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+---
+layout: post
+title: build an ergodox keyboard
+---
+
+Roughly a year ago, I decided to step into a hardcore corner of mechanical
+keyboards. I had grown fond of the mechanical switch click, the solid feel of a
+keyboard, and the myriad of keycaps available for customization. It was time to
+take my relationship with mechanical keyboards to the next level: I wanted to
+build my own. Enter the [ErgoDox](http://ergodox.org): an open-source, split
+layout, vertically ortholinear, fully programmable keyboard. That's a heck of a
+mouthful, but let's break all that down.
+
+- Open-source means that the designs of this keyboard are available to the
+  general public at no charge. Anyone can use these designs to build their own
+  keyboard, modify the designs, or redistribute them freely.
+
+- Split layout refers to a growing design in keyboards where the layout of the
+  keys are split into left and right halves. This allows for the key
+  arrangement to be placed at angles less stressful to the wrists and arms.
+  There are other keyboards that utilize split layouts like the [TEK
+  Keyboard][tek-kb] and the [Kinesis Advantage][kinesis].
+
+- Ortholinear describes the keys being in line with one another either
+  vertically, horizontally, or both. The ErgoDox has vertically ortholinear
+  arranged keys, meaning the keys are lined up in columns as opposed to rows
+  like the standard keyboard. A standard keyboard that most people are familiar
+  with is horizontally ortholinear.
+
+- Programmable. Keyboards need software to communicate with the computer, but
+  usually the software on keyboards isn't customizable. The ErgoDox's software
+  is [available on Github][ergo-fw]. That makes it possible for you to move
+  keys around if you don't like where they are by default. You can make keys do
+  more fancy things rather than just sending a letter to the computer. This
+  allows you to tailor the operation of the ErgoDox to your liking with very
+  few limits: a tinkerer's delight!
+
+[tek-kb]: https://www.trulyergonomic.com/store/index.php
+[kinesis]: https://www.kinesis-ergo.com/shop/advantage-for-pc-mac/
+[ergo-fw]: https://github.com/benblazak/ergodox-firmware
+
+![ergodox image]({% link assets/img/2015-07-26-build-an-ergodox-keyboard/ergodox_topdown.jpg %})
+
+## Parts & Construction
+
+The quickest and least expensive way to acquire parts for an ErgoDox is to find
+them yourself using the [official parts list][ergodox-bom]. Another avenue, if
+you're more patient, is to purchase a [kit from Massdrop][ergodox-drop] when
+they become available every six months or so. The Massdrop kit has been wildly
+popular as it comes with all parts needed to assemble an ErgoDox. There was an
+[Indiegogo][indiegogo] a while ago for fully assembled ErgoDox boards that
+added some interesting fold out legs to the original design, but I believe it
+has since ended. You'll need a good soldering iron, some wire
+cutters/strippers, and intermediate soldering skills.
+
+[ergodox-bom]: http://ergodox.org/Hardware.aspx
+[ergodox-drop]: https://www.massdrop.com/buy/ergodox
+[indiegogo]: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/ergodox-ez-an-incredible-mechanical-keyboard
+
+The building process was straight forward. Nothing that someone with basic DIY
+electronics skills couldn't handle. Massdrop provides
+[instructions][ergo-assembly-instructions] that detail the process along with
+high-quality pictures. I took my time during the build which ended up taking me
+about 10 hours, but based on your skills you can probably do it quicker.  The
+most difficult task I encountered was soldering the surface-mount diodes to the
+PCB due to their small size, and soldering the USB mini cable ends to the
+board. Be sure to test all the switches before you do the final assembly! I
+initially had three keys that didn't work because of bad solder joints.
+
+[ergo-assembly-instructions]: https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox/assembly.php
+
+## Configuration
+
+After completing construction and ensuring all the ErgoDox's switches are
+operational, then comes choosing your key layout. The easiest method is to use
+Massdrop's [ErgoDox Configurator](https://www.massdrop.com/ext/ergodox) to
+setup your keys and layers. The ErgoDox software operates using a concept of
+layers on a stack. There is always a currently selected layer. Modifier keys
+can be used to switch between layers.
+
+![configurator layout]({% link /assets/img/2015-07-26-build-an-ergodox-keyboard/configurator_layout.png %})
+
+How is this useful? The idea behind this is so that you can do more things with
+the same keys. For instance, I use `Home`, `End`, `Page Up`, and `Page Down`
+often, but there isn't particularly an easy-to-reach place for them on the
+default layer, `Layer 0`. I place those keys on `Layer 1` using the same
+physical keys as `I`, `K`, `O`, and `L`, respectively. In the image of my
+ErgoDox layout above, you'll see that I can hold down `[~L1]` (near the left
+index finger) switching to `Layer 1` making `Home`, `End`, `Page Up`, and `Page
+Down` accessible under my right hand. Now I don't have to stretch my hands to
+find those keys if I put them in an out-of-the-way place on the default layer.
+
+## Usage
+
+I know this all sounds pretty weird. It certainly was for me when I first used
+the ErgoDox. Maybe it even sounds bad, but don't worry! It gets much much
+better after about two weeks. I never timed my typing before switching to the
+ErgoDox, so I can't confirm speed improvements. I must confess that I do prefer
+the ErgoDox, not simply for its uniqueness, but I've found there to be a bit of
+truth to its ergonomic differences to a standard QWERTY keyboard. Wrist pain
+previously experienced while typing has disappeared because the ErgoDox let's
+me type with my arms, wrists, and hands in more natural resting positions. The
+novelty is cool in its own right, though. It has yet to get old for someone new
+to walk by my desk at work and ask, "Do you really type on that thing?" Maybe
+it will eventually, but I hope not :)
+
+## Conclusion
+
+I love typing on my ErgoDox. It's a satisfying experience being able to use
+something at work every day that I assembled and tested myself. The ErgoDox
+certainly is a different beast from a normal keyboard, but I would recommend it
+to anyone who may be considering a more ergonomic keyboard. Feel free to
+contact me if you have any questions about the ErgoDox or mechanical keyboards
+in general. Until then, type on friends.