zilpzalp
A wonky 28-key, column-staggered, unibody-split keyboard made with fantastic FOSS software: ergogen and KiCad.
For buying ready-to-assemble kits, consider keeb.supply! They share part of the profits made by selling zilpzalp with me!
Four versions for choc switches are available:
- the choc version with support for optional hotswap sockets and slightly extended edgecuts to acommodate the extra space required by the socket (in the pcb directory)
- the cfx version with different spacing, making the zilpzalp almost 1.5 cm smaller horizontally (in the pcb_cfx_spacing directory)
- the default-spacing solder-only version with tighter edge cuts (in the pcb_solder_only directory)
- the minimal-choc-spacing solder-only version with the tightest spacing that choc V1 switches allow for (in the pcb_minimal_choc directory)
Note: You will have to procure minimal-spacing keycaps. I am not aware of any commercial solution. Recommendation: Philadelphia Minimalist by Pseudoku
One version for MX, KS-27, and KS-33 switches is available:
- this version has default MX-spacing and features a hybrid switch-footprint for hotswap-only MX and solder-only KS-27/33 (in the pcb_mx_spacing directory)
Warning: The solder-only default choc-spacing version has not been tested yet!
Some example keymaps for getting an idea of how zilpzalp may be used can be found in the example_keymaps directory.
BOM
- 1 pcb
- 1 Seeed XIAO compatible controller, like e.g. Miao
- 14 sot23 diodes (common cathode)
- optional (for hot swap versions only): 28 hot swap sockets
(choc or mx depending on pcb version) - 28 kailh choc low profile switches
- 28 fitting keycaps (pay special attention here when building the cfx or minimal-spacing version!)
Firmware
I personally use and recommend ZMK firmware which is tested and confirmed-functional for the Seeed XIAO RP2040 and the Seeed XIAO BLE controllers.
Check out FAK firmware if you're planning to use the Miao!
QMK firmware for the Seeed XIAO RP2040 is also available.
Inspiration
- all the fantastic keyboards, knowledge, and help by GEIST, Freya, Bob, and the wonderful Clacktales keyboard community
- the hummingbird keyboard and the rufous variation
- the aptmak keymap
