joric
commented
3 years ago 3.0 was introduced by foostan. I don't really like 3.0, and it's more expensive. You can order free 2.1 PCBs on allpcb.com but not 3.0 (they are too large). Free 2.1 PCBs on ALLPCB com: https://github.com/joric/jorne/wiki/Free-PCBs
SK6812MINI-E are easier to solder, yes, but not by much. Note 3.0 needs two LED types which may be less convenient.
South facing switches are questionnable. Most RGB caps have legends on top so they don't work with south facing switches. Using opaque caps on an RGB keyboard is stupid (they block 90% of the light). Side printed RGB work, but they are pretty rare.
3.0 was added as a courtesy to foostan just to have an option.
browntownington
So I went deep deep down a (ergo keyboard) rabbit hole till 4:30am this morning. I explored and read about nearly everything available commercially and DIY. I ended up stopping my journey here with Joric and Jorne. I'm sold and I'm super excited to start ordering and building.
But first I would like to thank you @joric for Jorne and also all your work with nRFMicro - I have so much respect for you sir. Your documentation is amazing your designs and implementations are simple to follow. And respect the work done before you too.
I have one question which I wasn't able to clearly find an answer to on your pages/wikis and I need to figure out before my FreePCB offer runs out in 48hrs ;)
The three versions: Jorne Classic 2.1 (classic version, with mounting holes and ground planes) Jorne Cherry 2.1 (hotswap version with kailh hotswap sockets, fixed version with all LED holes) Jorne Cherry 3.0 (non-reversible PCB with kailh hotswap sockets and south facing switches)
Differences between 2.1 classic and cherry is self explanatory.
Differences between Jorne Cherry 2.1 vs Jorne Cherry 3.0 isn't as clear to me. 1) Non-reversible PCB costs more since it's 2 parts and different PCB either side. But what are the benefits or improvements to this? 2.1>3.0 sounds like a major bump but I guess that's likely because the board was redesigned.
I read that the 3.0 uses different LED's (12 WS2812B (ambient) + 44 SK6812MINI-E (per-key)) that are mounted from the bottom. Was it simply redesigned for this purpose and what are the benefits of mounting undeath/using these LEDs?
2) south facing switches - from my research I read that south facing switches can be a more desirable experience typing on. So I guess I understand this difference however having no experience with either north or south yet I won't know till I try.