Have you ever felt like there are too many keys on your keyboard? The distance between keys can really put a lot of stress on the fingers having to stretch them again and again. There has to be a way to put an end to this dilemma.
Planck keyboards are here to offer a viable solution.
You might be wondering, what is a Planck keyboard, and how does it work? Well, that’s what we’re here to talk about today.
In this article, I will talk about Planck Keyboards, their layout, benefits, types, and everything in between. So, make sure you read this article till the end if you want to learn about these amazing keyboards.
Table of Contents
What is a Planck Keyboard?
A Planck keyboard is an ortholinear 40% keyboard that comes with just the right number of keys placed in a rectangular layout of rows and columns where all the keys are non-staggered. Mostly, Planck keyboards do not have any printing or legends on them, and for a good reason.
These keyboards are designed for the ergonomic requirement of typists, and they’re thoroughly enjoyed by niche mechanical keyboard enthusiasts around the world. They’re amazing in terms of design, modularity, and overall appeal if you check them out.
Types of Planck Keyboards
Basically, depending upon the type of layout, there are two different kinds of Planck Keyboards. However, there aren’t a lot of differences between them – just one, actually. So let’s take a look at it.
GRID Layout
In this layout, every key is the same size, and even the Spacebar key is one unit which means there are no distinguishable features, and every key can be used as every other key.
MIT Layout
This is a bit different. In this layout, every key is one unit except a single key. This key is the spacebar key which is slightly bigger than the other keys – about 2 units for a single key. This helps in distinguishing the side of the keyboard as well, which is cool.
How Many Keys Does a Planck Keyboard Have?
There are basically 4 rows and 12 columns of single-unit keys on a Planck keyboard. But the number of the keys can differ depending upon the layout you’ve chosen.
In the GRID layout, you’re going to find 48 single-unit keys that can be programmed to perform the exact task that you require, which is pretty amazing for Planck Keyboards, in my opinion.
And the other layout, the MIT layout, comes with 47 keys because the spacebar key comes as a double unit key. So, that’s about it when it comes to the number of keys on a Planck keyboard.
Features of a Planck Keyboard
Let’s take a look at some of the exciting features a Planck Keyboard is known to offer.
- Programmability – Every single key on the Planck keyboard is completely reprogrammable. You don’t need to worry about the assigning. Whatever layout works best for you can be equipped if you know how to use the QMK software. That is important.
- Macro Creation – Macros are basically shortcut key combinations that allow you to make functions easy. They’re like templates but for your keyboard. Using this high-quality keyboard, you can create macros that you like without a problem. It is one of the best features of this keyboard without a doubt.
- Sound Emittance – If you’re looking to have a bit of fun and mess around with the Planck Keyboard, you absolutely have all the options to do so. Using firmware functions, you can make the keyboard emit sound because there is an integrated speaker in the keyboard frame, which is quite cool.
- QMK Support – Quantum Mechanical Keyboard is an open-source platform where keyboards can be edited and customized as per the user’s requirement. This software is supported by the Planck Keyboard, and you can use it to customize your keyboard as much as you want, which is definitely a great element, and I’m sure you’d love to mess around with it.
Benefits of a Planck Keyboard
Now that we’re aware of the features of a Planck keyboard, let’s take a look at some of the benefits to make our final buying decision.
- Ergonomics – First and foremost, Ortholinear keyboards are meant to provide ease of use. Instead of having to stretch your fingers and hands, you can always keep your fingers within two rows of keys from the Home row, which has the ASD and other keys in a standard QWERTY keyboard layout.
- Compactness – When it comes to the size of the Planck Keyboard, it is simply 40%. There is no excessive function or Num keys and not even arrow keys. But if you want, you can use the QMK software to get the functionalities you want in this keyboard.
- Durability – The keyboard consists of a metal frame, PCB, and a metal switch plate usually. The durability factor of this keyboard is at a pretty high level. It will last quite a long time if you’re thinking of buying it for your computer setup.
- Customization Freedom – Using the QMK platform and other software tools, you can truly customize a lot of your keyboard, which is pretty great, in my opinion. You can also desolder the switches and change them, which isn’t possible on many keyboards.
- Mechanical Switches – Last but certainly the most important benefit of a Planck keyboard is that it comes with high-quality Mechanical switches. You can get these keyboards with whichever mechanical switch you prefer. The switch-plate is designed to house different kinds of switches and layouts. With the incredible feel of the mechanical switches and the amazingness of this keyboard, you’re going to have a great time surely!
Conclusion
The Planck Keyboard is pretty cool, and it is quite a revolutionary ergonomic keyboard that has been invented recently. So, if you’re an enthusiast who likes minimal visuals with amazing features, you should definitely get you’re a decent Planck Keyboard and have an amazing time with it!