Con Corne

My 42-key monoblock ergonomic keyboard

[ Updated 05-15-23 | Created 05-15-23 ]

Revision 2 (Early 2023)

Built a second one to keep at work (instead of using Corne LP split). Revision 2 changes consist of:

• Full plate to cover microcontrollers
  • Inverted microcontrollers on Corne Classic PCB
  • The microcontrollers are soldered upside-down (chip-side up) to the “bottom” holes in order to fit the full plate design.
• Revised top layer which blocks the bottom screw
• Reset buttons facing the bottom of the board
  • Revised bottom layer with holes to access button

Not pictured is the foam wrist rests (x2) which I cut from hand.

Anticipated changes for revision 3:

• Proper wrist rest, either:
  • integrated on bottom layer
  • slide-in to bottom layer (like current, but more solid and permanent)
• Corne LP support

Revision 1 (Early 2022)

I have enjoyed using the Corne keyboard for almost a year now. The key count and layout have been easy to work with and I type much more comfortably and efficiently than on a standard ANSI board. My biggest gripe with the Corne are the split halves; although I understand the practicality of seperate halves, I much prefer a fixed and consistent layout. Sometimes I would align the halves comfortably without much effort, but frequently I would take time to adjust each half after moving the board around my desk. Creating a conjoined case gave me a comfortable position each time with the added benefit of the halves sitting closer together in the absence of the TRRS cable.

The halves sit a few millimeters apart, each angled 10 degrees from the center. I wouldn’t have minded a slightly larger angle given the spacing between the halves but the current positioning is plenty comfortable. The outer case consists of six acrylic layers while the two halves share a brass switch plate that connects to the bottom acrylic layer. Each half is connected directly with wires in place of the jacks and TRRS cable. I also opted for plate and case foam to dampen as much sound as possible.

The switches are spring-swapped 35g Silent Alpacas lubed with Krytox 205g0. The keycaps are PBT DSA blank keycaps; nothing special, but they get the job done.

Overall I’m very satisfied with the project. I finally have a premium ergonomic keyboard and I’m proud to have designed the case myself.

Tagged: Keyboards Soldering Ergonomics