Splitboard

July 9th, 1:17am

Officially begin splitboard. But before that, the project description- splitboard is a hotswappable keyboard that I will be making to address issues in my last keyboard, scalars-keyboard (also on my github profile).

• Firstly, I completely underestimated the size of the keyboard and what should have been a mid-sized keyboard came out to be bigger than the keyboard i have on my laptop. Compact form factor is a major element of this project.
• Next, Ive wanted to try a wireless keyboard design ever since the pico W got bluetooth connectivity. Wireless connectivity is a must. Therefore, I need to handle bluetooth connectivity and how to power the board using a battery.
• Finally, I want to try a split keyboard design for this keyboard for ergonomics.

In my research, I found out about a keyboard called the ergodox. I will aim for a design similar to it, but I intend to add two other unique elements: - A mini trackpad (similar to a thinkpad) I decided not to add this as the trackball will be take its functionality. - A trackball (to navigate menus and 3d softwares).

I will also try to add some sort of backlight similar to the original.

June 9th, 2:04am

With that out of the way, I will now begin with a rough design from a online configurator.

Left Half: 38 total switches

Right half: 32 total switches

Since the left half is simpler, I will start making the pcb for it. I will need to make the entire trackball assembly for the right side.

The microcontroller I chose to work with is a Adafruit Feather nRF52840 Express, because of its bluetooth connectivity and power management / battery charging support.