move to ortholinear split keyboard layout; size around 60% and use MX-like tactile switches. Please mind that the layout has slight modifications, mainly the pinkie stagger is less aggresive than for non-RGB Sofle V2. Finally, in the last year or so Ive been suffering from wrist pain , mix that with a little voice in my head moving me to try a split keyboard or even an ergonomic one and you will Put at least 4 adhesive rubber feet in the corners so the keyboard is not moving when you type. However, because it shares the exact same process as the Kyria, you can follow the build steps of the Kyria Build Guide. You should see all the contacts in sockets. Im not going to be fully specific on how to build it as the are fully detailed guides like https://imgur.com/gallery/eM0zWS9, but Ill explain it quickly. 4 lines (3 sloc) 152 Bytes. Shay Kalyan, The Worst Hobby on the Internet - Mechanical Keyboards (Beginners Guide). is input (on Windows, etc. Lily58 Pro was created by @kata0510. If you're curious, you can check out my keymap by loading in my lily58_keymap.json file that I've hosted as a Gist into the tool. Lily58 Pro Custom Mechanical Keyboard with nice!nanos Build Stream by Nicell. I've estimated it's battery life somewhere between 1-2 months. Hope you like them! Either the male PIN headers you most likely got with the board from the supplier could be used to solder it directly to the board. After that, holding gently the socket down with the tweezers solder the corresponding side. With a bit more solder than usual on the tip solder down another diode leg and pad. But this build guide is the main source of important details for your build - like Pro-Micro orientation, component placement etc. Ive been using some keeb or another for more than 8 years, and I continuously Put the backplate using the standoffs left and screw them together to finish everything! Sockets for switches belong again on the back side, the same side as diodes. This is how the right half should look from the top. Disconnect the USB cable. Follow. Given the context I've presented in the previous section, I chose some parts that fit the most my requirements: build on top of open-source hardware and software so I could modify it; move to ortholinear split keyboard layout; size around 60% and use MX-like tactile switches. In addition, please be careful, as the case will be scratched if it hits or rubs a hard thing after assembly. Lily 58 pro Mechanical Keyboard | 1.5 Year Update I've been using my Lily 58 Pro for about a year and a half and it looks a bit different these days so I thought I would give an updated video on. The command might look something like this: Connect the second half and flash it in the same way as the previous one. Lily58 Pro Build Guide [WIP] Required parts Introduction The Pro version has color variations, and the photos in this build guide are are of the black version, but the white verison is functionally identical. One keyboard vendor - Keyhive - is selling their own fork of Sofle RGB. Bridge 4 jumper pads on the top side. Suggested approach is to build the firmware yourself. Use metallic tweezersto bridge any 2 switch pins (on the bottom side of the PCB, this simulates a keypress) or insert switches into the soldered hotswap sockets on the PCB.If it registers the shorts/keypresses you did a great job and may proceed with the build.. Double combo . To continue you must connect the brain of your keyboard to the main PCB, the Arduino Pro Micro. - ZSA Moonlander How to build your FIRST. . Download and run a small shell script that will automate most of the setup. Execute the following in the qmk_firmware directory to write the default Lily58 keymap. (The sockets can also be held in place by hand, but please take extra care not to burn yourself.) The TRRS jack and the reset switch are mounted on the front side (the one with the sticker on the mark). Cannot retrieve contributors at this time. If serial is used, you dont need TRRS cable (4 contacts, used for headphones with a microphone) but just TRS (stereo audio jack). Are you sure you want to create this branch? While this is not a Lily58 build video, the steps are more or less the same and a great short video to get a grasp of the overall build procedure. Hit. On this guide i started with the left half. Please refer to the official QMK documentation for the key codes and programming specifics. nice!nano) and shield (e.g. To summarize it, you have an electronic place that the rest of the components attach to. Pro Micro boards dont come with firmware preinstalled, but there is a community-driven project to make it to work called QMK. Q. ), How to customize using QMK Configurator (deprecated), 2 solid panels, 2 with holes for switches, MX switch and choc switches use separate connectors, Cable for 3.5 mmaudio, also called AUX cable (4-pole cable recommended), Magnetic connector recommended due to the low durability of the ProMicro socket. Each half of the keyboard must be programmed separately using this approach. The Sofle RGB is a copy of the Sofle V2 with the addition of up to 36 RGB leds per side. As I mentioned, this was going to be my first real foray into a hardware project, and that too making a keyboard where I needed to solder! It can be found on QMK repo. To enable drop lighting, short pins 2-3 of J4(Light select), to enable only per key lighting short pins 1-2 of J4. You signed in with another tab or window. If not, please refer to the QMK "Getting Started" guide (Windows: MSYS2; Mac, Linux: avrdude). The QMK firmware is highly customizable, and you can unlock a lot functionality simply by editing the key map. I recently finished a build of a Lily58 Pro kit purchased from boardsource. Don't plug in (or unplug!) by SplitKb. Dont proceed to another half until youll fix it on this PCB, this way youll avoid repeating same mistake on the second half. Be careful: KailhBOX switches and Choc switches require some power for installation. Helix build guide. The default layout for the SofleRGB is in the qmk repo, and demonstrates some LED functions. V2.0 Boards - There is a known issue on V2.0 boards with the LED circuit - a trace is missing to a via on the underside of the board (on top on the left half). On the PCB tin one diode pad first. Collin's Lab: Soldering by Adafruit Industries. Insert switches into the plate. This is easier before the pro micro headers are soldered. 