Keyboard Builders' Digest / Tips & Tricks
Modular keyboard using rails
WarhammerBueno designed a keyboard with a replaceable numpad – using a unique rail system.
Published June 18, 2022
After months of work I have successfully designed a keyboard that allows you to replace the numpad with a different module using a rail on the right side – WarhammerBueno.
Each module has its own Pro Micro, the link system is essentially a USB that connects the module straight to the PC through an internal USB splitter in the main keyboard unit.
Magnets would work too, the author was initially going to use those, but he didn't have access to pogo pins and wanted the module to stay firmly attached to the main unit.
The method I went with was basically using the metal rails from one of those Nintendo switch joycon holders with the pins removed and replaced with a standard female 2 pin socket. The part I designed fits in the rails and has two male pins to interface with the socket on the switch rails.
Currently, the author has a numpad and a macropad module, but he is thinking of making a spacemouse looking module for CAD, as well as another one with a screen.
Some more photos in this imgur gallery.
Published on Sat 18th Jun 2022. Featured in KBD #83 (source).
Did you like reading this post?
Related
Ikea tenting stand
Tenting stand based on Ikea parts by vagabionda.
Square or round-robin matrix
Let me introduce the square or round-robin matrix (aka Charlieplexing for keyboards) – a very tricky one promising 380 keys with a single Pro Micro.QMK's sound features
Help with QMK startup sounds by psychephylax.
Improved square matrix
The improved square matrix is actually a round-robin matrix handling the same number of switches – but with less diodes.