Close

Redox handwire

A project log for Redox keyboard

The Redox project is an open-source, QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard Firmware) powered, ergonomic split mechanical keyboard.

mattia-dal-benMattia Dal Ben 08/20/2018 at 18:550 Comments

This was the first prototype for the Redox project. At the time I wanted only to test the ergonomics of the idea so I opted for a handwire.

Materials used:

Buildlog

I started with the plate design. I 3D printed it and built my first mock-up. This was just for testing tolerances and checking that everything was fine (and cool looking).

Then it was time to some proper planning for the handwiring. I started with a schematic then moved with the wiring planning on paper (it was easier this way).

Finally I started soldering. My technique involves stripping the single-core wires so that the inner core is exposed at the height of the switch pin. Then I use the rigidity of the wire to make it stick to the pins alterinating the side which makes contact with the pin.

The it was a simple matter of patience and time...

For wiring the controller I used some old IDE cables I had laying around. This helped a lot in cleaning the overall wiring mess.

Programming time. I based my keymap off of the Viterbi keyboard since it has the same number of keys. This way I sped up the testing phase.

I then added some LED backlighting for good measure because why not.

Finally I printed the bottom half of the case and finished the prototype.

Since its publishing the Redox handwire gained a lot of attention and inspired some great designs:

Discussions