10 are going to hold the bottom and the top together. Soldering Crash Course: Basic Techniques, Tips and Advice! 4x12 pin header (and optionally socket) for Pro Micros. Put all keycaps on top of the keyswitches, which are the plastic covers. Apply preliminary solder (melt a small amount on the substrate) on one pad of the PCB diode. Lily58 Pro is a 58 key split keyboard with OLEDs and supports an LED strip. Both sides of the keyboard ready. Sofle keyboard uses QMK Firmware and support for the board is part of the main QMK repository. Lily58 or Kyria) you want to create a configuration for. On each PCB half 2x 12mm length. Also known as spacers, Cable for 3.5 mm audio, also called AUX cable (4-pole cable recommended), 56 1u keys, 2 1.5u keys for the thumb keys. Solder in place on the bottom side of the pcb. The QMK Toolbox can be used to write non-customized keymaps via a GUI, avoiding the need to configure a local QMK environment. , links for the most of the components in the sourcing parts section, socketing of Pro Micro is on the sourcing parts page, follow the instructions in the documentation, inverted silkscreen theres a great guide available. Peel off the protective plastic layer covering the acrylic, and attach the acrylic to the board. You should be familiar with QMK and be able to make it work on your local environment. But hey! Connect one half to USB, flash the firmware (always follow the actuall instructions in the QMK documentation! After being baited by several beautiful builds online, I really had no choice but to dive into the world of mechanical keyboards with zero electronics experience under my belt. That brings the total cost to ~$252 USD! Please read the whole guide before starting the build this might help avoid possible mistakes beforehand.Please respect the order precedence of this guide as it helps identify mistakes and excludes possible errors on early stages out of the equation. I relied on several online resources to learn about what goes into building a keyboard, the basic equipment needed, and the firmware pieces necessary for it all to work. A keyboard is formed by a matrix of switches wired to main chip which converts those row/columns activations into keystroke events (KEY_A, KEY_F2,) and sends them to the computer. QMK is a small program, aka firmware, that luckily is open source and with an incredible documentation page that guides you on how to build it for a large number of custom keyboards, and it has support for split keyboards! This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository. Flash the controller (pro micro, Elite C, nice!nano, etc) with the firmware. Attach the top plate spacers for alignment. Are you sure you want to create this branch? I've owned and used a Ducky (2012 model) mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown switches for several years now, but have rarely used it for prolonged typing sessions. If you wish to use per key lighting, you also need to short pins 1-2 of 5. If the part of the string stops working, resolder the last working one, and the first to fail, then if needed replace them. Solder the controllers hotswap sockets on the top side of the PCB, in the marked rectangle section. Raw Blame. I suggest to put an insulating tape on the Pro Micro to prevent any shorts with the OLED Display. Depending on the color and release date, some parts may differ, but there is no difference in operation. The following is needed to build the keyboard. I watched several YouTube videos on soldering and some keyboard build videos, and read a handful of build logs and build guides before ordering parts. If you know what you want, use a solder bridge to enable the leds required. ** Indicator + drop lighting + per key lighting **. Desoldering is frustrating and its easy to mess up things. More soldering basics and tips! The awesome QMK Configurator online tool let's you pick a keyboard, WYSIWYG yourself a keymap, and even get a compiled firmware download that you can then just flash onto your device! Be gentle with micro USB ports on your microcontrollers. Darkb0ws3r 1 yr. ago. Note: Choc switches do not work with acrylic case. I used brass ones but you can also buy nicer from anodised aluminium. You have one little switch for each key and on top it, you put a keycap. This substrate (PCB) is reversible. Latest commit f5ac034 on Aug 6, 2022 History. Before I dig into the how, I figured I should share a bit about the why I went ahead and put together my own keyboard. I thought I would share my background and feedback on the experience in the hope that others might find it helpful. It can be found on QMK repo. Install the oled so it sits over the pro micro, Add rotary encoders last, they are big, and make soldering harder. Lily58 Pro Documentation. Soldering diodes is relatively straightforward. One of my favorite professional keebs builder: Daniel Ting has a series of posts about this keyboard and the problems he faced. Make sure they are flush with PCB and match the orientation shown on the silkscreen. You can use a multimeter on the front side of the board to ensure that the solder connections are good