The main goal of the project was to design a keyboard that could offer southpaw and normal numpad without any extra components. This became challenging because a fullsize keyboard can’t be split into sections that can be mirrored (namely because of the nav cluster). To get around this it was necessary to chop up the top case of the keyboard until the pieces could be rotated and shifted around to accommodate both numpad locations. At the same time, I wanted to keep an optional minimalist aesthetic from the top of the keyboard for those who want a fullsize to use in the office while also allowing a lot of customizability for those who want something a bit more loud. To accompany the name, the exterior weight is engraved with lines meant to replicate the mapped out outline of modern day continents on the supercontinent Pangea.

When designing the case one of the trickiest parts was making it so the numpad cluster and the TKL cluster could be swapped without conflict. I also wanted to replicate a classic top mount sound and feel, however top mount screws would interfere with the TKL/Numpad and top frame pieces. To avoid this, I used gaskets which are short enough to not interfere with the swappable construction while still using a typical top mount plate design. The result is a sound and feel that is similar to top mount while also being customizable with different durometer gaskets.

When I originally came up with the idea to make a swappable full size I brought the idea to Gondo to see what could be done. After many ideas from Gondo we settled on splitting the TKL and numpad pcbs and using an FPC connector to connect the two parts. This allows the user to quickly and easily switch locations of the numpad by utilizing the ports on the opposite ends of the PCB even after a build is soldered/assembled. FPC is also a good solution as it is cheap, readily available and very easy to use. We are using a clamshell lock FPC so the connection is very sturdy and secure. It also is a flexible connection so the TKL and numpad clusters are essentially free to move separately from one another.