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Lumberjack

The Lumberjack keyboard.

The Lumberjack Keyboard: A Comprehensive Overview

Overview

The Lumberjack keyboard is an innovative split-in-place 5×12 ortholinear keyboard designed to fit comfortably within a standard 60% tray mount case. This keyboard stands out due to its unique layout and compact design while maintaining functionality akin to a full-sized keyboard. Fully open-sourced under the MIT license, the Lumberjack invites enthusiasts and developers alike to explore its capabilities and modifications.

Design and Layout

The Lumberjack keyboard features a straightforward and efficient ortholinear design. Unlike traditional staggered keyboards, ortholinear layouts arrange keys in a grid pattern, allowing for more streamlined finger movement and potentially less strain during prolonged use. With a total of 60 keys, including two keys per thumb, the keyboard is designed to provide an effective typing experience without excess bulk. Notably, it lacks split symmetry and retains a non-joinable structure, making it suitable for users who prefer a unified typing experience.

A view of the printed circuit board of the Lumberjack keyboard. Licensed under MIT. Source

A view of the printed circuit board of the Lumberjack keyboard. Licensed under MIT. Source

Features

One of the key features of the Lumberjack keyboard is its support for Cherry MX mechanical switches. Users can expect a tactile and responsive typing experience thanks to the reliability associated with these switches. Although the keyboard does not currently offer hotswap capabilities, it is built to accommodate standard switch configurations, making it a robust choice for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. It utilizes a USB-C connector, ensuring compatibility with modern devices. The design does not include wireless options, focusing instead on a stable wired connection.

Buy or Build

Given its open-source nature, the Lumberjack keyboard offers users the option to either buy a pre-assembled unit (if available) or to build one from scratch using the provided designs and specifications. Those who enjoy DIY projects can refer to the comprehensive build guide available at this link. Building the keyboard can be a rewarding experience, as it allows for customization and learning about mechanical keyboard components.

An image showing the Lumberjack keyboard’s key layout. Licensed under MIT. Source

An image showing the Lumberjack keyboard’s key layout. Licensed under MIT. Source

Similar Keyboards

Keyboards that share similarities with the Lumberjack keyboard include:

  • Atreis: The Atreis is essentially a unified version of the Iris keyboard, designed as a one-piece columnar layout that maintains the ergonomic benefits of its predecessor.

  • CatBoard: The CatBoard is one of the pioneering DIY keyboards, developed around 2013. It embodies a classic design that continues to inspire enthusiasts today.

  • Speedo: The Speedo is a 66-key ergonomic mechanical keyboard that draws inspiration from the Atreus and Atreus62 keyboards, offering a compact yet comfortable typing experience.

For further details on the Lumberjack keyboard, you can visit the Lumberjack Keyboard GitHub page. Additionally, a comprehensive build guide is available at this link.