TypeTheory Keyboard
Ergonomic Mechanical Keyboard based on Dactyl-Manuform. Designed from scratch to replace your Kinesis Advantage2.
Ergonomics first!
- Columnar key layout relieves your fingers from unnecessary, awkward sideways movements and encourages correct touch.
- Columns are staggered to account for the natural difference in the length of fingers.
- Keyboard is tented to ensure your wrists stay at a natural angle and do not get tired.
- The curvature of the keyboard makes keys easier to hit and minimizes finger travel.
- Split design allows the arms to rest further apart, preventing slouching, and encouraging and a better sitting posture.
- Thumb cluster offers access to 5 keys that are comfortable to press with the thumb.
- Feature-packed QMK firmware for multiple layers, leader keys, macros, and other advanced features which further improve typing efficiency.
Case
Minimalist clean case inspired by the open source Dactyl-Manuform keyboard, but redesigned from scratch to obtain a sleeker case with a smaller footprint. The case is 3D printed in your choice of white, grey or black PLA.
Switches
Designed for high durability mechanical Kailh BOX switches, IP56-certified against dust and water. We can install any Kailh BOX switches, but shipping times will vary based on availability of the switches.
We try to keep our favourite switches in stock, these are Kailh Pale Blue (medium volume click, 60 cN actuation), similar to a Cherry MX Blue. We have prepared a Guide to Kailh BOX Switches at the bottom of this page.
Keycaps
Blank low-profile DSA keycaps offered in black and white, with optional green accents. These keycaps have a uniform profile, which offers the best typing experience when combined with the sculpted concave shape of the keyboard.
Prefer a different keycap profile? You can order the keyboard without keycaps and use any MX-compatible or Kailh BOX-compatible set of keycaps.
Electronics
- The switches are connected using a bespoke flexible PCB, greatly improving the keyboard's reliability compared to hand-wired Dactyl-Manuforms.
- Each half has a USB-C port and a 3.5mm jack. The two halves are connected using a headphone cable. Only one of the halves needs to be connected to the computer.
Software
TypeTheory runs the highly customizable open source QMK firmware.
The default layout is inspired by the QMK default Dactyl-Manuform 5x6 layout, but this can easily be changed. TypeTheory supports Vial, an application for customizing your keymap on the fly, without having to write C code or compile any firmware.
Additionally, each side of the keyboard is able to function alone, this allows using only the left side of the keyboard plus a mouse when gaming.
Instructions for ordering
TypeTheory is highly customizable, you should email order@typetheory.co.uk your preferences for the following:
- Case colour can be white, grey, or black.
- Switches can be Kailh BOX Pale Blue, or any other Kailh BOX switches, see our guide.
- Colour scheme of the keycaps can be white, grey, or black, with optional green or red accents (see keycap pictures above).
If you don't specify one of these preferences, we will make a grey case, and install pale blue switches as well as black keycaps with green accents. Prefer other case colours, switches, or keycap colours? Let us know, and we will build you a custom keyboard.
- Fully assembled Keyboard
- TRRS and USB cables
- Ready to plug in and type
- Fully assembled Keyboard
- 45 cN Kailh BOX Silent Brown
- Medium-high tactility, no noise
- Have unique requirements?
- Email us your preferences
- We will reply with a quote
What's in the box?
- Two fully assembled keyboard halves, ready to be used.
- Braided 3.5mm TRRS cable (headphone cable) to connect the two halves.
- USB-A/C to USB-C cable to connect the keyboard to the computer.
Prebuilt keyboards delivered quickly
Want your keyboard faster? These prebuilt keyboards will be with you within a week, just choose keycap colours:
- BOX Brown switches
- Black case
- Includes keycaps and cables
- BOX Burnt Orange switches
- White case
- Includes keycaps and cables
FAQ:
Who is this keyboard for?
We've started building this keyboard to mitigate wrist pain. It is intended to offer a more natural way of typing which is less taxing on your fingers and wrists.
However, it is a different typing experience compared to typing on a laptop keybard and it does take some getting used to.
