https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard
Ergonomic split mechanical keyboard
https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard
assembly ergonomic-keyboard guide keyboard mechanical-keyboard pcb redox redox-handwire redox-keyboard split-keyboard
Last synced: 8 days ago
JSON representation
Ergonomic split mechanical keyboard
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard
- Owner: mattdibi
- License: mit
- Created: 2018-03-24T08:25:47.000Z (about 7 years ago)
- Default Branch: master
- Last Pushed: 2024-05-05T19:05:49.000Z (12 months ago)
- Last Synced: 2025-04-14T18:16:30.311Z (8 days ago)
- Topics: assembly, ergonomic-keyboard, guide, keyboard, mechanical-keyboard, pcb, redox, redox-handwire, redox-keyboard, split-keyboard
- Size: 71.7 MB
- Stars: 1,861
- Watchers: 41
- Forks: 174
- Open Issues: 29
-
Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- License: LICENSE
Awesome Lists containing this project
README
The Redox project repository
[]()
[](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/issues)
[](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/pulls)
[](/LICENSE)
---
The Redox project is an open-source, [QMK (Quantum Mechanical Keyboard Firmware)](https://github.com/qmk/qmk_firmware) powered, ergonomic split mechanical keyboard. This repository will be used to share information about the project and instruction on how to use and assemble the Redox keyboard.
**Designer's bio**: [Mattia Dal Ben (aka u/TiaMaT102)](mailto:[email protected]) obtained a master's degree in Electrical Engineering with a specialization in Computer Science at the University of Udine. Currently works as a Software Engineer in R&D department for a big IoT and Embedded Computers company. Mechanical keyboard enthusiast and maker, the Redox keyboard is the result of all of his passions.
## Rationale
The Redox is a keyboard project designed with ergonomics in mind. It uses Cherry MX style mechanical switches laid out in a 7x5 columnar stagger layout with components that can easily be sourced.
The design was heavily inspired by the [Ergodox keyboard](https://www.ergodox.io/), and its main goal is to reduce the size without sacrificing too many keys, hence the name **Re**duced Ergo**dox**.
As an Ergodox user I couldn't ignore the few flaws of the original design and in a moment of arrogance I tried to fix them, thus the Redox features:
- Easier to reach thumb cluster.
- Additional easy-to-reach rotated 1.25u thumb key.
- Reduced size.
- Reduced costs (the Redox uses Arduino Pro Micro instead of the Teensy 2.0).
- Either half can be plugged in to the PC since each half can act as the master.
- Either half can work as a standalone keyboard to be used as a macropad/gaming keyboard.
- RGB backlighting support.
- 3D-printer friendly case.
- Wireless [see section below](#wireless-implementations)
- [VIA](https://caniusevia.com/) compatible (thanks to [Harshit Goel](https://github.com/harshitgoel96))
- [ZMK firmware](https://zmk.dev/) compatible (thanks to [toddmok](https://github.com/toddmok))
- [KMK firmware](http://kmkfw.io/) compatible
## Related Projects
- [**Redox handwire**](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2704567): The first incarnation of the Redox keyboard. It consists of a 3D-printed case and a handwired matrix.
- [Tilted Redox case](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2767216): tilted case for the Redox prototype by jschloer.
- [Tilted redox case pro micro](https://www.printables.com/model/382413-tilted-redox-case-for-micro-and-usbc): Remix of the tilted case to support pro micro and usb c instead of TRRS.
- [couscous-kbd](https://gitlab.com/cschalkwijk/couscous-kbd): Redox-inspired parametric OpenSCAD keyboard design.
- [Redox tenting kit](https://www.thingiverse.com/make:484843): modified base to support tenting, mini-USB for the interconnect, and a hole for microswitch for reset needed when uploading new firmware by [Lenbok](https://github.com/Lenbok).
- [Iris-inspired Redox case](https://github.com/Lenbok/scad-redox-case): a case inspired both by the Redox rev1.0 and the Iris designed with OpenSCAD by [Lenbok](https://github.com/Lenbok).
- [Redodactyl keyboard](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/comments/9j5pw5/enter_the_redodactyl_first_build/): handwired 3D printed Dactyl-inspired Redox variant by u/darknao.
- [**Redox Manuform**](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3503380): full rework of the Redox case inspired by the Dactyl Manuform. Designed by [Fosk\_LL](https://www.thingiverse.com/Fosk_LL/about).
- [**Redox rev1.0**](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox): the Redox rev 1.0 is the first commercially available version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev1.0 PCBs: available at [Falbatech's store](https://falbatech.click/products/REDOX-PCB-Electrical-Boards-Set-of-2-p613836203)
- Firmware sources:
- [QMK firmware for Redox](https://github.com/mattdibi/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/redox)
- [KMK firmware for Redox](https://github.com/KMKfw/kmk_firmware/tree/master/boards/redox)
- 3D-printable cases:
- [3D printable case](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2886662), freely available.
- [Redox keyboard case (high profile)](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3825752), by [Michele Ferri](https://www.thingiverse.com/sako83/about).
- [Travel-friendly Redox Keyboard case](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3607303), by [Fosk\_LL](https://www.thingiverse.com/Fosk_LL/about).
