[Feature Request] Add an option for a USB A hub

[guttermonk]

This would be a compelling pro feature - it would be really cool to have an option for a couple USB ports. Most ergo keyboards lack additional USB ports, which come in really handy if:

• you use a Yubikey or other hardware key
• have a dongle for another peripheral (like a mouse, 3D mouse, etc.) and your tower is either a little too far away or lacks USB ports
• you frequently have to use a thumb drive
• if you prefer to use a wired mouse, you can plug it into the keyboard for some neat wire management

Additionally, with a custom setup, you could potentially locate the extra ports in different locations. For instance, the port you use for thumb drives could be on the right side of the right split keyboard, and the port you use for the Yubikey could be facing up so you can interact with it like another key of sorts. Or if you're left handed, stick them both on the left keyboard.

I currently have a Kenisis Advantage2 keyboard, and the USB ports are what I miss the most from my old Das Keyboard. I'd definitely go pro for such a feature.

Thanks for the consideration. Great project!

[rianadon]

It's possible and doesn't require a whole lot of model tweaking on your end.

Most keyboards Cosmos generates have a curved back edge due to the staggered columns fit to your hand.
The algorithms already struggle to find a wide enough patch to mount the microcontroller and TRRS/USB for interconnection, so there really no possible way to fit an off-the-shelf usb hub along the back edge without significant changes to the keyboard geometry.

Your best bet is to replace the microcontroller with a pcb hub like Adafruit's CH334F-based one and handwire usb host ports breakout pcbs like these (or you can use usb-c breakouts if you'd like–just make sure the resistors on them are configured for host mode). Where you position them really depends on your board geometry. You may be able to go to advanced mode, click the connectors button, and manually add holes for the usb sockets. Otherwise, you'd need to download the step or stl models and cut those holes yourself. Also I suggest editing the microcontroller holder in the step model to add a few stoppers around where the usb breakout goes to help keep it in place.

You'd wire your chosen keyboard microcontroller to the usb hub pcb as well. I've been thinking of adding these CH334F breakouts to the microcontroller list, if that's something you would be interested in.

[guttermonk]

Thanks for all the advice. I was hoping to be able to design the keyboard on your site and then outsource the build to the Cosmos assembly service. If I provided my design, is the service able to add the pcb hub, hub mounts, usb host ports, and usb socket holes w/breakout stoppers?

[rianadon]

I suggest waiting a month or two for me or Skree to try a build with an integrated hub. This is something pretty new, and it'll be much easier to work with you on the design once we know the possibilities and limitations of putting together the electronics for it.

[guttermonk]

Sweet! That's exciting to hear. You don't see too many split keebs with usb hubs. That'll be awesome. Thank you!