Some time ago, I made a 40-key "simplest programmable in-line keyboard with RGB". There are cheaper plans, and this time brings a new one.


The circuit diagram is as follows, directly designed and drawn on JLC online, the circuit structure is relatively simple.



This project uses the relatively cheap Atmega32a chip as the onboard main control. The single PCB has 16 keys, and the same circuit board can be spliced ​​left and right to form an in-line keyboard with 32 keys, 48 ​​keys or 64 keys. Among them, the main control and the type C port are welded on the rightmost PCB.


A must-read for getting started! ! ! A must-read for getting started! ! ! A must-read for getting started! ! ! For the specific production process, please refer to the original project: "The simplest programmable in-line keyboard with RGB"


Production order:



The keyboard is made of 3 pieces of the same PCB spliced ​​from left to right, and the size of the PCB meets the requirements of JLC for free boarding.


Weld all components except the key shaft;



Mainboard burning BL, firmware, debugging;


The key shaft is stuck on the positioning board, inserted into the PCB, and the two adjacent circuit boards are spliced ​​together by wire welding;


Test whether each key is working properly;


Weld all key shafts;


Shell installation.


Precautions for welding installation:



The soldering of Type C and 32a chip is a bit difficult for Xiaobai. It is recommended to use a heating table and solder paste to complete it, which is much more convenient than an electric soldering iron. Except for the key shaft and individual components, basically everything can be done with a heating table. Solder this kind of small board, apply solder paste to all SMD component pads, put the components except C port and 32a chip, heat, wait for the solder paste of C port and 32a chip to melt, scratch with a sharp object if there is tin Turn it on, then place the chip and C port accurately, press and hold for a few seconds, and solder all the patches at one time, 100% successful, fast and good! Those who are inexperienced can search for related content at station B to learn, and pay attention not to solder too long to avoid damage to components. The heating table shown in the picture above is from a treasure, DIY a PCB heat insulation bracket, simple and practical.



The upper and lower case LED lights can be soldered to any position of any PCB, and the resistor R7 is welded on the PCB. Other boards do not need to solder the upper and lower case lights and R7. The welding method is as shown in the figure above. Don't ask me why I use in-line components, it's because I still have a lot, such as self-modification using SMD packaging. The key shaft adopts the high-tech standard shaft, which is directly welded. If you want to use hot swap, you only need to simply modify the hole size of the pad in the sleeve method. The shaft seat method is not recommended, and the change is large, and the position around the chip is small. . Just use wires to weld the two PCBs together (note the order of production).



ATmega32a and other master controllers without USB interface, before burning the firmware, you must first use the USBasp burner to burn the bootloader, and then burn the firmware.



The USBasp interface does not require soldering pins or sockets. It is best if there are burning pins when burning the bootloader. If not, insert a common pin on the Dupont cable, then insert it obliquely into the PCB jack, and press lightly when burning. Anyway, it only needs to be burned once.


BOOT and RESET use light touch switches, and there are small holes corresponding to the position of the bottom plate, which is convenient for burning firmware during debugging. If you don't need to debug repeatedly, you don't need to solder the switch, just use tweezers to short it if necessary.




There are two designs of positioning plate and bottom plate for choice: it can be made by whole plate, which saves trouble; it can also be divided into two pieces, which is the choice of JP xx.



The thickness of the frame is determined according to the actual measurement of the selected key shaft and the height of the circuit board and components. The key shaft is divided into standard key shaft and short key.


After receiving the positioning board, bottom plate and frame, if necessary, fix them with copper pillars and screws first, and then sand them smooth with coarse, medium and fine sandpaper in turn. Do not polish the circuit board and key shaft after installing, otherwise the dust will enter the key shaft and affect the feel and quality.


Burn bootloader, firmware:



1. The USBasp programmer burns into the bootloader. When burning, pay attention to the fuse bit as shown in the figure above. A brief summary of the steps is: initialization (select programmer, select bl file) - read - modify L, H - write - read - start programming, the bootloader only needs to be successfully burned once. Station B has a very detailed video explanation.




2. There is a compiled hex firmware file in the attachment, which can be burned directly.



The generated hex file is burnt into the module with qmk toolbox software, the steps are as follows:


Open the hex file.


Select the MCU as ATmega32a.


Click Auto-Flash


Press and hold the boot switch, and then press the reset switch. If the circuit board is soldered correctly, the programming will start. Wait for a few seconds to complete, and release the boot.


Press the reset switch again, and the RGB lights of different colors on the bottom row of the keyboard will light up. Congratulations, the keyboard can be used normally.


