Since y'all didn't react much to my post yesterday of the new keyboard I'm making from scratch, I decided to post the PCB aswell in hopes to trigger some people. Enjoy, open to any question, comments, concerns, insults, what ever.

What resources have you used to make this? I've tried to make my own pcb once using kicad. I was using rp2040. My goal was to make 60% keyboard to avoid buying a lot of switches but in the end only what i've done was small key hub. The main thing that was keeping me away from my goal was knowledge. I'm programming not designing and i have never before done anything related to designing pcbs nor i was aware how to work with popular MCU. I've found few articles about making keyboard matrixs and was using rp2040 documentation but i had problem with general electrical stuff. Do you recommend any basic course or material to fill those gaps?

To be really honest, I have a degree in industrial engineering and most of it was already acquired knowledge.

Here were my sources for information, extract from it what you can, it should help out. If you need anything, just shoot me a DM.

https://www.gizmodo.com.au/2014/10/i-built-a-keyboard-from-scratch/

https://deskthority.net/viewtopic.php?f=7&t=7177&start=

https://trauring.org/hand-wiring-a-keyboard/

https://kbfirmware.com/

http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/

.5mm travel? That's interesting, what kind of switches are used for that? Almost sounds like you may as well type on a touchscreen.

but then it wouldn't be a mechanical keyboard wouldl it? ;)

I haven't revealed which kind of switch I'll be using yet, I'm speaking with a manufacturer for a batch before proceeding to buy bulk. There will be 10 or so switch options when the design will be finished. I'm going to start compiling a list of potential switches.

The "tact switches" that you get on a lot of devices are essentially the same in this respect. They're crazy tactile but don't really move a lot.

Keycapless? Where's the fun in that? One less thing modifiable. I can't imagine most in here would want a board you can't change caps on.

0.5mm travel? That would be a nightmare to type on. Not much better than a touchscreen, surely.

Is this even a mechanical keyboard?

The top plate is totaly custom, you can literally put any graphics you want over it.

0.5mm travel a nightmare? How many 0.5mm travel keyboard devices have you used that proved to be a nightmare to use?

Yes, Mechanical switches, quite a few to choose from too actually.

I understand you have tunnel vision on current mechanical keyboards, but that doesn't mean it's the only possible sort of mechanical keyboard that can exist. Be open to new designs.

edit : How many of them have NKRO? touchscreens are 0gf needed to activate, this isn't anything like that.

But the difference is that those you usually use aren't made for high cycle lifes, usually don't last very much. All potential switches I'd consider using are 1M+ life cycles.

edit : the vast majority of switches I can use are clicky, but can be made silent.

Your rows look suspiciously like all the diodes go in series.

fuck, you're right. At least it's an easy fix with a tiny bit of wire, but damnit, thanks for spotting that.

Which would you prefer. We chat here, or in the unsolicited PM you sent me?

want a pepper shaker too with that salt?

I've been searching and I've found 40+ switches so far that can be used. from 0.10$ a switch up to $2 a switch, similar to actual mechanical keyboards.

Look... Post something up other than a badly designed PCB, so we know what the hell you are talking about. So far, all we know is that it's a keycapless design, with mechanical switches with less than 0.5mm travel, yet uses a common switch with over 50 varieties, and has a top panel with no keycaps that you can print your own designs on. It sounds terrible as a device to type on.

Me salty? You're the one PMing me, crying about why I am being mean to your imaginary keyboard. I'm just giving you my opinion, based on the little you have divulged so far. If you don't like it, just ignore it instead of harassing me via PM. Perhaps if you published some details people wouldn't need to speculate. So, about these switches for example. You say there are 50 varieties available... so why not just tell us what they are so we can take a look?

I simply want to share my work so far with the community. Once I have my first working prototype, I'll be posting pictures.

The PCBs are currently being manufactured (5 of each) of the V0.1 with the stupid row diode arrangement that I've fixed for V0.2.

I already have the switches, diodes, teensy 2.0 loaded with the firmware, wire to fix my diode fuck up. The switches I have currently are real shitty and more just to use for proof of concept. PCBs supposed to ship in three days per AllPCBs order thingy.

edit : as far as switches go only a few select people who have helped me so far (one for firmware and another for PCB design). I have a far way to go before making V1.

Alright, fixed it for V0.2, added your name to the list I'll be creating of people who contributed. Thanks again.

Sure.. no issue with anyone doing that, but I asked you several times now about this mystery 0.5mm total travel switch, with 50 available varieties, and it's just been radio silence. If it's not something the general public can buy, and fit on a hot swap basis, then then it's not really a customisable board, and they aren't that popular in here.

As for the PCB currently being manufactured, I hope what you posted in here is not what was sent to be fabbed, because I think you need to check your diode arrangement ;)

easily obtainable switch. Hot swap capabilities with millmax sockets like keyboards and as far as the PCB goes, well, I did sent it with the image I posted unfortunatly. I fixed the PCB with V0.2. I'll use some wire and some trace cutting for V0.1 to punish me for fucking the diode arrangement lol

edit : and the switch isn't as a mystery as you may think. Plus the PCB hints at it anyways.

So why not just say what switch it is if it's generally available switch? We can take a look at it and arrive at a conclusion instead of all this cloak and dagger nonsense.

fine, FINE. I give up. I will be using mouse switches. Basically any switch that has 5.08mm between pins with mostly any height can be used, just need to adjust stand offs. Kailh mute's 2-pin up to TTC gold dustproof, to Huano 80M blue pink dot, Kailh GM8.0 black/transparent, etc.

edit : Let's say one day I want to have keycap compatability, I just need to have a plastic part molded for the top plate with cherry stems over the keys.

I designed this keyboard from scratch. In the comments i talked about the resources i used. I used a guid for the atmega32u4 but its well doable to replace the atmega32u4 with the rp2040. If i were to design another keyboard today, i would also prefer the rp2040 due to cost and availability.

If you have any other questions feel free to reach out.

So when I said all of this (terrible to type on... not much better than a touch screen... can't be customised etc.) I was in fact correct, yet you felt the need to harrass me via PM because you thought I was being mean.

If you have cherry stems molded onto the top plate, won't that make printing on the top plate a bit tricky? Wasn't that this board's unique selling point? So it's a keyboard, with a flexible plastic top panel, that uses mouse switches. Won't it just feel like... well... pressing a button on a mouse?