Link Split Ergo
Group buy begins on May 16th!
Specs & Features
- Hotswappable large OLED screen (wired version) or optional nice!view (wireless)
- Rotary encoder module
- Hotswap wired (QMK/VIA) and wireless (ZMK) MX PCBs
- USB-C interconnect, with a full/true wireless option also offered
- Aluminum screen cover
- Tray/gasket mount
- 1.2mm PCB
- 0° angle case
- Compatible with various OEM tenting solutions
- Proprietary & open source tenting base
Wired Version Contents
Wired Version Contents
- 1x 6063 aluminum left case
- 1x 6063 aluminum left wired cover
- 1x Left hotswap PCB including rotary encoder module
- 1x 6063 aluminum right case
- 1x 6063 aluminum right wired cover
- 2x Silver brass knob
- 1x Right hotswap PCB including rotary encoder module
- 2x Polycarbonate plate (reversible)
- 2x SH1107-powered OLED screens
- 12x Poron gaskets
- 8x 8mm bumpons
- USB-C to USB-C cable
- Assorted hardware and screws
- Microfiber cloth
- Hard carry case
Wireless Version Contents
Wireless Version Contents
- 1x 6063 aluminum left case
- 1x 6063 aluminum left wireless cover
- 1x Left wireless hotswap PCB including rotary encoder module
- 1x 6063 aluminum right case
- 1x 6063 aluminum right wireless cover
- 2x Silver brass knob
- 1x Right wireless hotswap PCB including rotary encoder module
- 2x Polycarbonate plate (reversible)
- 2x Acrylic insert for screen cover (black)
- 2x 230mAh battery (availability may depend on region)
- 12x Poron gaskets
- 2x Battery gasket
- 8x 8mm bumpons
- USB-C to USB-C cable (for ease of charging)
- Assorted hardware and screws
- Microfiber cloth
- Hard carry case
Nice!view screen is not included
Addon Pricing
Keycaps
- PBS Modern Abacus Link Kit - $35
PCBS/Screens
- Extra hotswap PCBs (2): $50
- Extra wireless PCBs (+ batteries) (2): $80
- Extra SH1107-powered OLED screens (2): $20
- nice!view e-ink screens (2): $40
Case Parts
- Blank covers (2): $30 -these will be available in all board colors
Plates
- Aluminum plates (2): $45
- Polycarbonate plates (2): $40
- FR4 plates (2): $28
- Carbon Fiber plates (2): $40
Misc
- Extra USB-C to USB-C cable: $5
- Extra brass knobs (2): $15 -gold, silver and black
- Extra gaskets (12): $5
- Extra 8mm bumpons: $4
- Foam kit (2x3pcs): $26
Link Split Ergo
The Link split ergo is an upcoming keyboard project from us at CannonKeys that aims to fill a gap in the ergo market. We've designed our own wired PCB that uses an RP2040 with USB-C interconnectivity, a wireless ZMK PCB that allows for completely cableless user experience, and high profile CNC aluminum case that maintains compatibility with several OEM tenting solutions. There will also be tenting solutions designed by our team for link specifically that will be open sourced after the group buy.
The Path to Wireless
Due to popular demand, Link will have a wireless option! The path to get to wireless support with minimal compromise was tricky, but we were able to make it happen. The BT version of Link will run on ZMK, and have optional screens that are built with wireless in mind. Continue reading to learn more about the wireless version of Link, and to take a look at the prototyping process.
More renders and information will be available very soon!
Maintaining the Vision
The dual screens lie at the core of the Link, but it makes things tricky (and more expensive). We didn't want to lose this functionality completely, so we are going to be including an acrylic screen cover that screws into where the screen would be shown, and offer Nice!views as addons. This allows us to keep the price lower, and still offer expansion for those who want the no-compromise version.
The Nice!view uses e-ink to achieve efficient power usage, enabling us to have optional screens on the wireless version. To learn more about Nice!view, click here.
Truly Wireless
Thanks to the efficiency of ZMK, we are able to use a small battery that still offers plenty of days per charge. Premium split keyboard feel and performance, finally available with open source BT capabilities.
Tenting Solutions
We've designed and tested tenting bases for the Link that will be open sourced for the group buy. We are still deciding if this is something we will offer for sale as an inexpensive 3D printed addon, but regardless of our decision there the design will be open sourced for you to customize and tinker with. Additionally, there are ¼-20 UNC threaded holes in the bottom of the case so any already existing tripod/tenting solutions that use the formfactor can be installed on Link.
Mounting Style
Link uses a unique combination of gasket and tray mounting in order to achieve a softer typing feel without the need for a top case.
Gaskets are mounted inside the tray case, which align with various points on the PCB.
The plate assembly is then screwed down into the case, which allows the PCB to be comfortably suspended on the gaskets to effectively dampen the vibration from typing regardless of typing force.
Link Specific Keycaps
biip cooked up an amazing set for the Link - so good, that we're also going to run it as a standalone PBS set at the same time as the Link GB.
The set is called "PBS Modern Abacus" - or PBS MoAb for short. The name kinda works in 2 ways - it was designed mostly based off of retro calculator vibes, but also has colors reminiscent of the southwest outdoors (like Moab, UT) - so it's really neat!
The Link Kit will be sold for only $35 during GB.
Group Buy Plans
Link will be coming to group buy on May 16th!
If this GB has sufficient interest and manages to sell 300 units we will open source the wired PCBs so the ergo community can continue to use and build on the platform for themselves.
