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

 

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

Introduction

Do you all have a keyboard?

I completely forgot to write this article, and by the time it was published, pre-orders were already closed... (Try aiming for regular sales.)
This article is an introduction to a new keyboard product.

IntroducingAugust 31st the HHKB (Studio)-like split keyboard (pre-orders closed on
A small number of remaining units are planned for general sale.
7sProMax sales page

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

Just look at this. The texture of this aluminum case and the fact that the HHKB layout exists as a split keyboard—
I think I'm shedding tears of joy at the long-awaited release of this product...
(Although there are people in the company who use two keyboards at once, I've never seen anyone else using a split keyboard besides myself, so this feeling of excitement might not come across to everyone...)

Source: 7sProMax product page

Source: 7sProMax blog

When purchasing

Producer

Salicylic Acid is a well-known figure in the custom keyboard community.
Having created multiple custom keyboards, their reliability is undeniable.

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

Let's do an interest check on the 7s Pro Max!
We're starting pre-orders for the 7s Pro Max, so let's explain it!

Four purchasing options

There are four options to choose from when purchasing, and those unfamiliar with custom keyboards may not know which one to pick, so I will briefly explain. This
is a summary of information referenced from the blogs and other sources mentioned above.

1. ProMicro (Micro USB)
   - Connects PC and keyboard via Micro USB
   - Soldering required
   - Wired connection only
2. KeybMicro-C (Type C)
   - Connects PC and keyboard via USB-C
   - Recommended because the connector is less prone to breakage than ProMicro
   - Can be assembled without soldering (requires a component called a "Consuru")
   - Wired connection only
3. BLE Micro Pro + Battery Board Set
   - USB-C connection between PC and keyboard
   - Soldering required (Consle-through possible *1)
   - Fully wireless and wired connection possible (*2)
4. Battery board set (BLE Micro Pro not included)
   - This is the same as ③ but without the BLE Micro Pro
   - For those who can assemble the parts themselves, and for those who intend to use partial wireless connectivity with 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 supply.
- Power can be supplied by either batteries or a USB cable.
- The left keyboard can be connected to the PC via wired, wireless, or both.
→ Connecting a USB cable to the right keyboard will not allow communication with the PC (the left keyboard connects wirelessly, and the left keyboard connects to the PC), but it can supply power.
- Keyboards canonly be connected wirelessly

*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 your left hand and the LPME-IO to your right hand, you can achieve partial wireless connectivity.
- Connect the left and right sides with a TRRS cable.
→ A 3-pin TRS cable cannot be used.
- Only the left side requires power. No battery is needed on the right side.
- The connection tends 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

The
You need to select MX-compatible key switches.
7sPro requires 64 key switches.

Due
You will need to purchase a keycap set compatible with MX keyboards.
to the presence of keys with unusual sizes, even a full key set may not include all the keys.

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

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

Consul (optional)
: Necessary if you are assembling without soldering using KeebMicro-C.

BLE Micro Pro (optional):
Two units (fully wireless) or one unit (partially wireless: wireless between keyboard and PC, wired connections between left and right sides of the keyboard) are required for wireless connection using Bluetooth. Each unit costs around 5000 yen.

A side note

Among other split keyboards, the Keyball series is particularly well-known.
While it requires assembly from a kit, making it slightly more challenging, it features a built-in trackball and is a popular choice.

If you're not interested in split keyboards, the Loftee Flow Lite, which recently became available for pre-order, is one of my recommendations.
It's a ready-made product, and at this price, it's hot-swappable (key switches can be replaced), has customizable key mapping, and a high-quality typing sound (as seen in the video below), making it a good choice as a second or spare keyboard.

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

This has been uzi from the System Solutions Department.
If anyone in your company is considering purchasing this product, please feel free to contact me!

Previous article:https://beyondjapan.com/blog/2024/01/sns-cloudwatch-email-notifications/

Useful settings for Amazon SNS + CloudWatch email notifications