Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Jolt2
David Brown released his Jolt2, an open-source split keyboard with variable-height columns.
Published January 19, 2025
This free blog runs thanks to just 54 supporters - like RGBKeys, Clacky, and Micah Alpern. Join them now!
The Jolt2 by David Brown (aka d3zd3z) features modular columns mounted on pin headers, allowing them to be soldered at variable heights to achieve a faux-Dactyl 3D effect.
The jolt2, my 6th design, and my first exploration into having the keys at different elevation. So far, I really like it. I use this for both my custom QWERTY-based layout, and for steno – d3zd3z.
This project is an experiment beyond the traditional Corne-like keyboard design, something in 3D-space. There are individual base plates for left and right, and then small strips of 3 keys for each column and thumb clusters (the same PCB). Thanks to this modularity, the Jolt2 can support various controllers (e.g. on-board RP2040, Tiny2040 daughterboard) or, in theory, various spacings.
Specifications
- 42 keys (6x3+3)
- Choc V1, hotswap
- MCU: PCBs for on-board RP2040, Tiny2040 or Pimoroni PGA2350
- RJ45 connectors between the halves
- Custom Rust firmware
- 3D-printed case
Resources
- https://github.com/tangybbq/keyboard/tree/main/jolt2
- https://github.com/tangybbq/keyboard
- assembly pictures
- Firmware – entirely custom, written in Rust running on Zephyr.
Published on Sun 19th Jan 2025. Featured in KBD #184 (source).
Related
36-key Corne
A 36-key Corne by steerpyke_.
ScyllaBallz Rev 2.5
ScyllaBallz Rev 2.5 by tenstaana – a Skylla on steroids.
Wysteria
Wysteria is jwe's split keyboard with lots of features.
Noisy Cricket keyboard
The Noisy Cricket by u/Pop-X- was heavily inspired by Thomas Baart's Kyria and the Ferris.