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https://github.com/axhixh/mini-kbd

Split keyboard with Choc mini or Choc v1 switches and RP2040 Zero
https://github.com/axhixh/mini-kbd

ergogen ergomechkeyboards ergonomic-keyboard keyboard kicad mechanical-keyboard rp2040 rp2040-zero split-keyboard split-keyboards

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Split keyboard with Choc mini or Choc v1 switches and RP2040 Zero

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README

          

= Mini Keyboard

This is my experiment with https://ergogen.xyz[Ergogen] and building
a keyboard from scratch.

I had a bunch of https://www.waveshare.com/wiki/RP2040-Zero[RP2040 Zero]
microcontrollers and Choc Mini switches to play with. Even though I am
used to 34 keys, https://github.com/axhixh/haigha-mod[Haigha Mod], and
use it as my daily driver, I decided to build one with 36 keys because
I can do that without using diodes.

== Choc v1 vs Choc mini

While I did design this keyboard to play with Choc mini switches, I did
create a Choc v1 version since it was easy with Ergogen and I wanted to
see how to make reversible, hot-swappable PCB.

The Choc mini version of the PCB is in link:choc-mini[] and the Choc v1
version is in link:choc-v1[].

image:images/choc-mini-pcb.png[Using Choc mini switches]

image:images/choc-v1-pcb.png[Using Choc v1 swithes]

== TRRS vs 4 pin mini DIN

Inspired by the https://github.com/etiennecollin/wave[Wave Keyboard],
I redesigned the keyboard to use 4 pin mini DIN used by S-video to
protect the microcontroller from
https://docs.qmk.fm/#/feature_split_keyboard?id=considerations[accidentally shorting].
The layout of the key switches is the same between the different keyboards,
the connection between the two halves is the only difference.

== Releases

Please download the latest gerber files for the key switch you need from
https://github.com/axhixh/mini-kbd/releases[Releases]

Remember PCB thickness of 1.6mm for Choc mini means the pins will not pass
through the hole. I was fine with this since I use don't use a case.

PCB for Choc mini keyboard using 4 pin mini-DIN for connecting the halves.
image:images/pcb_using_4_pin_din.jpg[Photo of PCB]

PCBs for Choc mini and Choc v1 using TRRS.
image:images/pcbs.jpg[Photo of PCBs]

Built out keyboard with Choc mini.
image:images/right_half.jpg[Right Half]
image:images/keyboard_4_pin_din.jpg[Two halves with S-video cable]

Built out keyboard with Choc Sunset and LDSA keycaps.
image:images/mini-kbd.jpg[Photo of keyboard]

== Firmware

The `firmware` folder contains different firmwares for the board.
Currently, it supports https://kmkfw.io[KMK] and https://docs.qmk.fm[QMK]

== References

While creating design I used https://github.com/mitxela/kicad-round-tracks[round-track]
plug-in.

The RP2040 Zero footprint is a modified version of https://github.com/CountParadox/RP2040-Zero-Kicad.
A possible improvement for future is to change it to have the origin in the center so
that rotating the footprint is easier.

The footprint for 4 pin mini-DIN is based on the one used in Wave keyboard.
I translated it to Ergogen footprint.