[IC] A 60% PCB for SMK switches

[dr_derivative]

Some time ago I designed a standard 60% PCB for SMK 2^nd generation switches. Currently there is no 60% SMK PCB on the market; there was an IC on DT some time ago that never progressed and a Chinese GB that is no longer available AFAIK. If there is enough interest I could run a groupbuy for this PCB, probably some time during the summer.

Image stolen borrowed from DT wiki

I have ordered some prototypes since I wanted a couple of these PCBs for myself anyway. These protos should arrive in a few weeks. If I were to run a groupbuy for this I would likely need another proto round anyway, so feel free to request any changes you wish. All the specs given are for the current prototype and can still be changed.

Also, if anyone wants I could write a big-ass guide to SMK 2^nd gen switches before the GB for people who don't have much experience with them.



Layout support



More layout support can be added if it is requested in the IC. While there is a little bit of swiss cheese on the bottom row I don't really want to remove layout support since there is no alternative PCB people can use if their layout isn't supported by this one.

Specs

• Standard 60% PCB
• Compatible with both PCB and plate mount SMK 2^nd gen switches (with & without legs)
• Supports common switch positions for both Cherry and Alps keycaps
• USB Type-C (I can also use a universal footprint and make a Mini-B version available maybe)
• Has all resistors needed for USB C-C compatibility
• Static and short-circuit protection
• Powered by an STM32 chip
• QMK compatible
• ENIG (gold finish) pads
• Green soldermask ('cause it looks classy AF)

Estimated Pricing

Based on some quick back of the envelope calculations I expect the PCBs to cost around €30-€35 (~$33-$39 USD) + shipping, etc. I'll get some more accurate quotes closer to the GB stage to finalise pricing. These estimates are at pretty low MOQs since I expect this to be a pretty niche PCB, but the price will of course come down if we hit higher MOQs.

[DasGnome]

Don't know much about SMK, but this would be sweet for the collection. Definitely in.  Would we need to get a plate cut as well?

[pixelpusher]

Cool, man.  I have 2 SMK65 builds (one clicky, one linear), but it seems that LFKeyboards is not stocking them lately.  I lubed my linear switches with 3204 and they feel great.  Pain to take apart, but greatly improves the switch feel.  I still have 100 or more left over that I'd enjoy putting in a 60% for sure.

[DJSwayde]

Oh wow, this is very cool. I've lowkey wanted a 60% with Monterey Blues.

[dr_derivative]

Don't know much about SMK, but this would be sweet for the collection. Definitely in.  Would we need to get a plate cut as well?

Cool, man.  I have 2 SMK65 builds (one clicky, one linear), but it seems that LFKeyboards is not stocking them lately.  I lubed my linear switches with 3204 and they feel great.  Pain to take apart, but greatly improves the switch feel.  I still have 100 or more left over that I'd enjoy putting in a 60% for sure.

Oh wow, this is very cool. I've lowkey wanted a 60% with Monterey Blues.

 

[dr_derivative]

[...] Would we need to get a plate cut as well?

SMK switches use the same 14mm square cutouts as Cherry, but are designed for 1.2mm plates rather than 1.5mm. You can use a standard Cherry plate, but they won't clip in quite as nicely as 1.2mm.

Just be aware that they won't work on MX+Alps plates, as the clips are on the sides of SMK switches and will have nothing to clip in to with the wider Alps cutout. There are also issues with some CNCed plates with very rounded corners, where Cherry switches just about fit but SMK don't.