This keyboard is ideal for those who have experience with columnar keyboards such as Kinesis Advantage2 or Dactyl-Manuform.
How do I type on this keyboard?
If you haven't used a columnar keyboard before you will likely not be able to pick it up and start typing right away.
If you're not used to the "correct" way of touch-typing, in which each finger only moves up and down on the column(s) assigned to it, you will need to practice for a couple of weeks until you will be able to type effectively.
We recommend using typing practice websites such as Keybr and Monkeytype. Even if you are used to fast touch-typing it can take a while to get used to the different spacing between the keys.
When will I receive this keyboard?
We build keyboards to order. Once we have confirmed your preferences with you, it will take us about two weeks to build the keyboard and post it.
How does shipping work?
We offer free shipping within the UK via Hermes Standard. They typically deliver in 2-3 days after the keyboard is posted. You will receive an email when your order ships.
The keyboard feels very tall!
Yes, due to the curvature the keyboard will feel more elevated than normal keyboards. We recommend using a wrist rest when using it for optimal experience
Are the switches hot-swappable?
No, the switches are soldered. Changing them would require soldering, and could damage the keyboard.
Can I change the keycaps?
Yes, the keycaps can be changed, but we advise extreme caution as pulling too hard on the switches when trying to remove the keycaps can damage the keyboard.
Is the firmware open source?
Yes, the firmware is open source under the GPLv3 license. We are working on upstreaming our firmware into the main QMK repository.
Why are there ridges on the case?
The case is 3D printed and therefore the layers are visible. Due to the 3D printing process, the case might have small imperfections which do not affect the durability or usability of the keyboard.
Can you help me customize the layout?
Sure, you should try using Vial software, but if you have trouble with it please send an email with your question to support@typetheory.co.uk.
Does the keyboard have backlighting?
No, the keys on the TypeTheory Keyboard do not have backlighting.
Can I use DVORAK/Colemak/other non-QWERTY layouts?
Yes, the layout is customizable using Vial software.
Can I buy just one keyboard half?
Yes, please send an email to order@typetheory.co.uk and we will build you one keyboard half for half the price. We can also help you customize the layout for easier one-handed use.
I have special keyboard requirements, could you help me?
Please send an email to order@typetheory.co.uk and we will discuss your preferences to see how we can help you.
Kailh BOX Switch Guide
Here are our Kailh BOX switch recommendations
All Kailh BOX clicky switches use click bars for a more refined feel and pleasant sound compared to the click jackets in Cherry MX switches.
| Linear switches | All-rounders | High tactility | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heavier |
BOX Black
Very smooth linear switches
Linear, medium force (60 cN) switches. No tactile feedback, great for gaming, pleasant sound, low fatigue.
|
BOX Pale Blue
Our all-round favourite
Clicky, medium force (60 cN) switches, medium tactility. Similar to Cherry MX Blue, with better sounding clicks.
|
BOX Navy
Loudest, most satisfying clicks
Clicky, medium force (60 cN) switches, high tactility. Very loud. We consider them the best clicky switches on the market.
|
| Lighter |
BOX Red
Lighter version of BOX Black
Linear, light force (45 cN) switches. Like Cherry MX Red, but smoother. No tactile feedback.
|
BOX White
Versatile clicky switches with subtle tactility
Clicky, light force (40 cN) switches, low tactility. Recommended for both gaming and typing, requiring low typing effort.
|
BOX Royal
Our most tactile switches
Tactile, medium-light force (45 cN) switches, very high tactility. Best choice for high tactility and low noise.
|
| Silent |
BOX Silent Pink
Our lightest and quietest switches
Silent linear, very light force (35 cN) switches. Least typing effort and no tactile bump. Perfect if your hands get tired.
|
BOX Silent Brown
Silent and pleasantly tactile
Silent tactile, medium-light force (45 cN), medium-high tactility. A less extreme version of the BOX Royal.
|
Still have questions?
Send us an email at support@typetheory.co.uk