Cacao 52% keyboard plate and case

thingiverse

# Cacao 52% Keyboard A custom keyboard designed for small 3D printers and Kailh Choc switches / keycaps only. The result is a very rigid structure with PLA, much harder than a simple plastic or acrylic plate. **Important Note** This design will not work with Cherry MX keycaps since Kailh Choc switches have 17×18mm keycaps and not 19mm². The keyboard will soon have its proper QMK firmware. ## Parts List * 54 Kailh Choc switches (not the box ones) * 54 diodes N4148 (100 V 300 mAh Do-35) * 1 Pro Micro clone at standard size * Cable (use some for wire wrapping since they're very slim) * PLA filament * Solder * 12 m2 insert threads (the slimmest ones) * 6 m2 bolts * 18 m2 screws * 8 3M rubber dome feet ## Tools * A cheap 3D printer * Dremel or equivalent tool ## 3D Print and Assembly Don't forget to place the bottom surface on the bed (on the two Case parts this seems to be on the bed but it's not by default). Choose the case model with or without the support for the micro USB cutout. Insert threads with a solder iron. For the junction between the two parts, use the dremel with PLA filament and practice friction solder joints. This is way more functional than glue and more slim than insert threads and screws. To minimize deformation, suggest using this order for the junction process: * Start with the top of the two cases. * Then solder the top of the 2 plates. * Then solder the bottom of the 2 plates. * Then the bottom of the case. ## Soldering I suggest you read those guides: https://imgur.com/a/qcgdF and the QMK handwiring guide. ## Programming The firmware is ready and the keymap is usable. Key features: * All alphas of a 60% keyboard * Left shift and left ctrl are also Home/End on single tap. * Right shift and right ctrl are also PageUp and pageDown on single tap. * Direct arrow to arrow keys on the right of the bottom row. * 1st additional layer provides F1~F12 keys and symbols with capslock keys and a single unit key after the right shift. * 2nd additional layer provides access to numbers and numpad and some media keys. You can compile it from my personal QMK fork on the branch cacao52%. Use `make cacao52%:4sstylz`.