1/13/2026 9:11 PM - Starting schematics

I have started the project wired the XIAO and the key matrix.

Placing Footprints: Placed the XIAO MCU, Switches and the diodes. Followed the proper pin matrix.

Wiring them up: Wired the MCU and the pins accordingly

1/13/2026 9:41 PM - Finished Schematics and Assigned footprints.

I have completed the schematics part of the keyboard. I have also assigned the corresponding footprints as well.

Completed Schematics: Placed all components of the Keyboard. (Battery Sense, Testing pads, etc)

Assigned Foorprints: Assigned all of the footprints for components. I went with the cherry MX style switched

1/15/2026 - Found a whole mistake and bug

When I was routing the PCB, I found a major flow with the diodes being connected. So I has to redo the project from the beginning. I also researched online to avoid future mistakes. I decided on using scottokeebs for the best components and the footprints.

I redid the entire schematics from the beginning

1/16/2026 - Changed to PCB

After redoing everything I have completed the core PCB. Now I gotten the shape the layout and fully routed. This means I only have to get it produced. But before that I want to customize it with silkscreen even though its going to be covered by the Keys>

1/31/2026 - Sourcing

I've been busy with building my Hackpad.
To build the keybaord I need to source parts.

for now i have found 90% of the parts. Still have to find 2-3 components. I have made it cheap as possible its now sitting at ~80-90 usd

2/1/2026 10:06 PM - Firmware

I made the firmware after school and writing this later.

Fully made the firmware for both of the sides. Using left as the peripheral brain and right side as the brain.I made it so left side sends the input details to the right and right brain inputs it.Had some issues but solved all of them. Only problem is couldn`t test it yet so not 100% sure with the firmware

2/1/2026 10:08 PM - Final Folder Structuring and Push to Github

Spent some time finding better deals for components, organized files accordingly, reviewed all of the files and looked for errors. Took images and renders for Github. Wrote the readme file in plain text. Pushed to github. Added good formatting to the readMe.Md.

2/23/2026 - Ordered Some Parts

Bought everything that has to be brought from Alie and Temu. (Also JLC PCB). The batteries and ressitors are out of stock on duino.lk. They will restock soon.

3/2/2026 - Most parts arrived

[Hour 01]
Everything except the resistors , batteries and the diodes are here. I started soldering all the keys to the PCB first. I have bought the 3 pin version when my PCB footprint is 5 pins. But they all work the same so It wont be problem. Only kind of wobbly when soldering it. I have soldered 90% of a single side

[Hour 02]
I have realized it would be hard to solder the diodes when keys are already soldered. (the iron top will melt the keys). I do not have a desoldering nor any solder removing tools. So I have to desolder everything manually using the soldering iron. (~18 keys). I have to individually keep heating the pins till It got removed.

3/12/2026 - Soldering

[Hour 01]
Soldered all 42 diodes to the PCB. Also did polarity check before and after soldering. 2 of the diodes were not working.

[Hour 02]
This is my first time soldering the SK6812 Mini E LEDs. I didn't understand how to solder it. In the process I fully melted a entire LED. 😭

[Hour 03 1/2]
Soldered the switches. I have ordered the wrong switches. (the ordered one has 3 pins while my footprint has 5) but it doesn't matter. Also fixed the keycaps to see how it looks

3/13/2026 2 PM - Soldering

Soldered the XIAO nrf52840 to the PCB. It kept falling off so I had to resolder them atleast 6 times. I dont want to solder all pads cause what If I had to remove it to debug.

3/13/2026 3 PM - Installing KMK

I have been trying to install KMK for the last 2 hours. Its so crazy hard. Whenever I do push. Its giving me an error. Im still getting errors. And im using some Ai to understand the error

3/14/2026 6 AM - Installing KMK p2

Still haven't figured out why doesn't it work. I got it make the u2f file. But it does not work. I have done another few pushes but still failing. Lets see

3/14/2026 4 PM - Installing KMK p3

Got the firmware to be produced. But now the firmware wont work. Tried few firmware uploads and still havent suceeded. Got it advertise the BT too. But it wont connect. I might just switch to circuit PY kmk is trash