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Btrfld

The Btrfld keyboard.

Btrfld Keyboard: An Innovative Portable Typing Solution

Overview

The Btrfld, affectionately pronounced “butter-fold”, is a remarkable foldable keyboard that serves as a portable counterpart to the btrfly keyboard. With an emphasis on convenience and modern design, the Btrfld caters to users who require flexibility in their typing devices without compromising on functionality. It boasts a fully open-source design, ensuring that both enthusiasts and casual users can tailor their keyboard experience to their liking.

Design and Layout

The design of the Btrfld encompasses a sleek and intuitive ortholinear key layout, which promotes efficiency and comfort during extended typing sessions. Featuring a total of 46 keys, the keyboard includes a specialized 5-key dactyl-manuform-mini thumb cluster, allowing for streamlined access to frequently used commands. The ability to fold flat enhances its portability, making it an ideal companion for those on the go. The Btrfld employs a USB-C connector for seamless connectivity, emphasizing modern usability and broad compatibility across devices.

A top-down view of the Btrfld keyboard in a folded state. Licensed under MIT. Source

A top-down view of the Btrfld keyboard in a folded state. Licensed under MIT. Source

Features

This keyboard shines with its combination of features tailored for comfort and performance. Here are some key attributes:

  • Wireless Functionality: The Btrfld is designed for wireless operation, freeing users from the clutter of cables and providing flexibility in setup.
  • Switch Options: It supports Cherry MX and Kailh Choc switches, allowing users to choose their preferred tactile feedback and actuation force.
  • Open Source: Licensed under the MIT framework, the Btrfld promotes a culture of collaboration and customization, with all design files and documentation readily available for modification and improvement.
  • Portable Design: Its foldable feature allows the keyboard to fit easily into bags or laptop cases, making it an excellent choice for travel enthusiasts.

Buy or Build

The Btrfld keyboard is designed with a DIY approach in mind. Users can either purchase a ready-made version or opt to build one from scratch using the open-source resources available on its GitHub page. This flexibility caters to a wide audience—from hobbyists who enjoy assembling their keyboards to those who prefer a plug-and-play experience. The build guide, which is available through the keyboard’s official resources, provides comprehensive instructions for those who choose to embark on the DIY journey.

Various top-down views of the Btrfld keyboard in tented configurations. Licensed under MIT. Source

Various top-down views of the Btrfld keyboard in tented configurations. Licensed under MIT. Source

Similar Keyboards

Keyboards that are similar to the Btrfld keyboard include:

  • Reviung39: The REVIUNG41 is a 41-key column staggered keyboard, with variations featuring fewer keys (33, 34, or 39) and even split designs with an ortholinear layout. For more details, visit GitHub.

  • Absolem: The Absolem is a mechanical ergonomic keyboard with a 36-key columnar layout, designed for comfort and efficiency. Additional information can be found on GitHub.

  • Lumberjack: The Lumberjack features a split-in-place 5×12 ortholinear layout, aiming to fit a full-size keyboard into a compact 60% tray mount case. More information is available at GitHub.

For additional insights on the Btrfld keyboard, please visit the Btrfld GitHub Repository, where you can also find the build guide.