Custom build - 67 Key, Matrix Layout

nicstreet · 05 Jan 2016, 15:15

Completed my first custom build this morning once I finally resolved issues with the Arduino Pro Micro. Given the price GBP 5.29 from a well known auction site, it's a reasonable piece of kit, my only issue with it being the shortage of usable pins. For me this was a major headache as I needed 19 pins and the Micro has 18, so I lost the outer column of my matrix. I could have wired up a funky matrix in order to get things working but given I knew the Teensy was on its way I thought that was best avoided.

Excuse the key caps, it was all I had at my disposal.

Spoiler:

My Teensey 2.0++ has just arrived so I will re-wire with this and post up once completed. I also have a 65%ish layout plate to look at next so hope my grabbags arrive soon (*cough*) else they'll be sat naked for a while.

On a positive note, typing on the revised layout is really quite nice, I think if I spent some time for my fingers to adjust it would work well. I may also look to see if I can integrate my HID Bluetooth module at some point, as rebuilt in aluminium, it would make the perfect lightweight travelling companion for my Surface Pro.

Nic

codemonkeymike · 05 Jan 2016, 19:01

Question, Why did you choose the teensie 2.0++ rather then the teensie 2.0?

nicstreet · 05 Jan 2016, 19:24

Only reason being I could get one quick... Couldn't find much for UK suppliers with Teensy 2.0 in stock...

Matt_ · 05 Jan 2016, 22:32

Nice! What kind of case are you going to use?

nicstreet · 13 Jan 2016, 00:59

Couldn't get my Teensy 2.0++ to work (bad Teensy I think as wiring is OK) so I re-configured my matrix and successfully managed to get a fully working board using the Arduino Pro Micro (18 pins). Using a 10*7 matrix means I still have one pin left to configure for an LED should I wish. Was a little troublesome with the board matrix but once I bent my head round it, all was fine.

This was only meant to be a starter project to get me used to soldering, switches, TMK etc. but I spent a few minutes typing earlier and the damped Gateron Blues seem to work well with the damped Gateron Black modifiers, so I'll likely use for a period of time.

I fcuked my order up when ordering the plate and case sides so had to improvise using some Lego men heads to provide space between plate and base, looks and works OK

although I'm unsure om some of the key positions.

Overall, I'm quite pleased for a quick knock together... I'll perhaps spend a little more time om it's successor.

Spoiler:

Scuse the pics, off my phone, and late at night.

Seems I'll need to practice a little as I'm constantly missing the 'n' key...

Matt_ · 13 Jan 2016, 16:07

Ouch. I feel for those poor Lego heads — but I guess it's only fair if you ever stepped on one of those piercing Lego bricks

Nice build overall, definitely makes me curious about ortholinear layouts.