Reposting this on what is probablty the correct community, which I didn’t know actually existed on Lemmy until five minutes ago …
I’m humming and hawing over which split 36-key or thereabouts keyboard to get, either pre-soldered or as a kit to do the soldering myself (which would be an adventure because it has been a minute).
I’m pretty sure I want five columns not six, because I don’t see the point of giving my pinky extra work. I’m not sure about giving my thumb two or three keys for layers. Three keys would probably give me more options but I don’t want to get all layered out, you know?
Any thoughts on that? I know there is huge potential for going down the rabbithole here but assuming I get one keyboard, would I be better getting more rather than less - six columns - to play with layouts and layers? Or just go with my gut and get 5x3+2 right at the start?
PS: Does anybody know if Beekeebs 36-key Piantor case fit the 36-key PCB snugly? Or is it just the 42-key case with a big gap where the extra PCB has been broken off?
I got a lily58 as my first split and I regret the lack of pinky stagger. So my personal recommendation is to look for something with a decent pinky stagger if that’s something that interests you.
https://compare.splitkb.com/ This link can also help with determining which keyboard would be good for you. It doesn’t have everything but it can get you going in the right direction.
I’m getting a chocofi soon to replace my lily but I have no idea how I’ll like it for now.
As for the extra column I would do what the other commenter suggested and try to customize a layout down to either size to see what you like/are comfortable with. Worst case you go safe and do a 6 column and later ignore the extra keys.
Hope you end up with something you like:)