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Levinson

The Levinson Keyboard

Overview

The Levinson keyboard represents a sophisticated evolution of the popular Let’s Split keyboard. Designed with ergonomics and utility in mind, the Levinson model incorporates notable enhancements such as LED backlighting and supports larger 2u keys. This split keyboard, featuring a symmetrical design, aims to provide an efficient typing experience while accommodating various key switch preferences.

Design and Layout

The Levinson keyboard boasts a user-friendly ortholinear layout, which arranges the keys in a grid rather than staggering them. This design choice can lead to less finger movement and improved typing speed for many users. Each half of the keyboard has a compact key matrix comprising four rows and six columns, amounting to a total of 48 keys. Like most split keyboards, the Levinson’s halves are symmetrical, allowing for an evenly distributed typing experience. The design further integrates two keys per thumb, reflecting common ergonomic principles intended to reduce strain and enhance comfort during extended use.

Features

One of the standout features of the Levinson keyboard is its support for hot-swappable switches. Users can easily swap out mechanical switches to suit their personal typing preferences or to test different feel and feedback without needing a soldering iron. The keyboard supports a variety of switch types, including Alps, Cherry MX, and Kailh Choc, giving users the flexibility to customize their setup. Additionally, the Levinson comes equipped with LED backlighting, enhancing visibility and aesthetics, especially in low-light environments. The two halves of the keyboard connect through a TRRS cable, while the host connection is made via USB-C, ensuring modern compatibility.

Buy or Build

While the Levinson keyboard is primarily a commercial product available for purchase, there are options available for those interested in assembling their own kit. This dual availability caters both to individuals who prefer the convenience of a fully assembled keyboard and those who enjoy the DIY aspect of keyboard building. However, it is essential to note that the Levinson is not open source, which may impact the decisions of more tech-savvy users seeking complete customizability.

Similar Keyboards

Keyboards that share similarities with the Levinson keyboard include:

  • Rorschach (very similar): The Rorschach is a 40% split ortholinear keyboard that closely resembles both the Let’s Split and Levinson models, but it features two additional thumb keys on each half for enhanced functionality. More information on the Rorschach keyboard can be found at Keebme.

  • Viterbi (very similar): The Viterbi is a 70% split ortholinear keyboard designed with a 5×7 matrix layout. This keyboard offers a unique typing experience while maintaining the benefits of a split design. Additional details about the Viterbi keyboard are available at Keebme.

  • Sol 3 (similar): The Sol 3 is a split ortholinear keyboard powered by QMK firmware, allowing some keys to be replaced with rotary encoders for added versatility. More information on the Sol 3 keyboard can be found at RGBKB.

For those seeking more details on the Levinson keyboard, additional information is available at Levinson Keyboard.