12/29/2025 - Layout + Switches

First, I setup the required KiCad libraries / plugins. This involved installing the following repos:
Zykrah's KiCad repository
ebastler KiCad repository

From these repos, I installed the marbastlib library and the KiCad KLE placer plugin.

I then started placing down the switch matrix (22 columns, 6 rows). I then deleted the switches that weren't used, or areas where a switch was larger (e.g. enter, shift). After that, I started placing the PCB. After updating from the schematic, I placed the first switch and diode down in their correct positions. Using the KLE auto placer plugin, I was able to easily replicate this and place all of the other switches down, with the diodes in the same position. I then placed all of the stabilisers for all of the switches that were 2u or larger.

Summary:

• Setup the environment
• Created the schematic for the switch matrix
• Placed switches in ISO 105 key layout
• Placed stabilisers

Todo:

• Wire everything
• Add leds (per switch)
  

1/10/2026 10 AM - Connected switches (Schematic)

I connected all of the switches in the schematic in a matrix. I ended up with 6 rows and 20 columns. Unfortunately the pico only has 26 GPIO pins. I may need to use an IO expander.

1/10/2026 3 PM - Duplex Matrix

Instead of an IO expander, I decided to add a duplex matrix. This involved merging 2 pairs of columns, halving the number of columns needed, but doubling the rows needed. Overall, this saved pins. I was also able to move some of the switches which were in a column alone to free up a column. This should remove the need for an IO expander. I looked into IO expanders, but felt they were too undocumented, both in QMK and ZMK. I am also considering whether I should add a rotary encoder or an oled screen, since I will only have 2 free GPIO pins after I add the backlight / rgb lights.

1/11/2026 10:04 PM - Added RGB

I added the RGB leds (sk6812mini-e) to the schematic and wired them up. I used 0.1uF capacitors to reduce the power consumption and that it wouldn't overload the pi. I connected the 5v to the VBUS / USB 5v power. Hopefully it works. Also wasted a bit of time due to bad counting.

1/11/2026 10:24 PM - Fixed Capacitors

So turns out I don't know how capacitors work... At least I figured it out by doing some googling and wondering why mine looks very different to the others.

1/12/2026 - Position all LEDs

I positioned all of the SK6812MINI-E LEDs and started wiring up the switches. But guess who forgot the capacitors... me. Hopefully all of the traces arent in the way of the capacitors.

1/14/2026 - Capacitors + Connect rows + Columns

I connected all of the rows and columns together (duplex so 2x rows and half columns). I placed the capacitors after which was a bad idea, but in the end it worked out. It was a lot of clicking and SHIFT + P. I used the (-7.4, 4) and (7.4, 6) offsets for the left and right capacitors. This is because I ended up flipping half of the LEDs to make data connections easier as it is in a Z pattern, going from left to right in the top row, right to left in the row below and so on.

1/16/2026 - Routed 5v + Capacitors

I routed all of the LED 5v pads to the capacitors, then connected the lines to a large 5v running throughout the board. The main 5v trace is thicker to prevent issues.
I also routed all of the columns, and started work on the rows and connecting the LEDs.

1/17/2026 - Finished PCB (I think / hope)

Everything is routed. I routed the columns and rows to the Pi Pico. Was a struggle especially with all of the traces being packed together tightly. I then added a ground fill, and fixed any errors. I then added a silkscreen. I will now need to design a case, and also make the firmware.

1/19/2026 - Added a level shifter.

Why? Some guy in some random discord server told me to. Yep. That's it. I had a look around at different level shifters and figured out this one isn't too big and might not be too hard to solder.

I was also given the advice to use a lower power LED but... I decided to stick with these. Resistors should make it fine and I can always limit it in QMK. I think.

1/25/2026 12 PM - Created Keyboard Plate

I used a generator to create the plate DXF. I added extra padding to ensure there is enough space and then added screw holes / tabs. I decided to go with a bottom mount instead of a tray mount.

1/25/2026 4 PM - Created (mostly) bottom part of the case

Using a sketch of the plate, I made the bottom case. I added a 1mm tolerence for the plate / case so that it would fit. I used an MX switch where the ESC key would be to align the plate and PCB.

At first there was less clearance but then I added a bit more to make sure a USBC pico clone could fit (might use my RP2040 devboard that I made)

1/25/2026 6 PM - Placed switches + Adapted plate to better fit rotary encoder

I placed every single MX switch into their spots. I used the measure tool and used move / copy along with coordinates to correctly place every single switch. I then edited the plate to add a square hole for the rotary encoder with a 0.5mm tolerance on all 4 sides.

1/26/2026 - Redid plate + bottom placement / support

I felt that the old plate + bottom case didn't support the case well and may break. As a result, I redid how it worked. Would've been quicker if fusion wasn't annoying and / or I did it from the start, but here I am. Time to work on the top part!

1/27/2026 - Finished Top Case

I created the top case. First, I added screw holes to the bottom case. To do this, I had to adjust the mounting tabs to make enough space and to ensure it is strong enough.

Here is the top case:

I added space for an 18mm rotary encoder knob.

I also added some extra space for the tabs. 1.5mm extra so that a 3mm (1.5mm) acrylic plate could be used if needed, and an extra 3mm to make clearance for the M3 screws / bolts securing the plate to the bottom case.

I also added a tilt to the bottom of the case

It should be around 5 degrees.

I also added a hole / slot for a USB cable (hopefully USBC if I can get a USBC RP2040 board)

I definitely didn't spend all day on this...
Time to get ready for the Design Review! (readme in repo, add cad files, bill of material etc.)

2/17/2026 - Added screws + heatset inserts

I added all of the heatset inserts and screws inside the assembled CAD. This will help me better plan / design the case, as well as any spacing / tolerances.

2/18/2026 - Updated Case Design

I added a sort of textured design to the front plate, as well as the TEDS logo. This adds some feel and texture to the keyboard, and makes it seem less flat. I also slightly reinforced some of the holes where the heat sets would go into in the bottom.

2/26/2026 - Bought PCB + Components from LCSC

Will purchase the rest of the required items from aliexpress.
I added a few extra LEDs since if I increased the cost by just under $2, there would be no $3 small order upcharge (saving blueprint the extra dollar). Thought I'd add this just incase someone was wondering.

Image cus image is required for some reason?