Atreus Keyboard

The Atreus keyboard started in 2014, by Phil Hagelberg (aka technomancy).

Total key count: 42 keys.

The interesting thing about the Atreus is that it doesn't have the top row of number keys. And, it doesn't have the key columns on the sides neither. (that's normally for {Tab, Shift, Ctrl, `, Return, Backspace ⌫, etc} keys).

• A standard PC keyboard has about 104 keys. For example, IBM Model M keyboard (1985).
• Keyboards without Numeric Keypad has ~87 keys. 〔see Keyboards without Numeric Keypad〕
• Happy Hacking has 60 keys. (no number pad, no function keys, no navigation keys.) 〔see Happy Hacking Keyboard (HHKB)〕

The Atreus minimize key count extremely, with a total of only 42 keys. To access number and symbols such as {! @ # $}, you need to press a combination with a modifier key. Its large thumb keys are not right under the thumbs.

Because only 42 keys, you'll have problems typing Chinese, Japanese, Russian with it. because you need to switch layers every 3 or so key strokes.

• Chinese Input Methods
• Japanese Keyboard Layouts
• Russian Keyboard Layout

Unboxing of Atreus

Atreus Keyboard Layout

Note it doesn't have keys for number, nor symbols such as ( ) " ' + = ! @ # $.

To enter these, you need to hold the Fn key.

Atreus 58

Atreus Keyboard 5 Rows, 58 Keys Version

Atreus 62

Atreus Keyboard 5 Rows, 62 Keys Version

A custom-built alternative version, with 1 extra row, and 2 extra columns.

For more info about this build, see https://geekhack.org/index.php?topic=54759.msg1304117#msg1304117

Nomic62 Keyboard

Here is a custom keyboard similar to Atreus.

Where to Buy

• https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/keyboardio/atreus
• http://atreus.technomancy.us/

More links:

• photos here: flickr
• Read on his blog here: http://technomancy.us/173
• github source: https://github.com/technomancy/atreus

Alternatives

• Promethium51

• Catboard Keyboard 😸 ⌨