Issue 55 / Week 48 / 2021

This is a hand-picked selection of last week's content from a keyboard builder's perspective. Posts that may teach you something, make you think and contribute to the common knowledge of the DIY builder community.

There are 14 entries in this issue:

Editorial

Behind the Scenes of Issue 55

Testing the Adafruit KB2040, CircuitPython and KMK. New guides. I won again. Giveaway & Issue #54 follow-up. BMC chaos.

Review

Outemu clicky optoelectric switches

A quick teardown of the Outemu clicky optoelectric switches by Chyrosran22.

Projects

PicoSplit

PicoSplit is a 3D printed split keyboard by Andreas Känner featuring a custom firmware written in CircuitPython.

Ladispad

Ladispad is an open-source 11 key macropad by ajmandourah with rotary encoders and an OLED screen.

Making the Keeb68

A great photolog by SandwichRising on making a custom PCB and wooden case.

Nuclear keyboard

A cool keyboard salvaged from a nuclear missile silo converted by Pointless Tinkering.

Pangaea project

Pangaea, a split keyboard with mind-boggling adjustability, co-designed by @otahinosame, @k2 and @e3w2q, has advanced to rev.3.

The Flea

A new member of Jim Merricks White's 30% bugs family: the Flea.

Community

Japanese Keyboard Advent Calendar

The Keyboard Advent Calendar features blog posts by revered authors of the Japanese keyboard community. Curated by Yoichirou.

Tools

Keycap set configurator

An interactive configurator for a keycap set GB by catecholate.

Tips & Tricks

Switch sound tester

Don tries to standardize sound tests with his testing rig.

Doubleshots from 1988

Doubleshots do wear out over time. Photo taken by jsheradin.

Keyboard Spotting

IBM SCAMP

The classy IBM SCAMP was a prototype to showcase the APL programming language (1973).

Old sci-fi or futuristic office

Is this ergonomic workplace from an old Soviet sci-fi or an exhibition back in 1969?

Your support is crucial to help this project survive.