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Compaq'ed

BFB_Workshop's Compaq'ed is an ortholinear replacement PCB for the Cherry G80-11800.

KBD.news
Published February 1, 2024
Creators! Feel free to tip me off about your keyboard related projects to bring them to 140K readers.

The Cherry G80-11800 was a series of PC-compatible keyboards with built-in trackball. BFB_Workshop aka thisgradi decided to recreate the PCB of this distinctive but discontinued model with an ortho flavor:

I was given its chassis after the previous owner had salvaged the keycaps, switches, and diodes. Restoring it with a compatible set of keycaps is an option, yet it is hard for me to justify such investment […] Therefore, I am willing to make my first PCB, a laser-cut plate, and add some creature comforts for this project to be both challenging and rewarding – BFB_Workshop.

Teased in last December, all the features, besides the matrix, were tested on a breadboard. The PCBs are tested now as well, and the author shared some photos and design files.

Pic:

Features

  • 118 keys, ortholinear
  • MX, soldered
  • STM32F411 Blackpill controller
  • PS/2 trackball
  • piezo
  • RGB LEDs
  • OLED display

Structurally, I'd call it a success. With a dozen of cuts to the case, the whole PCB drops in place as intended. The only measurement that I got wrong is the numpad being ~1.5 mm to the left. Must've messed it up while making traces. Still no keys rubbing.

Ironically, of all the functions, the matrix itself doesn't scan properly. When debugging the matrix, QMK toolbox detects the pressed key, and all the keys in the same row after it.

Pic:

Resources

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Published on Thu 1st Feb 2024. Featured in KBD #153 (source).

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