geekhack
geekhack Projects => Making Stuff Together! => Topic started by: YMpigeon on Fri, 08 June 2018, 21:35:43
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Hey guys I have recently got really into keyboard making and I have decided to try out making my own Keyboard PCB. This PCB will feature WS2812B LED's https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2812B.pdf (https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/datasheets/WS2812B.pdf) for these awesome Kailh box navy switches https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/3099/8088/files/CPG1511F01S09_BOX_Navy.pdf?5056584868980342845 (https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/3099/8088/files/CPG1511F01S09_BOX_Navy.pdf?5056584868980342845) . I have also got a friend who has agreed to code the keyboard and Leds for me once the PCB has finished.
Anyways, after reading through a kicad tutorial https://github.com/ruiqimao/keyboard-pcb-guide (https://github.com/ruiqimao/keyboard-pcb-guide) I have finished the keyboard schematic and have played around with Kicad's PCB editor, but I have no idea on how to route my PCB in terms of functionality, are there any PCB specifications I need to follow? what track and via size should I use? I know that having a thicker VCC/GND trace is recommended but is it necessary? I appreciate your responses and tips and I wish myself luck for the journey ahead! :)
p.s: I have attached my Keyboard PCB schematic
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I typically use 8mil for signal (switch/col/row) lines and 10 or 12mil for power (gnd, vcc, and the like) lines. Uee vias that are 0.3mm hole diameter and 0.6mm overall diameter, any smaller and fabs usually charge extra.
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and when routing it is a good idea to Not use any 90 degree corner turns in your traces. This might not be that critical on a keyboard pcb but is something in general to avoid, since it might come to reflections and may result in glitches ;)