Dactyl-Manuform 4x6 Tilted and Tented

thingiverse

This is a custom Dactyl-Manuform keyboard by Tom Short, designed with increased tenting and tilting parameters for optimal performance.\r\nTo achieve this, I tweaked two key settings: tenting to 6 (up from the default 4) and tilting to 4 (from 3).\r\n\r\nI also made a few adjustments to the source file:\r\n- Expanded it to six columns instead of five,\r\n- Commented out sections for wire posts and the Teensy holder.\r\n\r\nThe bottom cover was created by slicing the model at its base, followed by adding an inner wall and footpad holes.\r\nGiven the overall keyboard height, I aimed to make it as slim as possible - opting for a thickness of 4-5 mm instead of the standard 6 mm.\r\n\r\nVisual comparisons between this version and my previous one reveal a notable difference in board height.\r\nWith these new angles, fingertips rest directly on keytops, whereas in the prior design, palms were slightly rotated from home position.\r\nPreliminary results suggest improvement, but I'll need to test it further in real-world usage.\r\n\r\nA word of caution: extreme angles can cause lower row keys (those in center columns) to overlap, potentially blocking each other.\r\nIn the initial build, I encountered this issue; however, adjusting switch positions resolved the problem.\r\nTo avoid similar issues, ensure adequate clearance between keycaps before securing switches with hot glue.\r\n\r\nBeyond these adjustments, this is a standard Dactyl-Manuform board with Let's Split guts, easy to print and assemble.\r\n\r\nAs an aside, adding a tilting/tening stand or feet might be more practical for the original design.\r\nThreaded inserts and Lego sticks could work well; even with thin walls, these inserts can be incorporated.