Keyball44

This is a DIY kit for a 40% split keyboard, designed to be easy on your shoulders, and featuring a highly functional thumb trackball for 100% usability.

*This product is an assembly kit that requires soldering.

*A new black set with a black PCB and black ball case is now available!

*To ensure fair distribution, please limit your purchase to one set per person.

The Keyball has 44 keys. While minimizing the number of keys, it allows for the placement of shift keys and various symbols, enabling stress-free key input. Additionally, the key layout on the side without the trackball is similar to a numeric keypad.

The main feature is the thumb trackball integrated into the palm, allowing seamless cursor operation without moving your hands from the home row.

【■Kit Contents■】
・Middle PCB (left & right)　…　1 pair
・Top PCB (left & right)　…　1 pair
・Middle Acrylic Plate (left & right)　…　1 pair (includes thumb section)
・Bottom Acrylic Plate (left & right)　…　1 pair
・ProMicro Protective Plate (left & right)　…　1 pair
・34mm Trackball Case (top & bottom)　…　1 pair
・Φ2 Ceramic Ball (spare)　…　1 piece
・Trackball Reading PCB　…　1 piece
・L-shaped Con-through Pins (7 pins)　…　1 piece
・Trackball Reading IC　…　1 piece
・Reading IC Lens　…　1 piece
・Flat Head Screws M1.7　…　2 pieces
・Small Head Screws M1.7　…　2 pieces (M1.4 for black set)
・TRRS Jack　…　2 pieces
・Tactile Switch　…　2 pieces
・12P Con-through Pins for Pro Micro　…　4 pieces
・Diode (chip type)　…　50+ pieces
・OLED Module　…　2 pieces
・OLED Pin Socket + Pin Header (4 pins)　…　2 sets
・Spacer M2 9mm　…　4 pieces
・Screws M2 3.5mm　…　36+ pieces
・Cushion Rubber　…　10 pieces
・PCB Sockets for MX Switches　…　45+ pieces
・Spacer M2 7mm　…　14+ pieces
・PCB Sockets for Choc Switches　…　5 pieces (for low-profile thumb key)
・Spacer M2 4mm　…　4 pieces (for low-profile thumb key)

【■Items not included in the kit but required■】
・ProMicro　…　2 pieces
　You can choose inexpensive ones or ones that support USB Type-C.
・Cherry MX Compatible Key Switches　…　44 pieces (39 pieces if using low-profile thumb keys)
・Choc Compatible Low-Profile Key Switches　…　5 pieces (only for low-profile thumb keys)
・34mm Trackball of your preferred color　…　1 piece

【■Items not included in the kit but can be installed■】
・SK6812MINI-E　…　59 pieces

In addition to the above, a TRRS cable for left and right connection and a USB cable for PC connection are required separately.
Trackball operation was confirmed with Perix PERIPRO-303 GR 34mm replacement trackballs in red, black, blue, green, and gold.

【■Assembly Instructions■】
Assembly instructions are explained on the following page:

https://github.com/Yowkees/keyball/blob/main/keyball44/doc/rev1/buildguide_jp.md

*The photos are examples and do not necessarily represent the exact product contents.
*Specifications and prices are subject to change without notice.

【■8 Features of Keyball44■】
① To allow each finger to naturally rest on the home row, a column-staggered layout is adopted where each key is shifted vertically. By placing a 34mm trackball near the thumb keys, mouse operation is possible without moving your hands from the home row.

② Changes from Keyball61 & 39 include moving the thumb keys 1.5mm away from the ball and rotating the MX switches 180 degrees so that the LEDs are positioned at the back.

③ The motion sensor is placed at the back of the ball for maximum thinness, ensuring the trackball does not get in the way even when integrated into the palm of your hand.

④ The trackball housing is made by injection molding, giving it a smooth feel. Its precision holds the ball well, preventing it from falling out even when the keyboard is inverted.

⑤ With a reversible design, left-handed users can swap and assemble the left and right PCBs to operate the trackball with their left hand.

⑥ Despite being very compact with a total of 44 keys (left and right), you can assign modifier keys to the thumb keys and numerous bottom row keys, allowing for stress-free key input. Additionally, the key layout on the side without the trackball is similar to a numeric keypad.

⑦ In addition to underglow, LEDs can be installed on the back of all keys except the thumb keys (total 59 pieces for left and right). Full-color LEDs are not included in the kit, so please purchase them separately from here or elsewhere. Tabbed types are used for easier soldering.

⑧ Compatible with Kailh PCB sockets, Cherry MX compatible switches can be hot-swapped. Only the thumb keys can be changed to Kailh Choc low-profile switches, reducing wrist strain.

【Request for customers who desire early shipping】
To prevent damage from credit card fraud, we thoroughly check security.
Therefore, depending on the payment method, it may take some time to prepare for shipping.

For customers who desire early shipping, payment methods below will allow us to proceed with shipping preparations promptly.

【Recommended payment methods for fastest shipping】
・Convenience store payment
・Paidy post-payment
・Bank transfer
・Carrier payment
・Rakuten Pay
・PayPay balance
・PayPal

【Regarding delays in shipping】
Credit card payments require security verification to prevent fraud, which may lead to longer shipping times than usual.
(*For new or high-value orders, verification may take up to 2-3 business days, and shipping will commence once verification is complete.)