to avoid hard bottoming out seems a very nice way of using it. I agree re. fewer keys and chording/layers making things worse! I created a layout based on one time layer and toggle layers here to solve this issue m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/jXLCeIiPiJ2IgMk

[@karlosdelacruz3803]

So I've essentially just started on this custom keyboard journey and I can tell I'm going to get sucked in! I've been toying around with my new CRKBD and to my surprise I'm actually not in love with it, BUT, I realize the potential and your videos are shedding a lot of light on what can be done. I opted for the choc low pro switches and realized that these out of the box PCB's are better suited for larger MX style switches. I say this because the chocs can feel a bit far apart, the inner most keys in particular are taking some time to get used to. But when I come back to your videos I notice that your keys are MUCH closer together. So down the rabbit hole we go... to trace tolerances and many late nights. Thanks Ben.

[@sqwert654]

I've loved ergo keyboards ever since having the original, MS white ergo. Have the MS ergo wireless atm . But the keys are not mechanical. This split design looks very nice, love the minimal design just for coding. What I have about Cherry switched is they seem to rattle a lot, these keys seem far firmer. On O-rings try the ones used in FPV drone flight controllers, they cushion the controller and are about 0.5mm in diameter

[@TheOfAndTo]

i just want that have a rgb led to indicate which layer is active, and perfection.

[@mvargasmoran]

MAD MAN! love your vids.

[@douglasrohman6191]

I ordered this about 3 weeks ago but haven’t heard anything from the seller… has anyone else had this issue?

[@mOeFFM187]

Hey,got the same issue. did you get the keyboard?

[@ScorpionF1RE_USA]

I would love to place this on each arm of my Lazy Boy or Barcalounger chair, but I would need at least a 3 ft cord.

[@hermida]

People said to try some shelf liner under the board to keep pins from... pinning things

[@BenVallack]

Yeah that would work well.

[@notgate2624]

Something like this but more solid and wireless (not between the halves) is ideal for me. My firmware requires low latency communication between each half, so having the halves be wireless sounds like it would complicate things, but maybe it would be fine.

[@angushenderson4033]

would there be a chance i could buy your old corne keyboard off you i really want to try these awesome keyboards i just dont have the money

[@handacannon3443]

I ordered this over 6 months ago, and I still haven't gotten it.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I’m pretty sure their operation has come to a halt. Real shame. If you aren’t getting any response I would use banks to get money back etc and just go down the road of building your own. kzbin.info/aero/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

[@handacannon3443]

@@BenVallack I've actually tried 4 times, one was with a hand wired keeb called the sick-68, that didn't work. Then I designed my own hand wired 18 key one, I got the idea from you 16 key keeb, that one worked. Then I tried with a split keeb called the Helix, but I didn't work for some reason. And the last one I just gave up on. I've tried to follow your tutorials, but I just can't seem to grasp them. But keep building crazy keyboards to make the friends I show them to wonder what I do in my free time.

[@GregorGorjanc]

Nice video! Would love to watch one on making this keyboard quiet;)

[@GregorGorjanc]

This video kzbin.info/www/bejne/mojJgpirjal-ldE shows what’s possible, I think

[@GregorGorjanc]

This one kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3K5aJVmipmXbrs

[@Raven.flight]

I'm really keen on trying the ergonomic/smaller keyboards BUT they aren't cheap, and it's a hell of an expense for a trial, and not something that will sell quickly and easily if you don't like them.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah agree - the best bet is to go straight to making your own: kzbin.info/aero/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

[@lpanebr]

I've just finished my DracuLad 36 keys layout keyboard using kailh choq switches! I'm loving it. The only thing bothering me is the springs are heavy and I can't find where to buy the 12 gram springs you mention??

[@jeelliovuscow5522]

Thank you for putting together all this content! I'm getting ready to start with my first mechanical keyboard, but had switched to Colemak a few years back because of the comfort of staying "on the home row". (You've taught me about Colemak-DH! So now I have some learning and practice ahead of me.) That same intent-to minimize finger movement-makes this 36-key layout on the GergoPlex very attractive...very! ¿Do you feel that your journey through layouts/keyboards with more than 36 keys is am important transitional exercise when coming from a full size keyboard or do you think that making the transition "cold turkey" from a full size to 36 would be difficult, but efficient in getting to the ultimate goal of keeping your fingers within one key of home at all times?

