Plus, how we're able to keep making and shipping keyboards

MARCH 2020

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Hi *|FNAME|*,

We've had this one in the works for a while: Macros! We had to carefully think it through, since storing bits of text right in your layout can come with some security implications. I feel we ended up with something that's functional and secure: check out the details below.

Some people have been writing to ask whether we're currently making and shipping keyboards. Yes, we are — and there is good news to share on this. Again, more on this below.

I hope you're keeping safe. If you're a small business owner and feel like you could use some help, feel free to email me directly, ez@ergodox-ez.com. You can also just drop me a line to tell me what you think of this month's newsletter and how you're doing. Thank you for reading!

Keep calm and type on,
Erez

Macros are here

Embed your common shortcuts into your layouts

The new macros built into Oryx allow you to send multi-character strings and select different modifiers (Alt, Shift, etc.) for each keystroke. This opens up powerful automation for everyday tasks.

The Coronavirus-Proof Nation

From Reasons To Be Cheerful

Yes, we're making and shipping keyboards throughout all of this! This article explains how we're able to do it, with our manufacturing partner Tibbo that's based in Taiwan. Our current lead times are unaffected by COVID-19.

Featured User Interview

Fernando Nogueira

Data Scientist @ Shopify

Fernando is the kind of guy who custom-builds a beastly desktop workstation, then doesn't plug in a monitor: This machine is for SSH access only. Terrific photos in this one, as well as a "mouseless" ErgoDox EZ layout with five thought-out layers.

"All modifiers, arrow keys, and mouse control are available in the home row, so most keyboard shortcuts and small mouse adjustments can be made without moving my hands or looking away from the screen."

Things we liked

ErgoDox EZ in the Forest →

Rain rain

Mario took this month's wallpaper and ran with it, putting it in a lush tropical setting. Put on some headphones, hit Play, and enjoy.

Satisfactory →

From the makers of Goat Simulator

An interesting blend between an FPS and a city-builder/resource-management game, set in an alien world you can explore as you go. Lots of conveyor belts.

Binned Art →

Lovely to look at

A marketplace for (relatively) affordable original art, where artists can sell their work under a pseudonym and pricing is strictly by size. The user experience is very pleasant; I love how clean it is. There's a fun "3D" mode too.

FraidyCat →

Think RSS, but everywhere

An old-new way to keep track of your favorite Internet people. No algorithms, no server, no news feed. You can follow hundreds of people without getting overwhelmed or missing stuff. Great promo video.

Smithsonian Open Access →

An online museum

An incredible collection of images and 3D models from the Smithsonian, all completely free for commercial use, remixing, and more. Here is the space shuttle in 3D.

Soma.fm →

Bringing back the radio

Over 30 unique channels of listener-supported, commercial-free, underground/alternative radio broadcasting to the world. All music hand-picked by human DJs and music directors.

Tip: We have a subscriber-only link archive with all of the links we shared over the years. Just for you. ❤️

Made us think

It is so easy to overestimate the importance of one defining moment and underestimate the value of making small improvements on a daily basis.

James Clear

Atomic Habits

Wallpaper of the month

When you can’t go outside, bring some green inside. Mario decided to bring back an all-time favorite, sans text. Play some rainforest sounds, and relax.

Thank you for reading!