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Basic Hot-Swappable Keyboard with RGB

Designed for hand assembly and low cost. Can be powered from an STM32, RP2040, or any module with enough GPIOs.

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This version is based on a 18x6 matrix allowing 99 hot-swappable keys including 10 macros keys, and RGB. The basic keyboard can be powered by any development module with enough GPIO's.

I include a dedicated RP2040 and STM32F411 modules with the same 30 pin 1.27 mm connector.

Basic Keyboard:

The Basic Keyboard consists of the MX HS switches, diodes and RGB leds and a single connector and is arranged in an 18x6 matrix. It was design for hand assembly and low cost. No onboard processing (USB etc.) require an existing module having enough GPIO's, such as a Blackpill or RP2040 or my dev board based on RP2040 which has the exact connector required...

Development Board/Module:

As said above, I include two development modules with the correct connector to make life easier, both support QMK and VIA (code/files supplied). The STM32F411 module works for the keyboard but has an issue with RGB, once fixed I will add it, the RP2040 works out of the box...

Why two boards?

  • A fully assembled keyboard (including the processor etc.) in low volume is costly and the possibility of getting something wrong in your first attempt are quite high...
  • Hand soldering of the control/microprocessor side is difficult and requires special tools, fully assembled costs for the small module board are low...
  • As the main board doesn't contain tiny components, it is fairly easy to hand soldering and the board costs are very affordable ~ $25 including all components...
  • The basic keyboard PCB can also be used with other existing development boards...

At the end of the day, if everything works out (hardware and software), you can always combine the two boards into one and bite the cost bullet, I almost certainly will...

Total cost of  Basic Keyboard PCB including 100 Hot-Swappable Connectors, 100 RGB leds (SK6812-E) and 100 diodes costs ~ €25... just add MX Switches and Key Caps and a case...

The RP2040 module costs ~ €15...

Prices are given as a guideline, they reflect my costs based on 5 prototype of each board, retail prices would be higher. I supply the code and KiCad files (My GitHub Repo), you submit to JLCPCB/PCB Way etc...

Mike

  • 100 × SK6812MINI-E [RGB1]RGB LED with integrated controllerBackMount LCSC#: C5149201 €7.55
  • 100 × 1N4148W Discrete Semiconductors / Diodes and Rectifiers LCSC#: C466653 €1.89
  • 100 × CPG151101S11 Kailh Hot-swappable PCB Socket Aliexpress €9.57
  • 1 × Keybopard PCB PCB €10
  • 1 × Plate Mounted Stabilizers 4x2U, 1x6.25U Plate Mounted Stabilizer Aliexpress €8

View all 8 components

  • Keyboard Plate

    Michael O'Toole2 days ago 0 comments

    As keyboard is hot-swappable, I have included low cost FR4 plate, should cost about €5 from PCB Way.

    Sample, KiCad file...

    Printed case, Keyboard, Module

  • Basic Keyboard Tests

    Michael O'Toole4 days ago 0 comments

    Basic Hot-Swappable Keyboard with RGB initial tests:

    I tested the newly arrived "Basic Keyboard PCB" with my RP2040 Keyboard Development Module, I should note, this was a quick test as I only fitted the RGB leds (all 99 of them), several MX switches and the rotary encoder. Also note, this was also a test of the Keyboard Development Module which also appears to work flawlessly.

    Next on the agenda is to fit the remaining switched and diodes, then test the macro functionality, and the code. The combined setup worked perfectly when testing with on usevia.com with the app.

    Day two...

    Completed the build, all parts installed and it works perfectly...

    Status:

    1. Software ✓
    2. Basic Keyboard PCB ✓ (change code to reverse volume up/down)...
    3. RP2040 Development Module ✓
    4. Keyboard Functionality ✓
    5. Macros ✓
    6. RGB ✓ (need to edit code to change RGB position)...

    Mike.

  • 65% Version of the Keyboard

    Michael O'Toole02/04/2025 at 23:43 0 comments

    Thought I'd add this into the mix, it's about 65% including 5 Macro keys on the left.

    I removed key that are not used or more precisely, not required for normal day to day work.

    The four on the right side are: Home, End, Print Screen and Insert, I never use the rest, beside if necessary I can always add missing keys to macros on layer 3 or 4...

    Inspired by my Akko/Monsgeek M1W (which is available with VIA support, my version didn't, I bought the wrong version but I love it. Come to think on it, I could make an exact layout as my M1W and swap the boards... more work... ;)

    Front: Keys and stabilizers

    Back, component side... (connector should be on back of board)...

View all 3 project logs

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