The Quefrency by keeb.io is a nice middle ground between a split keyboard and a "normal" form-factor keyboard. It comes preassembled, so there's no need for soldering or tools beyond a screwdriver. It has many layout options, and if you're used to a normal keyboard, using this will allow you to split the halves yet not have to commit to learning a whole new layout straight away. Convenient!

What's the Quefrency keyboard?

 A 60%/65%/65XT split staggered keyboard, with 2x5 macro section option for the left half. Pronounced as keew-fren-see.

What's new in Rev. 5?

Rev. 5 of the Quefrency with hotswap sockets adds these two changes on top of Rev. 4:

• Stepped Caps Lock support
• Support for Right half bottom row of 2.75u + 6x1u, in addition to the previous configuration of 2.75u/1.25u/1.25u__3x1u

Features

• Option for rotary encoders at top left and top right corners
• Rotary encoders need to be soldered in (not hotswappable)
• It's recommended to add a 4mm foam piece or silicone bumper below the PCB where the encoder is and the bottom plate
• ANSI support only
• Layouts supported: Quefrency Rev. 5 KLE
• Macro section on left half and right column on right half can optionally be broken off
• USB-C ports for both connection to computer and between halves
• Compatible with MX-style switches only
• QMK compatible, pre-flashed with VIA support
• Compatible with FR4 Plate Kits

What's included?

• Left PCB and Right PCB
• One size fits all - Left PCB can have macro section broken off

What's required?

• MX-compatible switches;
• Quefrency Plate Kit;
• USB-C to USB-C cable;
• PCB-mount MX stabilizers - Most configurations will use 5 stabilizers;
• USB-C cable;
• Rotary Encoder and knobs;
• SKUF Keyboard Feet (optional);
• 3D-printed case to supplement plates (optional);
• Up to 86 MX switches:
• On the left side:
  
• The main area has 30 switches;
• The left macro area has 10 switches, or 9 switches and a rotary encoder.
• On the right side:
• The main area has between 35 and 37 switches;
• The right macro area has 5 switches, or 4 switches and a rotary encoder.

Firmware

The default keymapping that the board is pre-programmed with can be found here: Default Keymaps

Build Guide

Quefrency Rev. 4/5 Hotswap Build Guide

Remarks

As this keyboard supports a great number of layout options, we can't stock every option. As such, we've chosen to support only the full layout, where you don't snap off any parts of the PCB. If you'd like a different setup, you can check out the open source case files on GitHub.