Complete the assembly:




This is the final product, with a 9.9 yuan free shipping keycap, which is cheap, simple and easy to use. The bottom row of the keyboard is equipped with WS2812 RGB lights, and different colors correspond to different layers. Don't tell people, my aluminum positioning plate and bottom plate are from the next door neighbor JP's for free.



Keyboard arrangement design:


I always think that the key setting is the soul of the whole keyboard DIY. If you set it according to your needs, the small keyboard will be very convenient and efficient to use.


1. 16-key numeric keypad



The left is layer 0, and when the left thumb presses the Enter key, it enters the layer shown on the right. Other layers can modify their definitions as needed.



2. 32-key auxiliary keyboard



This auxiliary keyboard is especially suitable for right-handed mouse operation and left-handed single-handed operation. Other layers can be modified and defined by themselves according to needs.



3. 48-key full-function keyboard


The keybindings have undergone several changes:


In the first version, all punctuation marks are uniformly placed on the first floor, and the right-hand numeric keypad.


In the second version, it is changed to a left-handed numeric keypad and a right-handed direction key, which is more convenient for the left hand to input numbers with one hand.


In the third version, as shown in the scheme below, frequently used independent shortcut keys for copy and paste are added to the leftmost column, and media playback or other common shortcut keys are added to the rightmost column. The F area is changed to the middle of the 3rd floor, which is convenient for left-handed one-handed operation.



Layer 0: letters + function keys, long press Fn1 to enter the number and punctuation layer, Fn2 to enter the arrow keys and punctuation layer, Fn3 for the F function area, virtual mouse, Fn4 for software shortcut keys and media keys.



Press Fn1 and space to switch Chinese. When inputting Chinese, press the space with the right thumb to select the first word, press Shift with the left thumb to select the second word, and press Shift with the left thumb to input capital letters. All operations do not need to leave the main area.


Compared with the previous 40 keys, the biggest change of this project is: the leftmost is the frequently used copy and paste independent shortcut key, and the far right is the independent direction key.



Layer 1: The left side is the numeric keyboard, and the right side is part of the punctuation marks. All punctuation marks are arranged according to personal habits and easy to remember, such as ? It is the F position where Fa asks the question, # is at the J position of the number sign, ~curve q, @at, [bracket Z, {curly bracket K, Na N, $Us knife, "double quotation mark S, ... +-× /= Taking into account the use of the numeric keypad. When I started using this solution, it took a long time for my left hand to get used to it, but it is still worth it.



Layer 2: Leftover punctuation marks on the left, arrow keys on the right. Now put both hands on the keyboard, press Fn1 with the left thumb naturally, and feel that there is a numeric keypad underneath, and press Fn2 with the right finger, and feel that there is a directional keyboard underneath, which is very natural and comfortable. Finally, when I used it myself, the rightmost column of independent arrow keys was changed to PLAY, NEXT, and two commonly used software shortcut keys.



Level 3: Still the spare shortcut keys, F area, and virtual mouse. Press and hold Fn3 below with the left thumb, and then press the buttons in the middle 4 rows. I found that it is very easy to operate the keys in the F area with one hand.



The 4th floor arranges media playback keys and shortcut keys for commonly used software. For example, Fn4+C runs Chrome, Fn4+Q runs QQ, Fn4+W runs WeChat, Fn4+M runs music software, Fn4+V runs video software...



4. 64-key full-featured keyboard, including a left-hand independent numeric keypad.



On the basis of the above 48-key full-function keyboard, an independent left-hand numeric keyboard is added, which is suitable for the recognition and use of a large number of input numbers. Other layers are consistent with 48 keys.



The above key settings are more designed according to the operation of the left-handed keyboard and the right-handed mouse, and the numbers, F area, and direction keys are all suitable for one-handed operation. All shortcut keys only need to be pressed at the same time, and a lot of space is reserved Shortcut keys for setting.


Why is it cheap?


The relatively low-cost ATmega32A chip is used as the onboard master control;


The minimalist 48-key design minimizes the cost of key shafts;


The splicing circuit board mode is adopted, and the size of each circuit board meets the free requirement;


All 1U buttons are used, and the keycaps are simple and cheap, and there is no need to buy satellite switches;


Simple structure, small shell.


How easy to use?


