Keyboard Builders' Digest / Projects
Qazikat
A clever PCB with two different layout options, one on each side: Qazikat by weteor.
Published December 10, 2023
Weteor's Qazikat is a PCB with on-board RP2040, supporting both a qaz-like or katana-like alpha layout. Both with offset nav cluster and ISO Enter.
I've just finished and open sourced a new board of mine. My first rowstagger board, wouldn't have thought I would do that, but here it is. It's called Qazikat and supports two layouts, one on each pcb side – weteor.
Features
- Flippable PCB
- 2-in-1 layout: QAZ or Katana
- 38-41 keys, MX, hotswap
- on-board RP2040
- QMK with vial support
- USB daughterboard
The two main layouts are: QAZ style alphas or Katana style symmetric stagger. The PCB support both layouts but not at the same time. You have to choose when soldering hot swap sockets – just flip it around.
Due to the lack of space for an on-board USB connector, the author made a small adapter board which is connected to the main PCB by FCC cable.
Because the PCB is more hole than anything else, the usb port is on an separate daughterboard – weteor.
Currently there's a case for the QAZ layout. It's resin printed, top black, bottom white and spray painted with rust effect spray.
Resources
The whole board is open source under permissive license, including all cad-files for pcbs and case:
Published on Sun 10th Dec 2023. Featured in KBD #147 (source).
Related
UT22
The UT22 is a gorgeous 22-key unibody split for the Artsey/Taipo input systems – created by Bubbleology_3DP.
artsey and ardux.io
ardux.io is the community version of the artsey layout – one hand, 8 keys, 100% power.
The (Japanese) duplex matrix
There are two completely different keyboard matrices referred to as duplex matrix. Let's examine the Japanese one, which makes possible to handle 160-200 keys with a single Pro Micro.
Grin layout
On policium's Grin Type-R and Grin RC designs – featuring the unique Grin layout.
Colemak-DH progress data
Colemak-DH progress data in 10 weeks by hocusparibus.