Since my main project is becoming more and more complicated, I’ve worked the last two days on a side project to test some things out and learn more about PCB design.
I am currently typing on a xd75 with a three row numpad in the middle but I would like to have a full numpad. I quiet like having the extra space between my hands and I like hitting return with my right thumb. The trend to eve smaller Keyboards is not for me and I need extra space for my ÜÄÖs anyways.
Apart from the 18 by 5 key matrix one important feature will be an optical rotary encoder. I don’t like the sliding contact style encoders normally used in keyboards. They feel scratchy and don’t have a long lifespan. I think it is going to be this one:
https://www.mouser.de/ProductDetail/Bourns/EM14R1D-M20-L032S?qs=CrTVAl0CcnKeGe%252Br8S9yNQ==The back lighting of the fn keys to the left is independent from the other keys so that they can be used as layer indicators.
The steel plates are rimless and the spacers connecting the plates run through mounting holes in the PCB. This should minimize flex.
Right now, I am almost done with the PCB design but I still have to figure out how to make the HWB pin on the 32U4 usable. I don’t want to use a 4 times more expensive chip just because I am short one pin.