28 key staggered Stenography keyboard without number row
Additional images here
This is now my third keyboard project which has been made possible by the people over at PCBWay who have sponsored this project and without PCBWay non of these projects would have been possible.
You can find a full writeup on this keyboard project on my website at Phoenix Boards
The design idea behind this was to follow on from the design of the Ashwing66 while reducing it's footprint further to make something usable for stenography, the intial plan was to retain the wing like design with the 30 degree bend although this was later changed to a more linear layout with a slight vertical stagger. The bottom row has switches rotated to allow for the use of 1.25U and 1.5U keycaps for those who prefer longer keys. There are also 28 individually addressable LED's per key.
- 28 Key layout
- Per key RGB LED's
- Javelin firmware (Reqires RP2040 pro micro with 16MB storage)
- Vertical stagger
- Double tap #2 to change mode and configure RGB
| Part | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Diodes | 28 | Through-hole 1N4148 |
| Microcontroller | 1 | Pro Micro RP2040 with 16MB Storage |
| Switches | 28 | MX or Choc V1 (67 instead of rotary encoder) |
| Keycaps | 28 | 1u keycaps |
| Part | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| LED Diodes | 28 | SK6812 MINI-E |
| Base Plate | 1 | STEP file in 3DPrint folder |
| M2 Standoff | 6 | M2x8mm |
| M2 Screws | 12 | M2x6mm |
##Build Guide
- Solder the Pro Micro controller to the PCB on the top side, with components facing up
- Solder the diodes onto the top side of the board, observe orientation.
- Left side (Black line down), Middle (Black line up), Right (Black line down)
- Snip off the excess legs from the diodes from the underside once all soldered
- If using LED's you'll need to place these on the rear side of the PCB, observe the triangle marking on the PCB, this corrosponds to the one leg with an edge cut into it.
- The LED's are orientated differently on the lowest row due to rotated switches.
- Insert all switches into the PCB, turn over and solder each switch.
- Ensure that the switch is seated into the PCB fully before soldering.
- Place keycaps on top
- Install desired firmware by putting the controller into BOOT mode.