Keyboard Build

The main goal of this project was to learn schematic capture and PCB layout. Before starting the project, I set a list of criteria for the final product:

• The keyboard must use a compact layout, similar to that of a laptop keyboard
• The casing must be as low profile as possible
• The keyboard must have bluetooth and USB functionality

I created my desired layout using keyboard layout editor. The outer casing was purchased since manufacturing was not possible within the project timeframe. Other parts were selected mainly based on their thickness due to space constraints.

The PCB schematic and layout were designed in KiCad. The battery charging circuitry, bluetooth, and usb are handled by an Adafruit Feather.

The PCB was made single layer to be easily manufactured using DIY methods.

The PCB was CNC machined on a copper clad FR4 board.

All the parts before and after assembly:

I used the QMK project to quickly build the firmware. Unfortunately, due to the hardware design of the Adafruit Feather and poor wireless support in QMK, the battery life is very short. I was also too optimistic with the RF performance despite using an all-metal enclosure. The range and latency ended up being very poor and I only use the keyboard wired :(

I'm planning to do a new version using the newer ZMK project and build my pcb with fully integrated circuits instead of a premade board like the Feather.