Sew the keeb into the pants, and then you can use the phrase "hold on let me get my typing pants". Worth it just for that I think

flashforward 1 month = I self identify as my keyboard flashforward 2 months = I started wearing Ben Vallack

For a topic that is so easy to fall into a point of pretentiousness, you do you a fantastic job of talking about this hobby in an inviting and intriguing way. Great vid!

Ben Vallack out here double-handedly accelerating split keeb evolution

Next video: I've moved the keyboard into my brain. Neural interface ftw \o/

I have loved seeing the progression since the original Planck, but cmon man. xD Great video as always.

Hahaha, yeeeees! Oh man, this is fantastic! I love how you've actually gone full.. bonkers-mode, in a lack of better words, all the way from the Planck to this. Just beautiful stuff, man, love it.

Brilliant. It's been so much fun to follow your keyboard adventures. Grateful for your content

You have attained professor level quirkiness! You need more sweaters and a class to teach.

I love watching these videos. This is real pioneer work.

Very impressive. I've been (not intentionally) following your keyboard choices, first with an ergodox, then a corne, now a gergoplex but I couldn't get down to that few keys on the Ferris!

This has been a fantastic journey! Can’t wait to see what’s on the horizon.

Really good and practical video. Nice one!

The low-profile choc switches on the ferris is definitely one of the best easily accessbile options out there, especially with the shorter travel distance than regular MX style switches on mechanical keyboards. In terms of avoiding extension, pronation, and ulnar deviation, you've placed the keyboard in quite literally the best position possible for ergonomics especially when standing :) It even allows your shoulders to rest without shrugging them unnaturally, unlike a lot of placements on office chair armrests I've seen. Have you considered adding a mini-trackball at the thumb cluster yet? It may allow you to remove the apple trackpad entirely if you add a left click/right click/scroll toggle to the other hand's keys. I also assume this pairs nicely with mouse acceleration since its difficult to have a single preset sensitivity with both speed and precision with a ball of that size, cause those things are TINY. You can also try adding magnets to replace the elastic bands, but that would require you to sew magnets on the insides of your pant legs or something haha. It might make your pants droop a bunch. This video was fantastic, thanks for the content as always!

I was swayed to the Gergoplex by your video but the creator is on hiatus right now so I decided to get the parts to build a Ferris instead. Glad to see you rate that one too!

Fascinating and intriguing. If I spent more time typing (which I don't, since I don't have a desk job), I think this layout could be extremely beneficial.

Can’t wait to see your vim key remaps haha!

I love these videos. Would love to hear more about creative computer controls including voice and in VR 'office' (non-gaming) settings/functions.

I thought you'd get to wireless eventually. This looks amazing

currently looking at supine computing out of necessity and this is the best hack i have come across so far!

great video as always. your journey has been awesome to watch. i stopped at the moonlander is it fits me. this leg mount thing you came up with is wild man. :D

Great video! I'm almost done building my ferris and have been thinking about doing something like this. I'm considering getting the HTC Vive Flow headset to round out my ergo/portable setup.

I’m genuinely intrigued by what we’ll see in 5 or 6 videos. 🤔

I'd love for this setup with a clip belt from which the keyboard halves hang on stiff structures so that they don't move around to much. And an additional position for a trackpad. That combined with my standing desk+treadmill would be my dream workstation.

I'd be up to use this! I love that idea! I use my split keyboard but I'd love to be able to have something like this. I would love to type like this.

i get the feeling we aren't living in the same century anymore fantastic and super interesting video. ideas for split keeb placement on legs: 1. velcro strip on back of keeb and one sowed onto or ironed onto the pants (not ideal) 2. if your pockets are a good hight, maybe a clip to the back of the keep and clip it to the top of your pocket 3. instead of the ribbons, there are these wider ribbon bands that either use a "click connector", or one of these things that bras use

I am thinking the very same thing once mine is here and I have successfully built it and got it working. Nice.

