Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Jolt2
David Brown released his Jolt2, an open-source split keyboard with variable-height columns.
Published January 19, 2025
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).
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