Inspiration for this keyboard provided by Zack Freedman's YouTube video, How to Build MECHANICAL KEYBOARDS.
⌨ SiCK-68 by Fedor Sosnin - https://thangs.com/model/10461/?utm_s... ⌨ Redox Handwire by MattDB - https://thangs.com/model/10464/?utm_s... ⌨ Dactyl ManuForm by Tom Short - https://thangs.com/model/10466/?utm_s... 🗝 KeyV2 G20 Keycap scripted by Robert Sheldon - https://thangs.com/model/10467/?utm_s...
I am currently reviewing which style I want and am also researching switches.
I would like to add some key illumination and possibly a USB hub to the keyboard. Would also like this to be USB-C (because everything should be USB-C).
I want the final version to be high quality. This means:
.12mm Layer Height on the print
May use ABS and use vapor smoothing to give it a glass like finish
High quality ramps for ergonomics
High quality key switches (I am thinking Cherry MX Clear for Tactile or Kale Box White or Gateron Green for Clicky)
May want to look into Resin printing to print the keycaps if I don't just buy a set
May separate the number pad into it's own macro pad
I do not need function buttons or auxiliary buttons, with the exception of Delete and Print Screen (for Snag-It), but I can do without these buttons as well.
I ordered the Adafruit KB2040 - RP2040 Kee Boar Driver after doing some research on microcontrollers. I choose the Kee Boar due to it having USB-C, being low cost, and for being designed for keyboard builds.
So after a little more research, I discovered that there are some kits with PCB's (two blanks that act as a case, and one with the circuits) that are ready to go, no need to wire. The kit also comes with an Arduino Pro Micro microcontroller. All I need is switches, key caps, and a USB cable. I figure this will be a good way to learn how to program the microcontroller before I begin working on my first print attempt and before I even think about doing the wiring. I believe that is what will take me the most time, so it will be nice to be able to skip it for my first try.
I received the PB Gherkin kit and tried to put it together. I decided to do this kit to practice soldering and begin learning how to program a micro controller without making it overly complicated. It did not go well. I believe I have all of the diodes and switches soldered correctly, but I have doubts about the microcontroller. The microcontroller does work as it is detected by Windows when I plug it in. I suspect it is likely a combination of my soldering of the microcontroller and programming. I will have to tinker with it some more to see what I can find out.
I also began making a small 8-key macro pad. I printed a case and faceplate out of PETG which turned out very well. I installed some Gateron Milky Yellow linear keys on the face plated and put some doubleshot key caps on. The next steps will be to solder in the dioades to the rows and wire the columns. Tie that into the micro controller, program, flash, and see what I get.
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4-JUNE-22: I have made a couple attempts at handwiring a keyboard.
PB Gherkin: I spent a few hours soldering the diodes and switches to the provided printed circuit board (PCB). I then soldered the Arduino Pro Micro microcontroller to the PCB. I plugged it in, and flashed it with a .hex firmware file compiled on the QMK Configurator based off a tutorial I found online. After it reset, I started testing keys. Nothing. Deader than a doornail. I spent the next couple of hours unsoldering and resoldering, testing, making no progress, and eventually giving up for the day. I have not gone back to it yet.
Handwired 8-Key Macropad: I spent nearly ten hours trying to get this to work. It was a very similar experience as the Gherkin except more soldering. The concept makes sense to me. Solder the switches into a grid with diodes attached to prevent a back flow of power which would result in keys that aren't pressed being registered by the keyboard. When programmed correctly, the key board should detect the column, then the row of the key pressed, which sends power through the corresponding wire to the microcontroller, which then prints that key press to the screen. What doesn't make sense to me is why nothing is happening. I can't tell if the problem is a wiring issue, a programming issue, or if my file isn't flashing to the microcontroller. I am almost certain it isn't the last one because QMK Toolbox gives me a flash successful message (not exact wording). I tried both the Arduino Pro Micro and the Adafruit Kee Boar and could not get anything from either of them. What I lack is understanding and I am not sure where exactly I should go to gain the understanding I need. There are plenty of resources online, but they are either written at a level I do not understand yet, or they simply dont work for me. I am going to set this aside for now as well.
When I am ready to start over, I think I will want to look for a more basic level of programming and build upon that.
Gallery:
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