VE.A keyboard

The VE.A keyboard is a nice and expensive Do It Yourself keyboard.

Key Count

Totaly key count: 96 keys.

Left side:

• 10 macro keys.
• 5 at bottom row
• 5 shift caps etc column
• 5 x 3 letters section
• 6 digit keys
• 6 function keys

total left side keys: 47

right side:

• 6 function keys
• 6 digit keys
• 5 x 3 + 3 letters section
• 7 at bottom row
• 12 right edge

total right side keys: 49

[see Cute Keycaps]

Features

Highlights:

• Mechanical keys. Available in Cherry MX choices or gateron switch.

[see Guide to Keyboard Key Switch Mechanisms]

• Split. 2 spacebars. You can program one of them to some other key.

• Fully programmable keys.

• Full F1 to F12 function keys.

• 10 extra programmable keys on left edge.

• RGB LEDs

• Wrist pad, and tenting base, optional.

Detail:

• RGB LED can be controlled by key input and BootMapperClient
• In-switch LED can be controlled by key input and BootMapperClient
• Reprogrammable 4-layer layout
• 12 quick macro recorded on the fly
• 12 custom macro editable with BootMapperClient
• Alt/Windows (GUI) quick swap on the fly
• driverless Windows key lock (disable)
• Dual Action key (one key acting two function as normal/modifier)

Casing and other spec:

• Anodized aluminum case. (like Apple's ipod case)
• Polycarbonate frame between the plates
• SATA cable joining the 2 pieces.
• USB interface to computer.
• 1.5T STS switch mounting plate.

Where to Buy

About $450 on massdrop. Not readily available. And you have to build it yourself, including soldiering the electronics.

Alternatives

If this is about $250, and pre-assembled, then i think it's the best keyboard, beats Ergodox Keyboard

VE.A's got 10 extra macro keys, and driverless key programing. Those are killer features. Plus, full F1 to F12 function keys, and arrow keys etc. And split space bar, and many thumb keys.

But at $450, plus you have to assemble it yourself, then it's not worth it. Lots other keyboards have better value/price ratio.

See: Xah Lee's Best Ergonomic Keyboards

and buy a good programable keypad for $80. that gets you dedicated arrow keys and function keys.

[see Programable Keypads]