[@BenVallack]

You’re welcome! I guess there is a case for not doing too many things at once. I must admit I am a bit of a 'jump in and hope for the best' type once I have an idea in my mind! Maybe learning stagger on a normal size first would help, also depends how many keyboards you want to get through I guess! I've been a bit spoiled with the many freebies.

[@threepe0]

Interested to see your thoughts on the Corne-ish Zen wireless bluetooth spit. Seems like exactly what you're looking for in the end of the video

[@BenVallack]

Yeah nice looking thing for sure!

[@ShawnFumo]

I might try to grab one of those once it comes back in stock. They do seem pretty nice!

[@MCgranat999]

Hi, Where can I find resource or BOM list for GergoPlex? It would be even more awesome if it would have the Heavy plate but for now GergoPlex is out of stock for quite some time, both prebuilt and diy.

[@ChrisLeeW00]

Love to see you try an ASETNIOP layout ;)

[@codypappa1667]

I wish I was able to get one of these to try out

[@klyok]

What about tap dance and other software customization? How much efforts did you invested to port your EZ layout to this thing? :)

[@BenVallack]

Very little really! Pretty much copy and paste.

[@mschoenholzer]

@@BenVallack Can it be flashed with Oryx in the same way as a moonlander?

[@josephluck4341]

No, you need to use QMK firmware

[@BenVallack]

@mschoenholzer unfortunately not, but porting a layout from Oryx is actaully pretty easy. Flashing is just done with a command from the command line once you have QMK installed with your layout files set up.

[@Reflectives]

How durable is the naked pcb keyboard? How long will it work without the case?

[@_.gray._]

I really like the minimal design of the keyboard, but I'd probably end up going with a 3D-printed case if I were to get one (maybe with a clear material so I can still see the awesome artwork on the PCB)! How long would you say the switch from a larger split keyboard took? I think my biggest question comes down to the configurability. How much freedom do you have in which keys do what? I'm pretty used to Oryx by now, being an Ergodox owner, so that may be the hardest part of switching. Great video, by the way, keep up the good work!

[@FelixSargent]

The Gergoplex runs QMK, which is the same underlying firmware that the ZSA keyboards use, though without the snazzy interface. There are GUI tools like VIA which can make similar configurations, but for complex macros and tap key customization you're going to do some code splunking.

[@BenVallack]

Many thanks! Yeah as Felix says there is no limit with what you can do, only how you do it. In fact you can do things like chords with QMK that aren’t supported on Oryx yet.

[@_.gray._]

@@BenVallack Glad to hear it, thanks! I guess I might pick up a kit sometime soon and make this my first real mechanical keyboard project!

[@_.gray._]

@@FelixSargent That's very helpful, thank you! I guess I've got some studying to do very soon haha

[@miftahfadhlulla]

I’ve been using ergo mech keebs quite a long time and I wish a could elaborate my keyboard journey as you do. If you want a low pro keeb, Corne Light is the low pro version of Corne Classic/Cherry. But Idk whether the outer column can be cut as Corne Classic can be. Whilst Planck through hole or Plaid could be your low pro alt for your Planck EZ

[@NerdAlert4]

i think your soposed to use that with plover for steno

[@avgsoul]

How does programming the key binding on GergoPlex and 3DKeeb compare to ZSA's Oryx? What are the limitations of these keyboards, if any, compared to ZSA's keyboards? What compromises, if any, did you have to make to your keybindings?

[@BenVallack]

Limitations are two-fold. One is the size of the space available, I had to remove a lot of my tap dance keys to get the firmware to fit. The other limitation is the complexity to getting the layout setup and on the board. Oryx makes it so easy and fun that it lets you freely experiment whereas the hassle of writing the code in QMK kind of puts you off making small or big changes. The advantages are that QMK features are ahead of the Oryx implementation so you can do things like chords in native QMK but not in Oryx.

[@producdevity]

I can’t seem to find where to buy springs for the Kailh Choc V1’s. Could someone link me a place to order these?

[@Etlos1]

Im sitting between this and the moonlander. Already pretty set on using your layout, so the Gergo seems like the prober solution. But how does the 2 compare in terms of ergonomics when taking the tilt of the moonlander, and the generel feel into acount? Would you say theres is still a place for the moonlander for you, and if so where/what is that place compared to the Gergo? Cheers, love your vids! your my ergo guru!

