Coderkeeb

June 3, 2025

Today I sketched the keyboard layout for my keyboard using Keyboard Layout Editor. Here is the sketch of the rows and columns I came up with using the Keycool 84 preset. I also decided to make an ortho layout just because... why not?

Through some research I found that I need specific low-profile switches and keycaps, and through some more research I found the specific footprints I needed. I decided on the Kailh Choc Siwtches since they're low profile and seem to be pretty cheap.

Here is the repo for the footprints

Through another hack-clubber, I was told that I could add a neopixel, and I might. For that, I want to be able to create a interface that allows me to set the lights for the neopixel so I can make cool designs!!

Tomorrow, I plan on creating the row column plan for the ortho layout, I did some rough planning and came to a conclusing that I will need 21 GPIO pins for the keeb and be left with 5 pins, of which 3 are going to be used for the EC11 rotary encoder, 1 for a battery led, and 1 for the neopixel

Time Spent this session: 2 hours

June 4, 2025

Today I mostly worked on my schematic for the keyboard. I followed Joe Scottos video on how to make mechanical keyboard pcb's with KiCad. Here's what I have so far

Schematic:

June 6, 2025

I've had QUITE a bit of progress since the last time: - Finalized my schematic - Redid my pcb like 15 times because I got a LOT of feedback from others (ground fills, spacing, etc) - Fixed a lot of DRC issues (mostly about silkscreens) - Checked an estimate on JLCPCB (currently at $44 USD)

Heres what my PCB looks like as of now:

Without 3d models:

With 3d models:

I'm going to fix a couple of the issues caused by the ground fill!!! (and also add some art :D)

Time spent this sessions: 6 hours