I used to try out the VR headset adapter for my phone. Very happy to hear You mention the VR experience here. Back then the whole VR thing was just too much for the bit of coding or text editing I wanted to do. The phone battery died too rapidly and the phone itself felt like melting in my face using the gyro and all the other features for let's say VR gaming that are unnecessary for my use case. But the idea to have the phone/VR adapter replace the laptop or pad all together is still very appealing. Resource hungry computations are outsourced by the network capabilities that modern phone inherit anyways. This would enable the user to turn even a crowded subway into a relatively calm isolated workplace, depending on the quality of noise cancelation headphones. With this setup in mind the progress You present on flexibilities of input periphery devices gives great confidence that this vision isn't too far fetched. I fear that the rubber band solution could be prone to blood flow suppression for at least some people since legs usually don't move too much during a coding session of some hours. The most common thing that all these solutions share is the proximity to the hands. So i always pictured the keyboard to be a split, ergonomically shaped device that is always kept in place close to the hands. I can imagine some sort of a wrist fixated arm extension or a skeleton glove which keep the keyboard parts in reach closely under or inside the hands. Given that, a lot of the requirements that You seek in a keyboard could be fulfilled. Just to name a few from some of Your videos: always having natural positioning of the hands relative to the keys, irrelevant body positioning like standing or sitting or lying, no need for a table or lap or any reference object since every part of the setup is attached to the own body, and portability: since phones are usually always with us the only additions are the VR adapter and flexible keyboard parts that by definition should be small in size to fit in, under or around a hand. Sorry for the wall of text. Thanks for Your great work on this field. Big fan.

I just got a Ferris Sweep and some Nice!nano's so I'm definitely giving this a try, looks super comfy!

Great. I always wanted to make a split wireless keyboard for using without flat surface. Thanks for telling that there is microcontroller for that, Will be investigating this more.

This is fun - reminds me of gargoyles from snow crash. I've solved the desktop split keyboard issue by building a nice heavy structure from camera rig beams with small tripod mount ball joints on each side - similar to what you did in a previous video. But rather than individual tripods it's one large heavy structure that prevents movement on the desktop, feels solid, and like you said allows your brain to know exactly where the hand needs to come back to. I'm really loving it as a stable desktop solution.

I'm enjoying your content quite a lot. Simple, neat, nice. *subs*

I use the keymouse trackball. I have custom 3d printed arm rests (based on a scan of my right arm) and the split keyboard track ball combo is mounted to the end of each arm rest. For travel I have a wooden planks that sits over my legs and the keyboard halves hang over the side of my legs

Actually had a similar idea, might be amazing for AR! I think that it might be a good idea to maybe mount them to your pockets

Of course I value your insights and I love getting to see someone experiment with their user interface like this... But come on, man. You have to admit that the quest for your perfect ergonomics in a keyboard also kind of looks like a descent into madness. 😆 (Just got a kyria kit delivered today, by the way. I might not be so far behind you on the slippery slope...)

When we all start wearing AR glasses that look like sunglasses, people are gonna start wondering what you're doing down there.

On the topic of VR/AR and ergonomics I would love a video from you trying the xreal air glasses.

Very interesting! But out of interest, what is the end goal e.g. to type faster, to be more comfortable, to be portable, to be able to write/code with a keyboard a phone when on a sun-lounger on a beach , etc.?

Ha nice I'm not alone! This is exactly what I told a friend I will do when I build my split-kb (Sweep or "A. Dux"), I even made a picture to show my intention but he didn't really get it. I had the idea with VR in mind, where it would be really handy to have a real keyboard somewhere. But also for the mobile experience, why sitting in front of a desk at home when I could also get a much comfier or ergonomic position.

Ideas to try: - undoable zipties (they make them) - magnets in pockets (like with voyager)

I was watching your last video on the new pants (sorry trousers - Aussie here:/) and thought he’s going to whip a keyboard out at any second. And well, this video isn’t far from it!

The ideal worker drones. Imagine how many you can cram into an office if they all stand with their little VR-headsets and legboards on

You know, when you got the Moonlander I wondered how long it would take for you to 3D print a Dactyl Manuform, but you have taken a completely different route. I genuinely want to try this out! Quick question, you only have 2 pinky keys, which ones are they and do you miss having a 3rd?

amazing！

Seriously hope you follow up on that VR headset idea!

This was the next logical step…

The phenomenon you are talking about at 3:04 is called proprioception. Your body always knows where its limbs are in relation to itself and other objects. You for example should never be surprised by your own hand, you always know it's your hand unless there is some damage between the sensory system (temporary like in the case of pins and needles) or the brains processing of that information such as when people are having strokes.

would be great to build a trackpoint device into wearable keyboard. have you experimented with VR displays? you could be in a total lounge position outdoors and be able to do work

I've been thinking for some time about wanting a lying-down solution. I've mostly imagined projection on the ceiling for that piece, and a split keyboard perhaps on my belly, though something like this might work well, too. Anyway, cool. And have you made the vid for this particular keyboard yet? Looks like you're down a few keys from the last thing I saw ("A Tiny, Ultra-Affordable...")??