Well-designed small configuration, all buttons are within the comfortable operating range of ten fingers, and the little finger does not need to press outwards;


The most frequently used enter key and backspace key are under the little finger of the right hand, which can be operated without moving;

The button to switch between the 1st and 2nd floors and the shift and space bar are just below the two thumbs. The function of the thumb is no longer only used to press the space, and the utilization rate of the ten fingers is effectively improved;

Press the Fn1 key with the left thumb, and under the left hand is a complete numeric keypad and arithmetic symbols, which is very suitable for left-handed numbers and right-handed mouse operations;

Press the Fn2 key with the thumb of the right hand, and under the right hand are up, down, left, right, Home, End and other direction keys. The gesture is similar to holding a mouse, which is natural and comfortable. It is especially convenient to move the cursor position when coding;

For all punctuation marks, you only need to press the Fn1 or Fn2 key with your thumb, and press the corresponding key with the finger of the other hand. All the keys are in the comfort zone of your fingers;

Press the Fn3 key with the left thumb, press the F key with one hand is easy to use, the right hand Fn3 key, the virtual mouse...


Of course, compared with the large-arranged keyboard, the small keyboard must be learned and proficient by oneself, and it will be convenient and efficient after the formation of muscle memory. The key setting is also getting more and more perfect in my continuous use.


Attached are the verified firmware .hex files, and the QMK source code. iqirtryi32a_iqp32a.hex is the 16-key and 32-key firmware, iqirtryi32a_iqp64a.hex is the 48-key and 64-key firmware, zip is the corresponding source code.


During the production process, I referred to a lot of information on the Internet, and thank you again for your contributions!


Thanks to Yomen's open source project, the bl file USBasploader_32A.hex comes from his open source. Without his open source project and detailed explanation on station B, this project would not be so simple and smooth, thank you!


Thank you for your attention, if you find it interesting, remember to like + comment + bookmark!

I have used many keyboards, especially mechanical ones. Strictly speaking, the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is the most ergonomically designed mechanical keyboard I have used so far. It can be seen from the appearance of the keyboard that the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard does not adopt the conventional "tidy" arrangement of the keys, but adopts a key arrangement design that is more in line with the natural opening angle of the human wrist, which is more comfortable to use and easy to use. healthier.








The appearance of X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard conforms to the ergonomic design is very special, which makes people's eyes shine.








X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard family portrait: keyboard*1, manual*1, cable*1, key remover*1.








The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard has a total of 86 keys and weighs about 640g. The key layout is reasonable, and all keys have no punching. The overall keyboard is relatively small and light, and has good portability. Among them, the keycap of the keyboard adopts ABS two-color keycap, which is wear-resistant and scratch-resistant, durable and feels good.








The key layout of the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard conforms to the natural opening angle of the wrist and fingers, which effectively relieves the pressure on the hand joints. Even if you are typing for a long time, the wrist will not be very tired, which is more usable than the traditional keyboard. .








The keycaps on the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard can be removed by themselves for easy replacement or cleaning.








The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard uses the Gateron shaft body, which has a pressing life of up to 50 million times and is durable. Whether it is gaming or office, it is very suitable for use. The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard has 4 types of mechanical switches, black, green and black tea. Mine is the green switch. The keystroke feels just right and the response is fast.








The back of the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is equipped with hidden tilting feet. When opened, the keyboard will have a 6-degree tilt angle with the desktop, which can effectively relieve hand fatigue and further enhance the keyboard experience.








The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is designed with a type-c cable, and the cable is detachable for easy storage and organization, which is very practical. It is worth mentioning that the cable of the keyboard is made of pure copper core nylon braided shielding cable, which not only ensures the fast and stable signal, but also is not easy to break and is more durable.








The key backlight of the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is elegant white, which looks good and has a high value. The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard has many Fn shortcut functions, such as adjusting the volume and opening the calculator. In addition, you can also adjust the lighting effect of the keyboard, and the adjustment of the lighting effect type or brightness is supported, which is full of efficiency. The X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard has a total of 16 backlight effects, which can be switched freely through the Fn shortcut key, which is very cool. In addition, the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard supports full-key customization, you only need to download the corresponding driver, which can unlock more advanced keyboard gameplay.








Personally, when I use the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard, my wrist will show a very natural open angle. At this time, tapping the keys is easy and comfortable, even if you tap the keyboard for a long time, your wrist will not be very tired. To be honest, compared with conventional keyboards, the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is more comfortable to use, especially for users who need to use the keyboard for a long time.








In my opinion, the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard is a truly ergonomic mechanical keyboard. The keys are arranged in line with the extension angle of the human wrist and fingers, and the keys are easy and comfortable. For heavy keyboard users, if you use the X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard for a long time, it can effectively relieve hand fatigue and reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. The experience is self-evident. In short, X-Bows Lite mechanical keyboard, this is the real ergonomic keyboard!

The book is continued from the last time. After tasting the sweetness of the ergonomic mouse, I simply replaced the keyboard with an ergonomic one. This time I used the colorful GM903.



