[Introduction] An HHKB-style split keyboard is coming!

2024.09.09

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table of contents

1 Introduction
2 When purchasing
- 2.1 Producer
- 2.2 Four purchasing options
3 Items that must be purchased separately
4 A side note

*This is an introductory article written by a simple keyboard enthusiast

Introduction

Do you all have a keyboard?

I forgot to write this article, and by the time it was published, pre-orders had already sold out... (Please wait for the regular sales)
This time, I will be introducing a new keyboard product.

Introducing the split keyboard (pre-order deadline August 31st ) similar to the HHKB (Studio)!
A small number of spare lots will be available for general sale.
7sProMax sales page

Although it is a completely different product, I also recommend this one right now.
https://www.lofree.co/pages/flow-lite

First of all, take a look. The texture of this aluminum case and the fact that the HHKB layout exists as a split keyboard.
I think people are so moved that they are shedding tears of joy at the long-awaited appearance that it is finally being released into the world...
(There are people in the company who use two keyboards, but I have never seen anyone else use a split keyboard, so this excitement may not be conveyed to them...)

Source: 7sProMax product page

Source: 7sProMax blog

When purchasing

Producer

Salicylic Acid is well-known in the world of custom keyboards.
He has built several custom keyboards so far, and his reliability is undeniable.

The following blog also explains the 7sProMax, so please take a look

I'll be checking interest in the 7sProMax!
I'll explain as pre-orders for the 7sProMax begin!

Four purchasing options

There are four options for purchasing a keyboard, and those unfamiliar with building their own keyboards may not know which one to choose, so we will briefly explain. This
is a summary of information referenced from the blogs mentioned above.

ProMicro (Micro USB)
- Micro USB connection between PC and keyboard
- Soldering required
- Wired connection only
KeebMicro-C (Type C)
- USB-C connection between PC and keyboard
- This is recommended because the terminal is less likely to break than ProMicro
- Can be assembled without soldering (requires a part called a con-through)
- Wired connection only
BLE Micro Pro + Battery Board Set
- USB-C connection between PC and keyboard
- Soldering required (through connector possible *1)
- Fully wireless and wired connection possible (*2)
Battery board set (BLE Micro Pro not included)
- ③ excluding BLE Micro Pro
- For those who can assemble the parts themselves and those who want to achieve partial wireless connection using BLE Micro Pro and LPME-IO (※3)

*1 BLE Micro Pro can be used with a through-connect, but requires soldering to chip diodes and capacitors

*2 In the case of a completely wireless connection using two BLE Micro Pros (including wireless between the left and right keyboards)

- It is not possible to connect the left and right keyboards with a TRRS cable.
- Each keyboard requires its own power source.
- Power can be supplied by either batteries or a USB cable.
- The left keyboard can be connected to the PC via a wired or wireless connection, or both.
→ Connecting a USB cable to the right keyboard will not allow communication with the PC (connect wirelessly to the left keyboard, and then connect the left keyboard to the PC), but power can be supplied.
Only wireless connections between keyboards

*3 In the case of partial wireless connection using BLE Micro Pro and LPME-IO (wired between left and right)

By attaching the BLE Micro Pro to the left and the LPME-IO to the right, you can achieve partial wireless connectivity.
- Connect the left and right devices with a TRRS cable.
→ 3-pole TRS cables cannot be used.
- Only the left device requires power; the right device does not require a battery.
- Connections tend to be more stable than fully wireless.

Items that must be purchased separately

There are some key parts that are not included in the kit and must be purchased separately

Key Switches:
You must choose MX compatible key switches,
64 key switches are required for the 7s Pro.

You will need to purchase a MX compatible keycap set.
Due
to some special key sizes, even a full keyset may not fit all the keys.

A TRRS cable
is required to connect the left and right keyboards (there are 3-pole and 4-pole versions, but the 4-pole version is better).

A USB-C cable
is required to connect the keyboard to your PC.

Con-through (optional)
Required if assembling without soldering using KeebMicro-C.

BLE Micro Pro (optional):
For wireless connection using Bluetooth, you will need two (fully wireless) or one (partially wireless: wireless between keyboard and PC, wired between left and right keyboard). Each costs about 5,000 yen.

A side note

Among other split keyboards, the keyball series is also well-known.
This requires assembly from a DIY kit, which is a bit more difficult, but it has a built-in trackball and is a popular keyboard.

If you're not interested in split keyboards, we recommend the Loftee Flow Lite, which recently opened for pre-order.
It's a ready-made product, and at this price, it's hot-swappable (key switches can be replaced), has customizable keymaps, and has a high-quality typing sound (as seen in the video below), so it would make a good second or spare keyboard.

Reservation: https://www.lofree.co/pages/flow-lite