[@DanielASchaeffer]

I've been using the UHK for about 18 months and thinking of going to a 40% layout. I want a split keyboard that allows me to route the bridge cable around the back of my chair with the keys on my armrests. This GergoPlex looks fascinating but do you know how long the cable can be? I see G Heavy Industries is a bit indisposed these days so I don't want to trouble them.

[@HLover03]

Hi there, thanks for the great video. You mentioned that you didn't have much problems with accidental hits, I was wondering if you rest your fingers on the keycaps while not typing and if you use a palm rest with this or your ferris keyboard. I tried the white keychron low profile optical linear switches with 30g operating force and while resting my finger tips on the keycaps and my palm on the palm rest, I'll always actuate the keys without applying any force just by the weight of my finger tips, so I'm having difficulty choosing switches as I also really like the feeling of light switches.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah I’m very nervous of the accumulating pressure of resting my wrists on anything so don’t use a wrist/palm rest. I think my fingers may just touch the keys for orientation sometimes but light enough to not hit them.

[@princez.2648]

Where's a good place to get a corne LP but with backlighting and assembled for you? I haven't had a lot of luck finding anywhere that offers it. Any help would be great because i absolutely need backlighting on an ortho LP keyboard. :3

[@brian-bed]

Why not make hexagonic layout on ultrasmall keyboard?

[@wyfyj]

I don't use Apple products really. Is there a way to use Vim and text edit on there? Would be really interesting if so.

[@BenVallack]

I use Vim with my custom keyboards :) works beautifully.

[@RykerFreegeld]

What a cool company. Very quirky products on their website too. Thanks!

[@BenVallack]

Yeah they are a bit overwhelmed at the moment but catching up I think! Check my community posts for some updates on this.

[@RykerFreegeld]

​@@BenVallack Yep, all "Sold Out" and entire site "Shutdown due to backlog". Will do! Thanks!

[@BillBaran]

Great vid. What's that bean bag you're using?

[@markmoreno7295]

Colemak? And do you resort to the software keyboard for the rare occasion that you need numbers?

[@BenVallack]

It’s all on thee with layers - I’m using this layout now: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4OxkGeGhpWdZ6M

[@nickcbet]

Is that cable long enough to split the board to be on both sides of a 14inch laptop? Run the cable behind it but have each section on opposite sides of the laptop to open up my shoulders.

[@BenVallack]

That particular one would probably be too short but you can get a longer version. One with right angle connectors might work better too. Cheers!

[@ThalassTKynn]

Is it possible to connect multiple bluetooth keyboards to a tablet or PC? I've never tried, myself. If that could be done then it'd be fairly simple to do, right? Each half already needs a microcontroller anyway, might as well make it a pair of nice nanos, with complimentary halves of a keymap... I dunno, though. I'm still working up the courage to build my first keyboard 😅

[@BenVallack]

Check out the video I just posted, with the nice!nano controllers they are wireless between the halves so no need for them both to be paired to the host, just one. Building and designing a keyboard is now much simpler than it used to be.

[@ThalassTKynn]

@@BenVallack ah awesome! I've been resisting but I think I'll end up making a keyboard this year some time.

[@garciajero]

Do you still use these kind of setups when you are under pressure? im an SRE and im all happy to try new keyboards switches etc.. but when there's a fire (workwise) i switch laytouts keyboards and everything cause the stress would be too much.

[@BenVallack]

I do now but agree it isn't something you want to be doing until it's totally in your muscle memory!

[@todologic]

Hi. Sorry to bother you, but I can’t locate the name of the keycaps that you are using (displayed in the miniature of the video). I remember finding them in the past… can you point me to them? Thanks a lot.

[@BenVallack]

mkultra.click/mbk-choc-keycaps

[@todologic]

@@BenVallack Thanks.

