I am trying to design a puzzle-like keyboard:
* Keyboard should be curved, like Dactyl keyboard.
* Mechanical keycaps (like Cherry MX or similar).
* Keyboard's lowest point should be as low as possible.
* Keyboard will consist of multiple parts, so it is easy to create a modified parts and change it. This should help with rapid prototyping.
* Non-goal: Universal building set for any keyboard. This would be too ambitious and complicated, without enough payoff. I am OK with having ten pieces of puzzle, all belonging to a single finger.
After thinking about that and discussing with various people, I got the following draft of solution:
Case: 3D printed case with hooks and holes. I will probably fork Dactyl.
Electronics: Probably quite inspired by Ergodox. I want even the firmware to be compatible.
Key switches
They cannot be on standard large PCBs (like on Ergodox) due to the curved shape.
Handwiring is theoretically possible, but it is probably painful to swap some pieces of the puzzle. I want it to be replaceable without desoldering and subsequent soldering.
There was an idea to use a small PCB for every switch:
* In order to be removable from the case, it needs to be smaller than the switch – if it was larger, I would not be able to remove it without desoldering.
* The PCBs would be connected intro a matrix by daisy-chaining with others.
* So, the PCB would contain a switch, a diode for anti-ghosting (connected serially with the switch) and four connector or two connectors + two wires.
* I was advised against DuPont connectors due to their reliability.
* The connector needs to be small in order not to increase the keyboard height. Maybe even just a hole in the PCB with a screw.
As you have seen, I don't want to reinvent the wheel. If you know a suitable existing PCB for my needs, I would be glad for that. If not, I would be glad for any pointer to a suitable connector.
(And if you have anything other to note, you are also welcome…)
