Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Flower
Protieusz's unibody Flower, a Noraneko42W variant, comes with Willow layout and interchangeable trackball.
Published August 7, 2024
Protieusz is back with another heavy modification, this time using Darakuneko's Noraneko42W as a starting point. The Flower features the Willow layout which can be familiar from many Japanese keyboard models.
Here is my latest design mod, Flower, modified from Darakuneko's Noraneko42W, a willow layout with interchangeable 34mm or 25mm trackball. Powered by the RP2040 Core A mcu – Protieusz.
Specs
- 36 keys (3x5+3), Willow layout
- MX, soldered or hotswap (different PCBs)
- RP2040 Core A controller
- 34/25 mm trackball, PMW3360
As a start, the outer columns of the originally 6x3 Noraneko were removed on each side, and a hole was cut that can accommodate either a 34mm or 25mm trackball, powered by PMW3360 sensor.
A full keyboard case was created (with integrated plate) to house the PCB and trackball holder.
Two PCB variants were made. One is the solder-only version, which has been manufactured and tested (see the photo above). The hotswap variant has not been tested, so use the files at your own risk.
Resources
Published on Wed 7th Aug 2024. Featured in KBD #172.
Related
Ximi prototype
Ximi is a split keyboard prototype with dual trackball/trackpad support – by Sadek Baroudi.
DragonFruit
The DragonFruit is a VIK certified monoblock split by Protieusz.
NewType-36
The NewType-36 by Protieusz is a derivative of the nowt36 – with trackball.
Trackball bearing comparison
A comparison of trackball bearings: (cheap) rollers, BTUs and static bearings – by wiwilwi.
Trackball companion for split keyboards
Ploopy: a ball-only trackball companion for split keyboards by crop_octagon (docs).