Oddball Keyboard

The Oddball is a split mechanical keyboard with an integrated trackball. While drawing inspiration from things like the Jian and the Dactyl Manuform, it is instead designed with a switch plate and PCB to give it durability, replicability, and a more utilitarian look. It has a relatively minimal key layout, typically with 39 keys in total. The PCB is reversible so it can be built with 0, 1 or theoretically 2 trackballs. Due to the height and angle of the optical sensor, and as an ergonomic bonus, it requires a tented case.

View it on GitHub

Features

• split design
• 39 keys
• trackball
• click, click + drag, scroll
• dynamic CPI (trackball cursor speed)
• columnar staggered keys
• tented case
• angled thumb clusters
• QMK firmware

Version 1

• source files
• gallery high quality / low quality
• build log
• build guide
• dual Teensy 2.0 MCUs (Micro USB)
• ADNS9800 optical sensor support
• v1.0 firmware from QMK

Version 2

• source files
• gallery high quality / low quality
• build log
• build guide
• dual Elite C MCUs (USB-C)
• both ADNS9800 or PMW3360 optical sensor support
• improved trackball position
• improved sensor mounting
• v2.1 firmware from QMK

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out.

Credit to Aaron Walker for taking the pretty photos.