Project RGBW Mini Planck

[HeroXLazer]

Here's a early revision of a PCB I'm designing. I haven't routed it with Freerouter yet, so... It's a RGBW ortholinear keyboard. The LEDs will be mounted through the PCB. It has one LED per switch which totals up to 38 (actually it's 156, as RGBW) LEDs. But wait, there's underglow, so in each intersetion of 4 keys, there will be one LED package. In all there's 65 LEDs (180 LEDs), so yeah. I'll update this whenever I route it and when it's done and I get it produced. There are no mounting holes as it's going to be plate-mounted.
http://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/##@@=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00;&@=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00;&@=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00&=1.00;&@=1.00&=1.00&_w:1.5;&=1.50&_w:1.5;&=1.50&_w:1.5;&=1.50&_w:1.5;&=1.50&=1.00&=1.00
If you have any questions, just ask.

-HeroXLazer

 

[Colinreay]

Very cool! I'm a keyboard newb myself, but am intrigued for sure! The RGBW design sounds cool, is that common? Can't wait to hear more!

 

[HeroXLazer]

Very cool! I'm a keyboard newb myself, but am intrigued for sure! The RGBW design sounds cool, is that common? Can't wait to hear more!

RGBW isn't common. This is the first keyboard I've seen with per switch RGBW. The Miuni32 has RGBW underglow, but it doesn't have per switch RGBW. If you want to know what keyboard to buy PM me, if you haven't bought one already.

 

[Colinreay]

RGBW isn't common. This is the first keyboard I've seen with per switch RGBW. The Miuni32 has RGBW underglow, but it doesn't have per switch RGBW. If you want to know what keyboard to buy PM me, if you haven't bought one already.

Aha, I haven't bought anything yet, I've been rocking my stock Microsoft keyboard for a few years, and "upgraded" to a free CM Devastator I got from a friend a year ago. I always told myself that I didn't want anything more, but I have to say I am quite interested in mech keyboards, especially going a DIY route. I'll send you a PM!

 

[HeroXLazer]

Aha, I haven't bought anything yet, I've been rocking my stock Microsoft keyboard for a few years, and "upgraded" to a free CM Devastator I got from a friend a year ago. I always told myself that I didn't want anything more, but I have to say I am quite interested in mech keyboards, especially going a DIY route. I'll send you a PM!

Yeah, I'm currently rocking a Minivan R2. If you want to go DIY, you have to first pick a layout, and you have to decide if you're going to use a premade PCB or hand wire the thing. Hand wiring works if you want a fully custom layout, but you can use a PCB if you want to use a standard layout, and finally, you have to decide which switch you're going to use. I would recommend getting a switch tester. You should go for the 9 key switch tester on eBay. It's about $10. I hope this helps.

 

[iFreilicht]

If you have any questions, just ask.

Did the MiniVan get too large for you?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Did the MiniVan get too large for you?

Yeah, way too large, and it even doesn't have all the keys I want, as I only like using the keys that are on the keycaps, for some odd reason. Also, I've grown to get annoyed by the staggered layout it's not symmetrical and making me annoyed.

 

[HeroXLazer]

I am thinking about running a group buy for my custom designed keyboard. It's RGBW, it has underglow, it has per key switch lighting. I will be running the group buy with the PCB being hotswappable. Switches and keycaps will not be included. There will be a high profile wood case with a built in wrist rest. There will also be a brass plate. This is only MX-compatible. The prices have not been set yet, but the PCB will be assembled. I will update this when I figure that out.
Discussion and Pictures: https://smallformfactor.net/forum/threads/project-rgbw-mini-planck.1647/
Form: https://******/forms/KblrXVlwfmmxL93f2

 

[HeroXLazer]

EDIT: I can include switches pretty cheaply. They'll be Gateron SMD switches. They'll cost 25 cents each depending on how many are ordered of a certain kind. They may cost more depending on how many switches people buy.

 

[GentlemanShark]

Mate, you have heard of the Gherkin, right?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Mate, you have heard of the Gherkin, right?

Yeah...

 

[GentlemanShark]

Yeah...

Guess who is selling them

 

[HeroXLazer]

Guess who is selling them

You, I know, I saw them.

 

[GentlemanShark]

You, I know, I saw them.

Not small enough yet?

 

[HeroXLazer]

Not small enough yet?

It doesn't have a bottom row, I don't know what I would do with my thumbs, I like shift and space on the bottom row. You should make a RGB(W) Gherkin PCB. I could help you.

 

[GentlemanShark]

It doesn't have a bottom row, I don't know what I would do with my thumbs, I like shift and space on the bottom row. You should make a RGB(W) Gherkin PCB. I could help you.

I'd be down for that. It supports LEDs, just standard SMD ones, not sure how I could make it work with RGB and controlling that.

 

[HeroXLazer]

I'd be down for that. It supports LEDs, just standard SMD ones, not sure how I could make it work with RGB and controlling that.

Yeah, the hardest parts for this is routing and firmware.

 

[HeroXLazer]

I'd be down for that. It supports LEDs, just standard SMD ones, not sure how I could make it work with RGB and controlling that.

Also, do you mind filling out the form for the interest check I posted a few posts ago?

 

[GentlemanShark]

Also, do you mind filling out the form for the interest check I posted a few posts ago?

Done, PM me if you want to do some RGBW working.

 

[HeroXLazer]

Done, PM me if you want to do some RGBW working.

I'll do that if I'm successful with this or when I'm successful with this. Do you have any tips on running a group buy. I'm only going to limit to 15 units and 2 of them for me, so that it's simpler. I haven't posted on any other forums as I haven't routed it yet, so yeah...