Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Dilemma v2
Dilemma v2 by Fmcraft is officially released: 3x5+3, trackpad, RGB, encoders, and more.
Published April 4, 2023
After teasing it in last week's magnetic tenting post, Quentin Lebastard aka Fmcraft of Bastard Keyboards posted an announcement to officially release the Dilemma v2.
I'm proud to announce the official release of the Dilemma, v2. A lot of you know this board as a compact 3x5 keyboard with a trackpad. Perfect for travelling while still having an input device at the tip of your finger. After 6 months of hard work, the v2 is out, and brings a lot of new features. Get ready, because it's going to be a ride – Quentin.
Hardware
Just like the previous revision, the v2 uses the RP2040 chip. All components are pre-assembled on the board (save for the per key RGB), which makes for an extremely fast build experience. The Dilemma is compatible with both choc and MX switches.
- Split 3x5+3 layout (additional third thumb key on each side)
- MX and Choc compatible
- on-board RP2040 controller
- more memory – now 16MB, which is the maximum supported by the RP2040
- optional rotary encoders on each side (on the thumb cluster)
- underglow RGB (pre-assembled)
- new acrylic cases to make that underglow shine
- optional per-key RGB (using sk6812 mini-e leds that need to be soldered in)
- new silkscreen
- footprints for OLED and LCD screens
- metal plates for magnets
On the metal plates – you might have seen the post on reddit or the recent article on kbd.news, but the Dilemma v2 is compatible with Bastard Keyboards' ecosystem of magnetic tents. Those allow to modify the tenting angle, and take the keyboards out in a snap if you're going to travel.
Firmware
The BKB community has been hard at work and the V2 comes with a feature-full firmware. While the final firmware is not released yet, we already have a working version.
- based on miryoku
- default encoder behavior
- VIA support out-of-the-box
Where to get it
Design files and Gerbers available on GitHub, kits at bastardkb.com.
Like the BK tradition demands, all files are open-sourced (here). The Dilemma v2 is open-hardware, and would not have been possible without the help from all of you!
The repo contains all Kicad source files, DXF files for laser-cutting, STL files for 3d printing the cases. In the release section, there are gerber/POS/BOM files ready to order at JLCPCB.
There are also kits available at bastardkb.com, first batch ships end of April.
More technical details
On top of all this, there's a lot of new developments under the hood. Here's a list for those interested.
- additional ESD protection chip to prevent shorts
- I/O pads for modding
- revamped SWD pinout to follow the standards
- bigger ribbon cable hole for easier installation
- switched up FPC footprint – no need to bend and twist the cable anymore !
- RGB breakout if you want even more
Resources
Published on Tue 4th Apr 2023. Featured in KBD #119 (source).
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