Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Compaq'ed
BFB_Workshop's Compaq'ed is an ortholinear replacement PCB for the Cherry G80-11800.
Published February 1, 2024
Supported by readers like Benjamin Bell, Andres Sakk, and Jacob Mikesell. Join them now to keep kbd.news free.
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.
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.
Resources
Published on Thu 1st Feb 2024. Featured in KBD #153 (source).
Related
Ortho or staggered? Both!
This 40% ortho PCB comes with a home row allowing both ortho and staggered (symmetric) arrangement (here). (Posted by Littlehouse75.)
P60
Pabile published the files of the P60, a 5x12 ortholinear keyboard with RGB and encoder.
Sotka
The Pohjola Works Sotka is an ortholinear split keyboard with an optional extra row.
JB69
Jbam9 shared a case for the JB69, a handwired ortho with a solenoid.