Massdrop x OLKB Planck Mechanical Keyboard Kit

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Hi got some questions, hope someone could help!

1) I tried looking back and previous discussion pages but can't find if the Planck is compatible with Mac OS X with the custom key mapping and settings? Is it a GUI mapping software or code?
2) I've never built a keyboard before, but I've soldered before. Is it just the switches we need to diy solder onto the board and install keycaps? Or is there more to it?
3) I can't get on the Ortholinear official site (HTTP Error 504: Gateway Timeout). Is it just me? 
4) Are there any photos of the different anodized plane colour options?

Thanks a million!

Edde16follow

apertur

1) Look at https://github.com/jackhumbert/qmk_firmware and https://www.reddit.com/r/olkb
2) 

3) I'm also having problems, I'm guessing there's a lot of traffic now.
4) You can see them on the ortholinear site, just wait until it's back up.

apertur48follow

Edde

Thanks a lot Edde.  Seems like I will be able to manage the building but the code seems a bit confusing to me! Hopefully I can make it work... I'll probably still get a Planck during this drop lasts... I love the small footprint and non-staggered look. Thanks for your help again.

e_l_tang121follow

apertur

I assure you that programming your keyboard will be no problem. The community is amazing and will quickly help you resolve any issues you might have.

apertur48follow

e_l_tang

Thanks Eric! I'm just torn right now about the MIT or Grid layout... I only use my right thumb to press space and the left thumb does nothing on normal 6.25u spacebars. Should I go for Grid instead? I just worry the 1u key is not enough for my right thumb or that it might not be in the right place because of the non-staggered layout. Thanks in advance!

l2yuk3n123follow

apertur

I just changed from an MIT layout to a Grid layout because someone (I think on the reddit thread) mentioned that you can get 2u Point-of-Sale (POS) caps that will cover two switches. You'd have to make some layout tweaks (disable one of the two switches), but you could place this "2u" spacebar wherever your thumb fits/feels best.

EDIT to add links to two different types (DCS probably closer to OEM, and DSA is...DSA):
http://pimpmykeyboard.com/dcs-2-space-pos-2-mounts-pack-of-4/
http://pimpmykeyboard.com/dsa-2-space-pos-2-mounts-pack-of-4/

e_l_tang121follow

apertur

I chose the Grid layout for the extra key that is hit by a strong but usually unused thumb. I don't find a 1u spacebar difficult to use. In the beginning I might have had some trouble, but after a while hitting it became as easy as hitting any other key. It's also easier to find 1u keycaps that are ergonomic for the thumbs.

apertur48follow

l2yuk3n

Yes, I also read about those keycaps covering 2 switches. I guess this is more versatile but it would be stiffer to press since it'll be 2 switches I'm pressing instead of 1. Thanks for the links.

apertur48follow

e_l_tang

I don't use my left thumb for space at all... so I get an extra key for assigning another function I guess. I think I'll switch to grid for now after hearing from you and l2yuk3n. Thanks guys.

l2yuk3n123follow

apertur

Many people make that left "spacebar" a backspace. might be useful considering it could be tight on keys near the standard backspace location (upper right).

apertur48follow

l2yuk3n

That's a great suggestion! Thanks mate.

alxcrlsn2follow

apertur

+1 I know nothing about C and posted a few questions in the OLKB subreddit. I had great responses from jack in less than 24 hours that answered all my questions.