and that the orientation of the diodes is correct. From this part on things will get easier: You are done! And if you find any problem there are incredible communities to look for information like Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards, r/ErgoMechKeyboards) and geekhack.org forums. Those are fixed in version 3.1. Keep in mind that this is a prototype of a DIY keyboard. Keyboard Soldering and Desoldering for Beginners by Blacksimon. Solder the OLED screen hotswap sockets on the top side of the PCB. Are you sure you want to create this branch? Make sure halves are not connected together with TRRS cable. Solder the 29x Kailh Hotswap Sockets on the bottom side of the PCB, matching the contour of your respective MX or Choc socket. Bridge 4 jumpers on the TOP SIDE of the PCB by soldering them 2 by 2 vertically on both PCBs, if you plan to use OLED Screens. A build log / reference post covering my first stab at a hardware project: building a split ergonomic keyboard running the QMK firmware. DO NOT FORGET THESE; they will be very difficult to access after the pro micro is soldered into place. 2 x 25 Pack Mill-Max Machined Pins Build Instructions Lily58 Pro Build Guide This keyboard is designed originally by Naoki Katahira and modified to create the Pro RE by Ergohaven and information can be found here. This build guide is based on a copy of the main build guide. You'll want a PCB kit (hotswap or through hole) and Plate Kit (FR4 plates) for a full kit The plates are made of PCB material. For kits purchased at YushaKobo, a spring pin header is included, so use that. This section assumes that you're familiar with keymaps and the use of the QMK tool. 13D) Insert the keycaps and connect the TRRS into both halves and after that USB cable to the left half. 5 more replies. (For custom keymaps, it's recommended to build the full environment described above). This self-made keyboard use the QMK firmware, described above. Mark the surface with masking tape to make it easy to keep track of the back and front of each board. Please set Lily 58 as a US keyboard in the OS keyboard settings. Stop using OLED completely and turn it off as described above. I quickly discovered /r/ergomechkeyboards, saw some beautiful builds, and with not a whole lot else to do during a global pandemic, the lower cost option of building a keyboard myself while meddling with some electronics was the way to go! 1 TRRS cable. and experimentation desire with orthogonal, split keyboards which are the strangest girl in the party. I didn't want to spend that much money only to then find myself not being able to adjust to the keyboard and the typing experience. You can find links for the most of the components in the sourcing parts section. In the case of badly attached diode: This is the strong root of the passion Ive cultivated for mechanical keyboards, as writing on them is not comparable to anything else. If you plan to build one you can fall Install the standoffs onto the switch plates. Theres also a basic support in QMK Configurator but theres no encoder or led support. Place the led in position, heat one of the pads on the board for several seconds before moving the iron to touch the pin on the led , then add solder. The communication between both halves is done via TRRS interface, which is an audio-like audio cable but with 4 channels instead of 2, connected through JACK ports installed on each half. If you are building a Lily58 rev1.0 with per-key RGB but without underglow, you need to solder the jumper marked JP1 instead of the JP2 indicated in the build guide. Solder the 2x 12 Pin Headers provided with your controller on the top side of the PCB in the marked rectangle section. Dismiss, Compile ZMK Firmware + Flash Nice!Nano Controller. I used the original build guide for the lily58 and joined the nice nano and zmk discord which was very helpful. Sold the OLED panel on top of each Arduino using long rigid copper cable soldering to the PCB headers. Make sure halves are not connected together with TRRS cable. One rotary encoder support on each side (optional) Optional Pimoroni Trackball (on master side) Underglow with WS2812 (5050) RGB LED's (6 per side) Button and TRRS sockets belong to the top. Even if you dont plan to use OLED Screen, i always recommend to bridge them anyway, since there is no harm having them in any case bridged. Comes with FR4 (PCB material) plate case, hardware, and transparent acrylic OLED covers. The board requires a keymap in order to function. The command might look something like this: Connect the second half and flash it in the same way as the previous one. Thankfully it appears that the pad pattern underneath is consistent, so use it. Prepare the Pro Micro. Theres also a basic support in QMK Configurator but theres no default layout yet and encoders are not supported. Check everything before soldering. This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository. The process involves a lot of research: you will learn a lot about electronics , watch tons of Youtube videos about soldering SMD, read a large number of comments and experiences online. If you are just looking to try out that layout, and are using the cherry sockets only, then this will work for you. Usually, switches come prelubed, which basically consist on opening each switch and apply some special lubricant on its insides, on the spring, and the stem. Mount with the wider side (labeled "" here) outwards. Cherry MX Switch Comparison by KeyMouse. This was the primary guide I followed for putting together the keyboard. Work out what leds you wish to have, I have endeavoured to provide plenty of flexibility, and all led configurations are available using the headers available. 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