Skeletyl
Compact and silent Dactyl-like keyboard for ergo lovers.
picture: trekdemow
Sourcing the components
Electronic components
You will need to order the parts from a shop, and order some PCBs directly from the manufacturer.
Parts list:
| Part name | Amount | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Flexible PCB for the plate | 2 | https://github.com/Bastardkb/Skeletyl-PCB-plate |
| Flexible PCB for the thumbs | 2 | https://github.com/Bastardkb/TBK-Mini-PCB-thumb-cluster |
| Elite-C | 2 | |
| Elite-C adapter PCB V1.4 | 2 | https://github.com/Bastardkb/Elite-C-holder |
| SOD123 Diodes | 36 | |
| Ribbon cables Flexstrip | 34 | Farnell, Aliexpress |
| M4 8mm Torx Screw | 12 | Conrad |
| M4 screw insert, M4 X D6.0 X L5.0 | 12 | https://fr.aliexpress.com/item/4000232925592.html?spm=a2g0s.12269583.0.0.6aef4f282LZO4v |
| Audio jack, SMD | 2 | |
| Button, 4x4x1.5 | 2 | https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001304569553.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.27424c4dDwgcp7 |
If you want RGB, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Format |
|---|---|---|
| SK6812 Mini-E LEDs | 36 | |
| Capacitor, 1uF | 4 | 1206 |
| Resistor, 330Ohms | 4 | 1206 |
| Wires | 28 AWG recommended, Black, Red, Color | |
| Ribbon cables Flexstrip | 6 |
3d Parts compatibility
The revision 4 of the skeletyl introduces drastic changes with the bottom plate. It reuses the positioning of the screws of the Charybdis Nano, so that the Organic tent can be re-used. It also uses new voronoi-style plates.
When choosing a model to print, be mindful of the version you choose. The files in the V3 folder are not compatible with the V4 case. Since the V4 was made for homogeneity purposes only and doesn't bring any major improvements, if you want to use any of the V3 mods that are not translated yet, go for the V3.
Print the case
The STL, STEP and Fusion files are included in this Github. Feel free to modify them at length. The files are on a non-commercial license, so this is for personal projects only - please do not use those to sell them.
Please find detailed instructions on how to print the case here: https://docs.bastardkb.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020031180-Print-settings-for-Dactyls
There is also a version that uses a blackpill with its shield PCB, in the V3/blackpill folder. The position of the audio jack and usb-c holes are slightly different.
Print the tents
Optionally, you can print 30 degree tents. Those are removable and attached with screws, and also come with an optional bottom plate.
The tents come in 2 versions: normal, and organic. The organic one provides a sleeker skeleton-style look with a side holder for the shield pcb, but is longer and harder to print.
Important information: if you are using the skeletyl V4, there are no normal tents. Instead, the alien tents of the Charybdis Nano should be used - either 15 or 30 degrees.
| Front view | Side view |
|---|---|
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Get a kit from BastardKB
You can get a full Kit, including case and all PCBs and electronics required on the shop: https://bastardkb.com/
If you want to print the case yourself, you can also get just the electronics Kit.
Build guide
Please find detailed build instructions here: https://docs.bastardkb.com/hc/en-us/articles/360020031340-Kit-contents-and-required-tools
This is for the 6x3, but it will work for this keyboard as well.
Finding help
- Discord: https://bastardkb.com/discord
- Website: https://bastardkb.com/
- Docs: https://docs.bastardkb.com
Forks
Mods
Chair mount plate
V4 version plate
Requires a 1/4-20 UNC heat insert. Standard 1/4 inch camera mount thread.
There is a version with bumpon stands so the keyboard can sit flat on a surface when not mounted.
V3 version plate
Alternate bottom plate for mounting to a chair or desk using standard camera mounting equipment. Fits 1/4 inch mounting bolt (1/4-20 UNC).
Support me on Patreon
If you like the keyboard, please consider helping me with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bastardkb
I post regular updates and hindsight on my work. I work full time on keyboard innovation, and this helps a lot !
License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
Versions
V1:
- original version
V2:
- smoother
- Compatible with amoebas and flexible pcbs
- more screws !
V3:
- better stronger screw inserts (added aliexpress link in readme)
- switch to adapter V1.4
V4
- change plate footprint to be compatible with the charybdis nano organic tent
- small visual improvements
- add version numbering on the case and plate