Kyria rev 4 - A mini Elora with a trackpad ... and keycap upgrades
I spent some time with the Kyria rev 4, a DIY split ergonomic keyboard that's essentially a compact version of the Elora. The standout feature of this revision is the ability to add a trackpad module as well as displays.
Assembly was pretty straightforward - no soldering required (!) just some screwdriver work. While the aluminum top plate gave me some trouble with switch installation, the overall build process took about an hour. The keyboard comes with some neat upgrades like a small screen that displays your current layer, and of course, that trackpad.
While the trackpad had limited usefulness due to its size and position, it really shined for the few moments where click-and-drag operations were needed. The keyboard's compact design without a number row was an interesting challenge - I adapted by using layers and home row modifications, though it did make some keyboard shortcuts trickier to execute.
I had to make some customizations like adding palm rests and experimenting with different keycap heights and tilts to get the most comfortable typing experience. If I had to make a recommendation: I would advice anyone to for the Elora instead. The Kyria is not a bad board, but the Elora is more beginner friendly.
Pros
- Easy DIY assembly with no soldering required
- Useful screen module for layer indication
- Trackpad great for modest click-and-drag operations
- Compact design reduces finger movement
Cons
- No included palm rests
- Limited trackpad functionality if you want to use it all the time
- Missing number row can complicate keyboard shortcuts