/cheapis

GNU General Public License v3.0GPL-3.0

cheapis

v0.1 issues:

  • most ubs cables cannot be plugged in when the pro micro is soldered in an usual way (upright, with the usually included pins), because of the top middle buttons. It has to be solderes upside down, flush with the keyboard pcb.
  • not really an issue, but SOD-323 diodes are challenging to solder. They're also not the cheapest, although the difference is minuscule.

Cheapis was inspired by ferris and sweep.

It is the cheapest alternative to the above keyboards (that still has a PCB) as it is sub 100x100mm in size so it can be ordered for a very low price and it only needs one controller (Pro Micro or alternative).

cheapis keyboard!

cheapis keyboard!

Specs:

  • Split
  • Unibody
  • 34 key
  • Compatible with MX, Kailh Choc v1 and Gateron low profile switches
  • needs 1n4148 SOD-323 diodes
  • 19mm standard spacing
  • angled sides by 20 degree

Pros:

  • less than 100x100mm
  • reversible, so you can order less
  • needs ony one Pro Micro or alternative
  • very cheap way to experiment with 34 key layout

Cons:

  • it has to be unibody
  • tenting is not possible
  • fragile without a plate as the Pro Micro keeps the two sides together
  • not much features, it's hardly more than a hardwire