- [Redox Neodox case](https://github.com/Pastitas/Redox-neodox-Case), by [Pastitas](https://github.com/Pastitas)
- [Redox big battery](https://github.com/marco-silvestri/redox-big-battery), by [Marco Silvestri](https://github.com/marco-silvestri).
- Commercially available cases:
- [Falbatech's bamboo cases with tilt kit](https://falbatech.click/products/REDOX-Standard-LIFT-Bamboo-Wood-Case-with-oil-finish-p613843480)
- [Falbatech's fullhand bamboo cases](https://falbatech.click/products/search?keyword=redox%20fullhand%20bamboo)
- [**Redox rev1.0W**](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w): the Redox rev 1.0W is the wireless version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev1.0W PCBs: gerbers available in [this repo](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w/rev1.0W).
- Falbatech's Rev1.0W Hot-swap PCBs: available at [Falbatech's store](https://falbatech.click/products/REDOX-Wireless-PCB-Electrical-Boards-Set-of-2-receiver-PCB-p613839986) (Incompatible with the 3D-printable cases down below)
- Firmware sources:
- [QMK firmware for Redox wireless](https://github.com/mattdibi/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/redox_w)
- [Nordic MCUs firmware for Redox wireless](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-w-firmware)
- 3D-printable cases:
- [3D printed case](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w/case), freely available.
- [Redox Neodox case](https://github.com/Pastitas/Redox-neodox-Case), by [Pastitas](https://github.com/Pastitas)
- Commercially available cases (only compatible with the Falbatech's store PCBs):
- [Falbatech's bamboo cases with tilt kit](https://falbatech.click/products/REDOX-Wireless-Standard-LIFT-Bamboo-Wood-Case-with-oil-finish-ver-1-p613842405)
- [Falbatech's fullhand bamboo cases](https://falbatech.click/products/search?keyword=redox%20wireless%20bamboo%20fullhand)
- [**Redox rev2.0WHS**](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w): the Redox rev 2.0WHS is the wireless hot-swappable version of the Redox keyboard.
- Rev2.0WHS PCBs: gerber files available [here](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w/rev2.0WHS/pcb)
- Firmware sources:
- [QMK firmware for Redox wireless](https://github.com/mattdibi/qmk_firmware/tree/master/keyboards/redox_w)
- [Nordic MCUs firmware for Redox wireless](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-w-firmware)
- 3D-printable case:
- [3D printed case](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w/rev2.0WHS/case), freely available.
## Wireless Implementations
The Redox keyboard uses three different wireless implementations, differentiated by firmware:
- *QMK based*: Leveraging the [Gazel protocol](https://developer.nordicsemi.com/nRF5_SDK/nRF51_SDK_v5.x.x/doc/5.2.0/html/a00140.html). It needs its own PCB and a receiver dongle (see [Redox Wireless](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w) for details) and needs three YJ-14015 MCUs + a Pro Micro compatible controller.
- *ZMK based*: Leveraging the Bluetooth protocol. It is based on the [Redox wired PCB](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox) and the [nice!nano](https://nicekeyboards.com/nice-nano/) controller.
- *KMK based*: Adding [Bluetooth Split](http://kmkfw.io/docs/split_keyboards#bluetooth-split-aka-no-trrs-currently-in-testing) code to `boards/redox/main.py`. Combined with a [compatible](http://kmkfw.io/docs/Officially_Supported_Microcontrollers) wireless controller completes wireless configuration. Would advice adding [Bluetooth keycodes](http://kmkfw.io/docs/keycodes#bluetooth-keys) in keymap; `keyboard.keymap` element in `main.py`.
The notable differences for the three implementations are as follows:
- _Battery life_: QMK Redox Wireless uses two CR2032 coin cell batteries which last [approximately one year (YMMV)](https://github.com/mattdibi/redox-keyboard/tree/master/redox-w#battery-usage), while the nice!nano support LiPo rechargable batteries (you can choose the capacity you want but expect them to last for a [few weeks on a single charge](https://zmk.dev/power-profiler)).
- _Flexibility_: The receiver dongle limits the flexibility of QMK Redox Wireless.
- _Cost_: The 3x YJ-14015 + Pro Micro combo is cheaper than two wireless controllers required for ZMK and wireless KMK.
- _Range_: Bluetooth implementations, of ZMK and KMK, should be more capable than what can be achieved with the QMK Redox Wireless (At this point in time, I lack the evidence to support these claims though).
## Physical Key Layout
### Keycaps
| Size | Qty | Notes |
|-------|:---:|:----------------------------------------------------------------------------:|
| 1.5u | 6 | |
| 1.25u | 10 | You can get away with 8 if you use two 1u keycaps for the 1.25u rotated keys |
| 1u | 54 | |
> :information_source: On [pimpmykeyboard.com](https://pimpmykeyboard.com/sa-1976-keyset-two-shot/) site you can find a SA 1976 keyset kit specifically made for the Redox keyboard: the "Ergo Redox kit (12 keys)".
## Affiliations
In partnership with Falbatech you can now use the code "**mattdibi05**" on Falbatech's store for a 5% OFF special discount.
## Donations
If you've read this far and found something useful, please consider donating to help me maintain and further develop this project.