[@youngwanify]

which qmk github branch did you use when flashing? qmk main does not support gergoplex I think. qmk configurator is working for this board? I did not find this on the qmk configurator

[@BenVallack]

There is a fork that supports it by Germ (the GergoPlex creator) github.com/germ/qmk_firmware

[@hellzsaint5]

Great video! Would love to support 3Dkeeb making some of these to get them rolling out sooner 👍 have just finished my own 36 key layout on the moon lander after being inspired by your own journey and might get one of these as a travel keyboard :D

[@malkcontent]

Really enjoy and love the videos and making your files available for your layouts. Sadly I have the oklb Planck and not the Planck EZ and I don’t think you have the files for that since you’d have to write the file like you did for the gergo plex which might be a stretch for me at moment

[@malkcontent]

Also did you know your SSL cert for your website seems to not be correct. Your site comes back as insecure.

[@rickcowap5061]

Hi Ben - Great videos - thanks. I'm sticking with the Corne for now but some time ago I chucked some money at a TextBlade. I have no trouble calling myself an optimist (amongst other things) expecting that one day it will be delivered.... It ticks a lot of boxes I probably share with you though.

[@BenVallack]

Many thanks! Wow that is an iteresting thing with an interesting story!! Heh!

[@juanfrancisco6049]

Hey! sorry, I want to ask you wich keyboard do you prefer, moonlander or kinesis advantage 2? also, there is a new version of kinesis that will be at the market at end of this year. by the way, English is not my native language :)

[@BenVallack]

Moonlander because of this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6OukqGuYtNrrNE

[@bullzebub]

about wireless.... you could change the micro for one that supports BT. maybe use the same as the mitosis keynoard uses so you can use the same firmware? :-)

[@BenVallack]

Check this out kzbin.info/www/bejne/i3zJln2oh66Wrtk

[@bullzebub]

@@BenVallack heh. of course. i had actually seen that! that one inspired me to start experimenting with designing boards. so soon maybe ill go from hand wired to a real pcb :-) thnx!

[@ryanwwest]

You have excellent, high-quality content, I love it. I recently ordered the Planck to get into this, but I noticed that both this and your split Planck video only have 5 main columns of keys per hand, not 6. So you are using your index finger for double duty on that inner-most column. The thumb also can move both left and right. Why not do the same for the pinky fingers, having an extra 6th outer column? Clearly the GergoPlex doesn't offer these keys, but I'm wondering what disadvantage that would pose. And also, what profile keycaps are on the GergoPlex here? They look slightly less flat than F10s.

[@BenVallack]

Bascally the idea of stretching my pinkies out to another column is something I really want to avoid. I need to move my hand to do that as they definitely can’t reach if I keep my hands in the home position. My index fingers aren’t doing any more work as a result of this, they are used for the same letters as normal. I just come up with alternative ways to get things like backspace shift and enter. See this video for details. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWHFc6CZpLumo5o

[@ryanwwest]

@@BenVallack That makes sense, thanks! I've got the Planck now and can see what you mean.

[@chris8910]

I love my planck except it still hurts my wrist when I type for an extended period of time.

[@BenVallack]

Have you tried hover typing and really focusing on keeping your hands in line with your wrists? kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3SVk32hr66Uhqc

[@bradd5961]

Hi Ben, have these guys vanished? Can't seem to contact them now.

[@BenVallack]

Yeah it seems that way - jump in here and make your own is what I recommend these days! kzbin.info/aero/PLCZYyvXAdQpte8dkCPz72m_O-Od9fVEqD

[@andresacosta5318]

this keyboard feels like an old thinkpad keyboard with how low profile and flat the keys are, but just split

[@redumptious2544]

Does anyone know how the IPad Beanbag is called? It looks quite handy.

[@BenVallack]

iBeani - amzn.to/3M9o5zi

[@redumptious2544]

@@BenVallack thank you! They don't seem to have it in that beige-ish color anymore :( Great keyboard content btw 🙏

[@modularcarpet]

What is your experience with the software for configuring the keyboard? What website do you use to configure your layout? How easy is it to flash? How does it compare to ZSA’s config site? I currently use a Planck EZ and I find the ZSA site very easy to use. Thanks.

[@BenVallack]

So you have to install the creator’s branch of QMK, it’s pretty geeky stuff, then you use the command line to flash it once you’ve edited the config files. Quite a different league to the ZSA polish really!

