K-Board

Created by [Kishi] • Started on June 13, 2025

75% keyboard with OLED screen, rotary encoder and LED backlight

June 16th: Research and Design!

I decided what features I wanted on my keyboard and tried to find the exact parts I would order according to the budget. I watched several videos on how to design a keyboard (some twice) and started to begin to understand what was going on. Hopefully.

Total time spent: 3 hours

June 17th: Starting the Schematic

I started working on the schematic after working out how to link the correct libraries.

Total time spent: 2 hours

June 20th: Continued the Schematic

I completed the schematic for the base parts: the MCU, the switches and the diodes. I still need to add the OLED display, rotary encoder and LEDS. Although I initially wired it in a matrix that mirrors how the actual 88 keys would look on the keyboard, I found out that I could instead use any matrix, so I started again using a 10x9 matrix this time so I could save IO pins for the rest of the components.

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Total time spent: 2.5 hours

June 22nd: Completed Schematic!

I finished the schematic (for now!)

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Total time spent: 1.5 hours

June 24th: Started the PCB

Placed all the components according the layout of my keyboard.

Total time spent: 3 hours

June 25th: Tried Routing the PCB...

Routed the PCB 4 times and it is still terrible. Will try again.

Total time spent: 2.5 hours

June 26th: Progress on the PCB

I think I've routed the PCB decently now though there are over 235 errors I need to deal with somehow.

Total time spent: 2 hours

June 27th: PCB Might Actually be Getting Somwhere!

I've got rid of all the errors and it seems to be ok for now. I still need to figure out how to add stitching vias.

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Total time spent: 5 hours

June 28th: Starting the Case

I watched a ton of youtube videos on Fusion 360 and started following a tutorial on desining a case. Still need to decide what mounting style to go with.

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Total time spend: 4 hours

July 1st: Completed the Plate

I added stabilizers and imported 3d models to the PCB. I then exported the PCB into Fusion and completed the plate. I also added stitching vias to the PCB.

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Total time spend: 3.5 hours

July 5th: Continued the Case

I worked on the case for ages today and it's almost complete. I still need to work out how to split the case into two so it is the right size for 3d printing and add holes for screws.

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Total time spent: 6 hours

July 8th: Finished Case

I added the screw holes and split the case.

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Total time spent: 5 hours