Mechanical ALPS Keyboard With 20 Macro Keys

thingiverse

The instructions for building a custom keyboard using a Teensy 3.2 microcontroller are lengthy and detailed. They cover every aspect of the process, from preparing the keycaps to installing the firmware. Here's an overview of the steps involved: 1. Prepare the keycaps by removing any excess glue that seeped from the joints. 2. Install the keyswitch supports and keyswitches. 3. Solder the diodes to connect each switch in a row. 4. Solder wires to connect the right pins of the switches between rows, creating columns. 5. Solder the Teensy 3.2 to the columns and rows, completing the switch matrix. 6. Plan out which digital pins will be used to connect to each row or column. 7. Decide whether to include LEDs for Caps Lock, Scroll Lock, and Num Lock. 8. Add a piece of craft foam or insulating material between the Teensy and the upper frame to prevent short circuits. The firmware installation process is also detailed. It involves: 1. Defining the digital pin matrix in the matrix.h file. 2. Working out what the addresses of each switch are, and how to map each letter/number/symbol/function to the addresses. 3. Installing the kiibohd/controller firmware using a computer. The instructions provide examples of firmware source files, but note that these should not be used without modification to match the specific wiring of the control board. Finally, once everything is tested and working, the lower frame can be attached with screws, and rubber feet can be placed on the bottom.