101 lines
4.2 KiB
Markdown
101 lines
4.2 KiB
Markdown
# 5×6‑Split‑KB (rev1)
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An ergonomic split keyboard designed for comfort, low height, and simplicity—without thumb clusters or wrist rests.
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## Design Philosophy
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After using the Planck keyboard for over 10 years, I found that common shortcuts—especially involving numbers—often require awkward finger gymnastics. This keyboard is an attempt to create something more comfortable and intuitive in those situations.
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I also chose to remove the thumb cluster entirely, as I personally don't find them ergonomic. This layout avoids strain and keeps all keys within easy reach of the fingers.
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Key ergonomic decisions include:
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- **Low Profile**: With a total height of just **19.4 mm**, no wrist rest is needed.
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- **Split Layout**: Modeled after the Ergodox, allowing natural shoulder-width hand positioning.
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- **No Thumb Cluster**: Reduces thumb strain by omitting thumb-specific keys.
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## Specifications
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- **Layout**: 5 rows × 6 columns per side (ortholinear grid)
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- **Total Height**: 19.4 mm
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- **Split Connection**: TRRS 3.5mm audio cable (easy to find and replace)
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- **Microcontroller**: Raspberry Pi Pico (one per half)
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- **PCB**: Reversible; same board used for both left and right
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- **Assembly Method**:
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- Held together with **2×4 mm magnets**
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- Requires **super glue** for final enclosure fit
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## Ordering Info
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- You'll need to order **2× copies of the same PCB**
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- Designed for **AISLER**, but probably compatible with other PCB manufacturers.
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- On aisler you can simply upload the kicad pcb file directly.
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- 2x Raspberry Pi Pico.
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- 1x Usb micro b cable.
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- 60x Kailh choc v2 switches.
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- 60x 1u cherry mx compatible keycaps.
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- 1x TRRS 3.5mm audio cable.
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- 2x SMD TRRS connectors similar to [this one](https://www.electrokit.com/3.5mm-jack-4-pol-smd).
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- Schematic is available on the site so that you find one with the same pinout and dimensions.
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- 60x 1N4148 diodes.
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- 14-22x small round rubber feet (optional, for the bottom of the case).
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- 10x 2×4 mm magnets for holding the chassi together.
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## 3d printing
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Will be updated as soon as i upload the 3d models.
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For the right side:
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- 1x [top dampener](./3d-models/top-dampener.stl)
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- 1x [bot dampener](./3d-models/bot-dampener.stl)
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For the left side:
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- 1x [top dampener](./3d-models/top-dampener.stl) **Mirror this piece to make it for the left side**
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- 1x [bot dampener](./3d-models/bot-dampener.stl) **Mirror this piece to make it for the left side**
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## Assembly
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### For each side:
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1. Solder the TRRS connector.
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1. Solder the Raspberry Pi Pico.
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1. Solder the diodes.
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1. Put the top dampener in place on top of the PCB.
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1. Solder the switches.
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1. Put the keycaps on the switches.
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- It should now look [like this](./images/pcb-assembly.jpeg).
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1. [Put on the rubber feet on the bottom of the case (optional)](./images/chassi-base-back.jpeg).
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1. [Super glue the magnets to the bottom chassi](./images/chassi-base.jpeg).
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1. [Place the bot dampener in the bottom chassi](./images/chassi-base-dampener.jpeg).
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1. [Place the PCB assembly on top of the bot dampener](./images/pcb-assembly-in-chassi.jpeg).
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1. [Place the top chassi piece up side down and super glue the magnets in place](./images/chassi-top-cover-backside.jpeg).
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- **Important:** Make sure that you glue the magnets in the right direction so that they attract each other.
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1. [Place the top chassi piece on top of the PCB assembly](./images/right-side-assembled.jpeg).
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### Flashing the firmware
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1. Dissconnect the TRRS cable if you have it connected.
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1. While holding the reset button on the Raspberry Pi Pico, connect it to your computer via USB.
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1. **Add steps on how to flash the firmware here once available**.
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1. Do the same thing for the other half.
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1. Dissconnect the kyboard from the computer and connect the TRRS cable.
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1. Connect the keyboard to your computer.
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1. You should now be able to use the keyboard.
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## Image Gallery
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Click to view:
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- [Assembled halves with TRRS cable](./images/assembled.jpeg)
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- [Side profile showing 19.4mm height](./images/side.jpeg)
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## 🔗 Firmware
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Firmware is based on **QMK**.
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A link to the readme file will be added here as soon as he firmware branch is merged into the main repository.
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