Hi All,
Here’s ht latest update to the Rolio split keyboard. It’s now almost done, it just needs some minor cosmetic and manufacturability tweaks.
The GitHub repo is here: https://github.com/MickiusMousius/RolioKeyboard
A quick run down on the features (so far):
- The keyboard itself
- Fully wireless thanks to the Nice!Nano controllers and awesome ZMK firmware
- Excellent battery life, I’ve personally been getting 2+ weeks before it gets to 60% with the previous iteration.
- A low profile, compact choc spaced form factor that is similar to the Corne
- Additional “Sometimes” buttons on the bottom row just like the Sofle
- Horizontal roller encoders on both halves
- A backlight that is efficient enough to be used on battery
- A robust chassis so that it can be treated like a normal keyboard
- An FDM version for at home low cost production
- A CNC option for a slick look and very premium feel
- A travel case that can easily be made using any FDM printer
- ZMK Keymap & Custom keycaps:
- The keycaps are fully customized and match the ZMK keymap thanks to FKCaps
- MacOS and Windows modes as part of the keymap to keep the “same” handy macros in both OSs
- All of the symbols and special behaviors can be accessed using at most two keys
- The settings keys and different modes are documented in the key caps themselves (easy to learn).
- The keymap can be easily customized thanks to ZMK, the keycaps can also be customized to suit your needs
I’m considering building one. I’m not in Australia and think I’ll wait for 1.0, but thanks for offering! I haven’t soldered anything in a couple decades. Do you think it’s still possible for me to do this when a guide is made?
Yes. It’s fairly straight forward and there are test points to check everything is soldered properly as you go.
There is one exception, the backlight has some very small surface mount parts, the SMD resistors in particular are quite fiddly.
My current thinking is to sell pre-soldered kits with all the surface mount parts done (LEDs withstanding). This way people only need to solder the controller sockets and encoders to get a functioning keyboard.
I will of course keep all of the design files freely available. If you order your own PCBs from JLCPCB you will need to order a batch of 5 so you’ll have some practice boards 😊
I’m still working on a cost effective way to solve the pre-soldering of LEDs. I’ve looked into reverse mountable LEDs, but I’ve yet to find something that meets the required criteria (price, color, efficiency and availability).