[@modularcarpet]

@@BenVallackThanks for the reply. I had a Ergodox Infinity and I had a lot of trouble getting that to flash with QMK - I ended up having to use their own configurator, which has several limitations. That's what I love about the ZSA experience - simple, but powerful. If only ZSA would do a small split keyboard like the GergoPlex (even if it was a bit bıgger). I was going to get a Moonlander, but your videos have convinced me that smaller is better (less finger travel). I love the Planck, but I would like a small split keyboard for my desktop at work. The GergoPlex looks so cool, but they only have kits left and I'm not sure if I fancy soldering SMDs with my limited soldering skills...

[@BenVallack]

Yep exactly, we can only hope for a smaller Moonlander!! Hopefully Gboards will start making Ready boards again soon. Not sure what the status of 3dkeeb.com making Gergoplexes is but they are on the site.

[@dgaa1991]

I guess you still are using workman, how are you handling keybindings with various editors and IDE's? I would really like to use the workman layout but I find it hard to use with vim and vim for vscode....

[@BenVallack]

Actually changed to Colemak DHm a while ago. I will do a video on it soon. The way I dealt with vim it to just remap the bare minimum of keys to make hjkl eqivalents work, then map those to somewhere else. Feel as confident in vim now as I ever did with QWERTY.

[@RichestTea]

Did you get a look at the Ginny model, the ten key ASETNIOP? Assuming you have worked out a license with Jane and not just 'borrowing' her design.

[@BenVallack]

Crazy thing isn’t! Can’t help but want to try it though!

[@RichestTea]

@@BenVallack I have one and it suits my stiff fingers. You can configure it well enough for Vim. With a rebuilt from the ground up QMK, Its an incredible bit of compact engineering. Hand sanitiser and earbuds will remove the flux.

[@The8merp]

How difficult is setting up layers on this thing, I know ergodox oryx makes it really easy to experiment with layouts. Also Andrew if you are reading this, this design with a slim case and basic white backlight would be amazing

[@BenVallack]

To be honest I havn’t changed my layout from the one I created for me Planck and Moonlander, so it‘s really mostly just a copy of that. The QMK config is pretty easy to get your head around though but certainly nothing beats Oryx for visualising what you’re doing and the ease of setting it all up.

[@TN-ec6ec]

What kind of work are you doing with your 36 keys? Mainly just writing on the iPad?

[@BenVallack]

Web development in Vim :)

[@BenVallack]

But I’m currently using 16 keys heh

[@TN-ec6ec]

@@BenVallack Wow, really? I would love to know how you practically are able to write special characters plus code with only 16, haha. I might want to switch over then. :)

[@jeelliovuscow5522]

What did you use to program the Gergoplex? QMK?

[@BenVallack]

The creator of the Gergoplex has her own fork of QMK as the normal one doesn’t include the Gergoplex. All pretty easy to figure out actually.

[@youngwanify]

Cable is not included even though you bought ready to use?

[@BenVallack]

Correct, not sure if that was explained somewhere on the site or not but ’ready’ for me didn’t come with usb or trrs cable.

[@ThomasMichaelSchneider1]

2:30 service recommendation

[@huxt2010]

What switches did you use?

[@grproteus]

At the point where you mention pins sticking out of the back as being a good thing, I spontaneously started wondering about people smelling their own farts. So... are they so intoxicating?

[@janniksco]

Does anybody know what these keycaps are called and where to get them? Thx 🙏

[@BenVallack]

They are the MBK choc caps. I’ve not used this shop before but they appear to have them. mkultra.click/mbk-choc-keycaps

[@janniksco]

@@BenVallack that was fast, thanks 🙏

[@pun1ca]

@Ben Vallack were the caps included in the order you made on gboards.ca (so was the board „ready“ and you just had to get some cables to use it)?

[@BenVallack]

@@pun1ca yep caps included but not cables. Just make sure you ask for the MBK caps as I don’t think it‘s them by default.

[@pun1ca]

thanks for the fast answer! And did you chose the 12g or 20g choc switches? I cant „test“ them before and it makes it hard for me to make a decision..

[@ellox]

GergoPlex doesn't have a plate? How do you feel about it?

[@BenVallack]

Love it, it’s so thin and light, I can actually carry it in my pocket.

[@ellox]

@@BenVallack Thanks. These switches are pretty tempting, I need to find a PCB keyboard for those :).

[@rcrowder85]

Your fingers are like perfect pianist fingers. Mine are like knobby sausages in comparison.