If anyone is being more radically innovative in the keyboard industry, I haven't seen it.

"It's not as reliable as a USB connection" Have you already tried adding `CONFIG_BT_CTLR_TX_PWR_PLUS_8=y` in your cradio.conf file? I also had some lost inputs before and this completely fixed it for me.

Ben the next bionic secret, I am serious is to maintain with a kind of pillowish material your arms, from the armpits, so that you get rid of the gravitational force. I am trying with blankets but I am still not there, makes a colossal change in focus. Also I am trying this setup, a carpet with a couch, you sit on the ground, with your back supported by the front side of the couch, I usually sit in the corner so that can use the left, side part of the couch, or also rest my elbow during compiling times, or while i see a tutorial. Then an ergonomic pillow specific for sitting, because is painful otherwise sitting on the ground for one hour. I use an ikea table as a desk, the monitor is on the table, and the lower layer has the planck and a book that use to rest the wrists, sometimes i cross the leg in yoga kind of position and rest the forearms on my abductors and fix the planck between my calves, is really stable and I am now fluent to use the mouse when needed from the keyboard. My column spinal is straight in both the positions, the only issue are the children that jump on you and the wife that can spy you casually sitting beyind you. I solved the wife problem using Command line tool. Every hour I do a dip with the triceps, pointing the palms on the couch beyond and stand up five minutes. So far I am more than 12 hours productive, and put lately also a monitor on the table, I do not use anymore my ergonomic chair, and when want to relax I lay down on the couch a bit with 35-40 degrees back and watch some video. You can also eat.

Have you shared your latest QMK/ZMK configs yet for the gergoplex or ferris? I really liked your ideas around layers and avoiding multi key presses that we saw on some of your earlier moonlander videos.

I have a playlist for nitpicky workflow hacks full of Arduino stuff titled “an absolute madman”. This video fit right in there.

Genius ;-)

Are you still using the trackpad or do you find those for mouse keys sufficient for your usage. That's my main struggle is not so much the keyboard but the mouse and what to do with it. If I could get away from the mouse I feel like I could do a lot more extreme keyboard setups.

I'd be interested in having the two keyboard halves in hoodie pockets... While you wouldn't be able to use a mouse (unless someone integrates a Thinkpad style nipple mouse or a trackball? into a split keyboard) I feel that would be really comfortable sitting or standing. Also, I don't think that I have heard you talk about VR before, is that something that you play around with often?

Do you have any AR glasses (lightweight, with usable screen resolution) in mind to match your keyboard as a truly mobile ergonomic workstation solution?

The title of this video makes me want to (in an endearing way) call you a nerd.

I'm thinking an adjustable, somewhat elastic strap with e.g. a buckle connector would be a more durable, reliable option that doesn't lose the ability to adjust on the fly as with your elastics. And I'd think about including a magnet or some other kind of fastener on the keyboard itself so that the connection to the band can be super secure and not strain things like the switches directly. But overall I love this idea, and it's the first time that I've been partly convinced to look into wearability.

I am very excitated with Xreal Air. The problem is the keyboard for use in bus or until walking?

Ok next video Ben will be wearing data gloves and VR headset.

Looks like ferris is getting more attention, my board and switches came today so just need batteries and I will build my own 😁

Is that a corne keyboard with nicenanos? Looks like with an aggressive stagger layout.

What about putting magnetics in your pocket and a magnet on the back of the keyboard, that way it's snap off and snap on without cords wires? Do you think that would work?

im not sure how you have coded after you went wireless but maby looking in to esp32 and esp-now to connect the both half in a secure way and then use bluetooth against the computer/phone or connect them separatly directly against the computer/phone

This with NReal Air glasses... would be quite an interesting sight for the average person lol. I'd love to use that combo in public transport.

