I finally built a portable unibody version of my tiny 18 key keyboard that I could use with my iPad. In this video I look at how using split keyboards distracted me from my original goal of finding a keyboard I could use with both my iPad and my Mac.

Thanks to my sponsor PCBWay for supporting this video. PCBWay offer PCB fabrication, CNC and 3D Printing and more. They have been super efficient and friendly with all the projects I’ve used them for and I’m very happy to recommend them. You can use this link to support the channel. https://www.pcbway.com/setinvite.aspx...

Learn how I type on an 18 key keyboard:
   • Has Your Keyboard Got Too Many Keys?  

My video on split keyboard ergonomics:    • Are Split Keyboards Better For Ergono...  

Learn about building your own keyboard:    • Design Your Own Keyboard!  

More DIY keyboard videos:    • How to make your own keyboard  

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Gear seen in this video:
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The iBeani laptop stand: https://amzn.to/3QAXqQ7 (UK) https://amzn.to/3GsCp5m (US alternative)

Mini clamps used to mount my keyboard to the treadmill: https://amzn.to/3H1va64 (UK) https://amzn.to/3X7eWxx (US)

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My new keyboard specific channel:    / @benvallackskeyboards  

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Downloads:
My fork of Ergogen: https://github.com/benvallack/ergogen (See this video for details:
   • Design Your Own Keyboard!   )
KiCad: https://www.kicad.org
Ergogen UI: https://ergogen.cache.works
Layout firmware: https://github.com/benvallack/zmk-con...

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🪛Soldering Essentials!
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Snips:
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🎬 My YouTube camera gear:
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Using these links to buy items helps support this channel at no cost to you!

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Contents:
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0:00 Background
1:59 Barriers to a desktop-grade portable keyboard
3:35 Transparent solder mask on dark substrate
4:22 Controller orientation blunder
5:21 Ergogen & KiCad workflow
5:52 Overcoming iPad connectivity issues
6:41 Case-less boards and short circuits
7:18 Pinkie column stagger
9:00 Beanbag ergonomics