I am used to mechanical keyboards, and when I first got this keyboard, I wondered if the keyboard was not equipped with batteries, and it was too light. Sure enough, the end of the key ring is a membrane keyboard. But in fact, this keyboard has a built-in 1000 mAh battery with a standby time of up to 60 days.



To be honest, I am not used to it after getting started. One is that the feel of the round keycaps is not the same as that of the square ones. The other is that the curved shape of the keyboard and the key positions need to be adapted. It took me about 3 days to fully get used to the keys of this keyboard. . But once you get used to it, you will fall in love with this kind of experience. With a wide wrist rest, the feeling of coding is just one word, cool! The muscles of the entire arm are relaxed, and even the shoulders and neck are also stretched.



This keyboard also supports three-mode connections, one 2.4G connection and two Bluetooth connections. It also supports MAC keys, and the mac keys are clearly marked, which is very friendly to friends who use Apple notebooks.



After using an ergonomic keyboard and mouse, I believe that technology can change my life even more. Although there is a little bit of usage habits that need to be changed, once I get used to it, I can never go back. If you are also interested, you might as well give it a try.

The Logitech MK275 keyboard and mouse combo delivers an exceptional user experience, boasting a sleek design and impressive performance. Its aesthetic appeal is evident from the moment you lay eyes on it. Encased in a soft gray chassis, it exudes an air of sophistication and elegance. What sets it apart is the non-slip material that not only enhances its grip but also ensures a comfortable hold, allowing for prolonged usage without fatigue or discomfort.
Versatility is another key feature of this combo. Supporting both Bluetooth and wireless connections, it caters to a wide range of devices. With seamless Bluetooth connectivity, it effortlessly syncs with smartphones, computers, and other gadgets, streamlining the user experience. The responsive keyboard keys offer a tactile and soft touch, enabling effortless typing in any given scenario. Their remarkable rebound capability allows for easy adaptability and efficient usage, regardless of the task at hand.
In terms of performance, the Logitech MK275 exceeds expectations. Its durable battery life boasts an impressive longevity of up to 15 months, ensuring uninterrupted usage for extended periods. This endurance is a key factor in meeting the long-term needs of users, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable combo.
In conclusion, the Logitech MK275 keyboard and mouse combo is a solid product that combines premium design with outstanding performance. Its sleek appearance, comfortable grip, and diverse connection options make it a versatile choice for various devices. Furthermore, its comfortable and responsive keys and extended battery life further enhance the overall user experience. This combo truly meets the demands of users, making it an excellent investment for those in search of quality and reliability.

In recent years, as domestic mechanical switches and keyboards have been recognized by Chinese people, the products have become more and more diverse. Recently, Keychron released a customized mechanical keyboard that focuses on ergonomics——V10, which uses K Pro mechanical switches, suitable for long hours of office or gamers.



The key layout conforms to ergonomic requirements, and the Alice keyboard arrangement is used to effectively relieve wrist fatigue. However, the entire body is not designed with an inclination angle, and there is still room for improvement. It is worth mentioning that the body shell is available in all black and translucent versions.



Domestic K Pro shafts are used (red, green, and brown shafts are optional, lubricated at the factory), and there are noise-reducing cotton interlayers, positioning plates, and silicone pads on the base plate. Adopt OSA height ball cap, PBT material (>40%), character two-color injection molding process, more wear-resistant, not easy to oil, dirt-resistant and non-fading




The shaft body supports plugging and unplugging (supports 3/5 pins), which reduces maintenance costs and time, and you can also freely change the desired feel according to your preferences. All button backlights support customization, and there are 22 switchable lighting effect modes.




This keyboard also has good playability, supports QMK and VIA, and can easily program each function key of the keyboard, remove the constraints of the keyboard layout, and create a button style that belongs to personal habits. VIA supports macOS, Windows, and Linux. Using open source modifications will overwrite the default system and can be restored by flashing. It supports macOS / Windows system switching in seconds without freezing, and can restore the Mac layout function. Multimedia keys make daily office games more convenient and considerate. Equipped with Win system keycap replacement, it is perfectly suitable for Windows and macOS users.





Keychron V10 only supports wired connections, and the classic custom knob is retained in the upper left corner. Regardless of gaming or creative work, use the knob to easily customize media functions, such as: volume, screen zoom, brightness, brush thickness, video editing and color correction.. . Etc., the user experience is more efficient and smoother.





The price of the package without shaft and keycap is 388 yuan, and the initial price is 338 yuan; with the shaft and keycap, it is 478 yuan, and the initial price is 428 yuan. Interested friends can pay attention.