Story
It began with a frustration
Like many keyboard enthusiasts, I've been trying to find the best typing experience. Getting older, I began prioritizing comfort and ergonomics since keyboards are devices I use many hours a day. Several years ago, I came across the original Ergodox. After spending a couple of weeks to get used to it, I’ve been preferring split boards ever since.
However, after getting into the hobby, I found a severe lack in high quality options for split ergo boards. There were tons for regular 65-100% designs, but few to none for something like the Ergodox. While there are some popular boards (including on of my favorites, the Moonlander) that somewhat filled this role, I wasn’t quite satisfied with the plastic construction and build quality after using a custom board. In the end, decided to invest in and pursue making my own. I settled on the Ergodox layout since I preferred their key sizing, as something like the Lily was too limited for me.
The board has undergone about 3 major revisions since inception, with one of the PCB and two of the case. Prototyping final units for this was a pain, since production costs for the board were nearly doubled since they’re essentially two keyboards per set.
While this was originally a personal project (a split board for myself to use), I received a lot of interest from friends (mostly engineers) who suggested opening orders or a group buy if it became economically feasible.
The name and logo for the brand comes from one of my cats Yuzu, and the model “Chorus” is for the musical theme. I was a concert pianist a long time ago, and I thought the accents fit well with a two handed split board. Hence the treble and bass clefs that label the right and left halves.
Timeline
07/26/2024- Added Google form for feedback on options.
07/10/2024- Added gallery for product photos and started an interest check on GeekHack
06/12/2024- Sound test and photos ready. Early video can be found here.
Currently several production units have been sent to friends to test out. Interest check incoming.
04/14/2024- Initial production units ready. Photos TBD.
01/11/2024- Final BOM prepared. Initial limited run will be at cost, send a message via the contact form if interested. Current estimate will be at $700/unit for case, plate, foams, and pcb. Production should begin within the next week, with expected delivery early February.
12/16/2023- Planned 3 unit run for E-white/Gold, Pink, and Black colorways. Widened USB and TRRS cable ports to better fit variety plugs and allow more PCB flex. Widened switch socket at stabilizer areas on plate to better fit PCB mounted stabs. Pending possible addition of protective case and wrist rests.
12/08/2023- Final adjustments made and case assembled with new foams. It’s all come together. Initial 3-5 unit preorder run pending.
12/06/2023- Foams finally sourced, cut, and delivered. Pending final case testing and adjustments
08/17/2023- Second prototype completed production and en route.
08/11/2023- Long delay from moving and some upgrades in my personal life.
Things are back on track, and second prototype has been sent for production.
02/22/2023- First prototype complete. Case adjustments: increase depth by 3-5mm. Still need to source poron foam.
02/10/2023- Some medical emergencies resulting in delays. Foams ready, still need to modify original case before assembly.
01/10/2023- Holiday break. New case changes made, looking to source foams for plate, pcb, and case.
12/26/2022- Case body and plate received. Original design’s TRSS jack depth too shallow, added necessary changes.
11/20/2022- Begin POM plate production and manufacturing of prototype case: CNC aluminum body with brass weight.
11/12/2022- Begin round 2 production of PCB, switched to right side USB for VIA compatibility. Begin FR4 plate production.
11/11/2022- Initial case design complete.
10/26/2022- Original PCBs delivered. Plate and PCB redesigned for flex cuts. Firmware mod for left side USB.
10/02/2022- Final revisions and assembly of PCB. Case design revisions.
09/12/2022- First plate revision complete with measurements.
09/11/2022- First plate design under revision, sourcing case design.
09/05/2022- Begin plate and case design. Sourced factory for case production.
08/31/2022- Begin first round production of PCB for testing.
08/29/2022- First PCB revision and site/branding.
08/22/2022- Initial PCB design and bill of materials.