BLU60 - An open source bluetooth keyboard pcb using the GH60 layout

[llkiwi2006]

I've been working on this design for a while and I thought you guys might be interested. It's still in the prototyping stage, but it should be usable fairly soon.

I just got the pcbs and I'll be working on a port of tmk firmware to nrf52 based keyboards.

What do you all think about this design?

Notable features:
- Single controller (using nrf52832) to enable longer battery life
- Compatibility with many 60% cases (anything a gh60 would fit in)
- Multi protocol support planned
    - logitech unifying
    - hopefully usb (by bit-banging 1.1 low speed)
- OTA firmware upgrades planned

Potential features I might look into:
- RGB backlight
- layout improvements?

Source:
PCB layout (kicad): https://github.com/andrewcchen/blu60

[LightningXI]

Very cool! It'd be neat to have a south-facing LED design. Your current prototype seems to be north-facing.

For me, RGB is definitely an optional feature that I don't need.

QMK or ps2avrgb programming protocols would be best.

[llkiwi2006]

Very cool! It'd be neat to have a south-facing LED design. Your current prototype seems to be north-facing.

Thanks

I'm interested in the advantages and disadvantages of the two. I think I've see keyboards with either. I went with leds on the top because I was worried about backlight leaking under the keycaps, but honestly I don't really know how big of an issue that would be because my current keyboard has the leds on the top.

QMK or ps2avrgb programming protocols would be best.

I've only used tmk, but from what I've read qmk is a fork of tmk with more features added, correct? I'll look into porting qmk then.

[LightningXI]

I'm interested in the advantages and disadvantages of the two. I think I've see keyboards with either. I went with leds on the top because I was worried about backlight leaking under the keycaps, but honestly I don't really know how big of an issue that would be because my current keyboard has the leds on the top.

Yes, the issue is mainly notable in the usage of Cherry profile (which is vastly preferred among many enthusiasts -- GMK, PBT sets, etc). Cherry profile caps on north-facing switches will collide with the switch itself on R3 (third row ASDF...)

I've only used tmk, but from what I've read qmk is a fork of tmk with more features added, correct? I'll look into porting qmk then.

QMK is a fork of TMK, and is more up to date and regularly updated than TMK. QMK has plenty more features and is much easier to set-up keymaps. It is largely supported with a multitude of PCBs for popular custom keyboards, including the GH60.

[Leslieann]

Bleed from south facing LEDS is always an issue from the 3rd and numrow because the gaps in the row in front of them are centered which gives you a straight line of sight to the LED.
Different caps make it better or worse, but it takes very little angle to see the led or close to it, a bare metal plate will make it worse.

They seemed like a good idea until I tried a board with them.

[southpawengineer]

Ah, finally someone else is using the BL652 module. Pretty good all around.  Also, take a look at the BlueMicro firmware for the NRF52. Might be a good point of inspiration.
I would recommend shortening the length of the traces to your 32.768khz crystal if you can.

[652626737]

Hi, have you finished your keyboard? I am a Chinese player and would like to discuss your results with you