Keyboard V2 - Part 2 - PCB

Creating my first PCB

TOC

This was made in 2024, article made in 2026

Design

Tutorial video

Based on this tutorial: How to Design Mechanical Keyboard PCBs with Kicad, Joe Scotto - youtube.com

Schematic

First you create a schematic of how the components are connected

PCB editor

Next you route those onto the PCB, using a validator to check it matches the schematic connections, this is so much fun.

PCB

Ordered the PCB, quality is good!

I added some aesthetic decor to the silk screen.

Envelope generator script

Debugging

I can test the function without using the GPIO expander, by using the breakout with my old keyboard.

Components

Ofc, minor mistakes were made, the two resistors on the bottom would make the board rock too much, They fit onto the top with some convincing.

Thumb cluster

The thumb cluster features a staggered layout, with the top being taller, for easier interaction

Comments

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