Before you posted this video I watched a sci-fi post-apocalyptic movie (youTube? Netflix? Prime Video? I lost track, several years old) where the main character wore pants that incorporated a keyboard he used to control remote-controlled bulldozers for the government that existed, from his isolated living pod. The differences are these pants had what was clearly not a mechanical keyboard, and it wasn’t adjustable, and was a full-sized keyboard. You are living a better version of a bad sci-fi movie, and I’m heavily amused to see you do this. Frankly, I’m considering doing the bean bag bit with my Ergodox, having 5 years ago gone through PT for shoulders after decades of typing, etc. and being too wide for a standard keyboard to not result in something giving into decay. I would ask people: what looks sillier, someone all hunched over and literally bent out of shape from long-term bad keyboard/typing ergonomics, or someone in the correct shape wearing keyboard halves? I would also note that if done right, say, via HoloLens, you could walk while you work, walking around outside, so you’d get lots of work done in more ways than one. Even with PT, I’ll never fully get back to an ideal condition, so I’d love to do what’s feasible to avoid repeating the injurious patterns. Keyboards are cheap in comparison, and also being a software developer for my career, something I can’t feasibly avoid massive repeated and sustained use of. Just a thought, while you’re going down this path: leggings work well for stretchiness over a large surface area: if you had a pattern of velcro dots for the furry side on the leggings and the prickly side on the back of the keyboard halves, that would provide a rather secure adjustable solution. If not velcro, then magnets. Are you open to such an experiment?

I would say consider magnets inside pocket and on the phone case, because the elastics might put you at slightly higher risk for clots

what if you attach them on arms with a mesh like material that holds the board like that, only if you could unwear easily?

Heinrich Lunge from "Monster" (2004) would have loved this.

have you thought about combining it with xreal air glasses and a phone with a DE(linux or android)? this way you could have an entire mobile setup.

I kind of expected this video as the next logical step from the last keyboard video. 😄 One issue untouched by this video is ergonomics. I wonder, since most people advocate your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle for the most ergonomic typing position, is this posture with “open elbows” healthy? How does it affect your shoulders and your upper body? Can you notice any difference?

Now add some sensors on the keys to act like a touchpad, or a good mini-joystick, like the one on thinkpads, and good ar glasses. That almost qualifies for cyberpunk lol

When I'm using a VR set whilst lying down, I don't need a keyboard to keep my hands busy That said, I have ordered two pro micros and lots of tiny non-keyboard buttons. Two reasons: I want to prototype before building an actual kbd, second: what if typing on tiny buttons is actually better than full size keys? Esp given that my hands are on the small side

I think a velcro strap would keep it nice and snug as well as last longer

"The next step from obsession is embodiment"

My mans turned himself into Inumuta from Kill La Kill.

If only trackpoint modules were easier to get ahold of, then we could have a mouse integrated near perfectly!

Non-keyboard question - any chance you could say what the triple spotlight floor standing studio lighting you're using is in this video? Would love a set like that. I noticed the studio lighting you've linked in the description isn't quite the same one (or is it?) - it's the floor standing triple spot I've been looking for.

With additional modifier key on butt plug we could get extra kbd layer AND do kegel exercises at the same time. Then all we need to do is to strip the top row.

Congrats on your first step towards the cyborg-era! Now you need some kind of head mounted display ! :)

Yes. Yes. Yes. I'm thinking maybe Velcro on an elastic Velcro strap

Interesting placement: in the middle of the table right in front of you

Hey Ben, where did you find the elastic bands to attach them to your legs?

where is this pcb available?

Where did you get your Nice Nano Microcontrollers? I am also living in Europe (Germany) and I cannot find any store which isnt sold out on them bcs of the shortage :/.

ok, keyboard pants gets a sub

heyyy, was wondering if you have any recommendations for a 40% ortho keyboard with bluetooth?

You need to find a good integrated mouse option for the keyboard to really never move your hands, like a track ball in the keyboard

There's a guy on twitter who uses a UHK velcroed to his legs, I believe he's modified a cheap toolbelt or harness for it. I wonder if you couldn't do something similar with flat magnets in your pockets and the keyboard bottom? Maybe from a couple of those magnetic car phone holders.

Sew the soft side of velcro on as patches with the hook side on the keyboards?

What switches are you using?

I love nice!nano's, such a great little board. What firmware do you use?

How do you feel about the battery life/hassle of keeping it charged? I'm planning on making another ferris and am deciding between n!n and eliteC's at the moment.

You know what would be cool if you can use the keyboard in two-handed mode, but also in one handed mode where you would use lip reading plus one handed typing

How about instead of ribbons, using a belt? Kinda like those that mechanics have where they put there screwdrivers and whatnot. That'd be much easier to put on - and also I like the meta of putting on a toolbelt.

Arm mount behind bed, monitor over face. Sternum typing, wave of the future. Try it out.

Hey, stupid question, but I don't see cords in this video. Is this keyboard wireless? Because that would be awesome .... :-)

I kinda thought about places where you could build a keyboard into. Esp with something like gboards ginny . Where your hands rest for longer times and you might want to type sth like bike grips or a car wheel. Why not have a keyboard shaped more like a joystick that you can hold in any way...