Dactyl TypeSafe Keyboard

Overview

The Dactyl TypeSafe is an innovative vertical split keyboard designed for optimal ergonomic support and user efficiency. With its unique combination of a trackball and joystick, this keyboard is tailored for those seeking a novel approach to typing and navigation. It’s fully open-sourced under the GPL-3.0 license, allowing users to modify and improve upon the design to meet their specific needs.

Design and Layout

This unconventional keyboard features a vertical split design, making it stand out among standard keyboard layouts. With a total of 50 keys and three keys allocated for each thumb, it promotes a comfortable typing posture. The layout is ortholinear, further enhancing accessibility and reducing finger movement. The Dactyl TypeSafe is scooped, providing an added layer of comfort by fitting the natural contour of the hands. The unmatched ergonomic design is complemented by a non-symmetrical split, giving it a distinct aesthetic and functionality that sets it apart from traditional keyboards.

Features

The Dactyl TypeSafe comes equipped with several noteworthy features:

• Trackball and Joystick: Offering intuitive navigation and control, these input devices allow users to manage their workflow with ease.
• Mechanical Switches: The keyboard supports Cherry MX switches, providing a tactile and responsive typing experience.
• TRRS Connection: The two halves are connected using a TRRS cable, allowing for effective communication between the two halves while maintaining a tidy setup.
• Customizability: Being open-source allows users not only to build the keyboard but also to make modifications according to personal preferences.
• Compatibility: The Dactyl TypeSafe is designed to work with all operating systems, making it versatile for different users.

Buy or Build

If you’re interested in the Dactyl TypeSafe, you have the option to either buy a pre-assembled version or undertake a DIY project to build your own. The GitHub repository provides a detailed build guide, making it relatively accessible for enthusiasts willing to dive into the creation of their personalized keyboard. Whether you choose to build from scratch or opt for a complete unit, the Dactyl TypeSafe offers plenty of opportunities for customization to fit your typing style.

Similar Keyboards

Keyboards that share similarities with the Dactyl TypeSafe include:

• Charybdis: The Charybdis is a split ergonomic keyboard featuring an integrated trackball, providing a unique approach to typing and navigation.

• Dactyl Manuform Skeleton Edition: This edition offers an unconventional take on the Dactyl Manuform, with keyboard components elevated on standoffs, creating an almost vertical typing experience.

• Dactyl ManuForm Tight Keyboard: A compact variation of the Dactyl ManuForm, designed to minimize the space around the keys, ideal for users seeking a smaller footprint.

For additional information on the Dactyl TypeSafe keyboard, you can visit the Dactyl TypeSafe GitHub repository, where you can also find the build guide.