Keyboard Builders' Digest
Save 5% at BeaverKeys (CA/US)! Code: KBDNEWS
Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects

Corne V4

The Corne V4, this latest iteration of foostan's iconic split, comes with on-board MCU.

KBD.news
Published March 29, 2024
Would you like to contribute to this year's MK Advent Calendar? Here are the guidelines for authors, along with last year's edition for reference.

Kosuke Adachi aka foostan published his new Corne V4 PCBs, both MX and the most recent Choc variants.

I don't think this iconic split keyboard needs an introduction. The Corne or Crkbd, originally based on the Helix and MiniDox, is a 3x6 (or 3x5) column staggered split which has inspired many other designs during its 6 years in existence.

Version 4 is PCBA-ready via on-board RP2040 MCU, and offers some new layout variants given you can put a display, extra keys or encoders in the inner columns.

I intentionally abandoned backward compatibility to achieve technological advancement and design updates. Changes include fine-tuning the key pitch, MCU alteration, TRRS jack and LED design improvements, the addition of expansion options, and the introduction of a new dedicated case – foostan.

V4 specs

  • 42-46 keys (3x6 or 3x5 split layout, 3 thumb keys)
  • MX or Choc (different PCBs)
  • hotswap (soldered version will be released later)
  • snap-off outer column
  • on-board RP2040 MCU
  • USB-C connector
  • optional inner rotary encoders or extra keys
  • optional display
  • per-key RGB

Pic:

Major design changes (from v3)

  • Change in pitch: from 19mm to 19.05mm
  • Departure from Pro Micro: RP2040 on the PCB
  • Change in TRRS jack parts
  • No more underglow: for cost reduction and simplification

Resources

Do you like this post? Share, donate, subscribe, tip me off!

Published on Fri 29th Mar 2024. Featured in KBD #160.

Related

Lütt un Lütt

A cute split ortholinear keyboard by weteor: Lütt un Lütt.

Open Pteron56 PCB/case design

A PCB/case design for the Pteron56 by AlexanderNotLuthor (repo).

Kiai-Split

The Kiai-Split by jammerkiai is an open-source 34-key keyboard using XIAO BLE controllers.

Essence

Hyper170's Essence is an angled unibody split populated by a standard ANSI keycap set.

Left-handed Minidox with case STL

A handwired Minidox for gaming by useallthewasabi. With pics and destiniboy3's case.

Ostrich

Ostrich – a diodeless monoblock keyboard with splayed pinky columns by keyboarddweebs.
×
top