11/21/2025 - started the pcb

At school I got all the libraries together and started to work on designing the split keyboard.
I want to try to match that layout I found.

getting the libraries took some time and I am still having a bit of trouble with the footprints

I almost finished making the schematic

11/22/2025 - I did some reserch and got the footprints for it

I needed to find my own switches and this was my first time sourcing parts myself. I was told to start digging around aliexpress and after asking gemini for some things to look for when buying low profile switches so I found reddragon switches for a good price but gemini said they are proprietary.

after digging around the explore tab for some inspiration I found this project with similar profiles to what I was doing.

I found these red switches
for a pretty good price and used this footprint library to start my PCB

11/24/2025 - PCB v1 done

I got a bit confused with mousebites and my layout so I watched this video to understand better.

while making the layout on https://www.keyboard-layout-editor.com/ I realized I forgot numbers, then I realized I am out of pins. I will just add it in firmware it's fiiiineee.

I looked for some more components like diodes and a battery for good prices. I don't need resistors since I got 2 47ohms from #solder.

I spent a LONG time working out how the pcb will look, but after putting 3d models on it I think I can squeeze the diodes between the keys, so I will try to make a copy for V2 PCB

11/25/2025 1 PM - PCB V2 done

I moved the diodes down and rewired everything so it looks a lot cleaner. I am getting pretty good at organizing PCBs.
now I need to design the firmware, case, and keycaps (will be resin printed).

11/25/2025 5 PM - nvm PCB was not done

I forgot the other half then learned kicad has no mirror button and I tried to get it working for soo long. The slack is offline to ask for help.

slack came back earlier than I expected and someone suggested I flip the parts then rewire, so I did.

it took me forever to understand penalization. While panelizing I had to change the footprint since the round parts were silkscreen instead of edge cuts and I think I got them right but it's better that someone who knows what they are doing checks.

(it's reverse for better alignment)

11/26/2025 - firmware hopefully done and some pcb branding

I think I got the firmware done with some help from gemini since the docs were a bit confusing, but I can't test it until I have the pcb.

I added skating orpheus and this prototype image from the parents guide to the pcb, if anyone is reading this you are free to use this (60% threshold and negative).

11/27/2025 - case done + readme/BOM

I spent wayyy too long trying to export my pcb as 3d model because kicad decided "Board outline is missing or not closed using 0.001 mm tolerance. Run DRC for a full analysis."
after 30 minutes I found out there was an overlapping edge cut line and the DRC did NOT tell me that.

The case was pretty easy to make because I have experience with CAD. I want to try an open top keyboard but worst case I will make a top cover for the case (not on hc budget) and I am 3d printing my own stuff.

I put extra care into styling the BOM and learned how to use markdown tables.
this project ended up being more expensive than I thought!

I then did a last min catch that the screw holes were a tiny bit too small.

11/28/2025 - found different board for cheaper

rejected for the board being too expensive so after a lot of aliexpress research I found the cheapest one is 15.83 after shipping here
instead of the 28.39 directly from seeed studio

the total cost was reduced by $6.72 but I can't find anything cheaper

3/14/2026 - Almost finished right half

I got all diodes and keys of the right side and test fitted the resin keycaps.

I did a stupid and soldered the bottom 3 upside down for some reason TWICE. 6 times I did not bother questioning "why are there no solder pads?"