there are 58 switches so a ton of work to do. Once I did that, both halves worked well. After switching, switching to Japanese input becomes the switching key for the US keyboard, and it differs from the JIS keyboard, so please be careful (it can be customized with the key map etc.). Peel off the protective plastic layer covering the acrylic, and attach the acrylic to the board. The following is needed to build the keyboard. But if you really need underglow it is be possible to connect an RGB LED strip since there are 3 pads (VCC, GND and data) on the board. The Sofle RGB is a copy of the Sofle V2 with the addition of up to 36 RGB leds per side. Attach the top plate spacers for alignment. Always disconnect the USB cable first. Begin by placing one on each of the corners of the PCB to give you some stability. Moving into full time work five years ago, I quickly realized the discomfort of using traditional keyboards and found the work-provided Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard did a great job to relieve me of that. Thankfully it appears that the pad pattern underneath is consistent, so use it. 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. 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. Put the backplate using the standoffs left and screw them together to finish everything! Solder the TRRS in the marked contour on PCB and Reset tactile switch on the top side of the PCB. Another possible approach is described at splitkb.com. I want to give my kudos to the documentation from keeb.io, they have incredible detailed documentation about how to solder, tools required, tips and tricks. Helix build guide. Are you sure you want to create this branch? Load the downloaded JSON file into the QMK Toolbox and write it to the boards. You can find links for the most of the components in the sourcing parts section. Be gentle with the USB on your microcontroller. QMK is the software of choice for these keyboards. With the QMK Toolbox route, the setup was as simple as: The microcontrollers should both be good to go! Flash the controllers (Pro Micro, Elite-C etc) using QMK Toolbox or QMK MSYS.To enter the bootloader on Pro Micro for flashing it, reset the controller using tweezers by bridging the GND and RST pins 2x times. So taking the default keymap as my starting point, I started to tweak things almost immediately to fit my typing style and allow me to ease into a layout that isn't too far from a standard QWERTY keyboard. Refer to Soldering the controller if you need further guidance. Make sure you have orientation right - they are all oriented to the same side. 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). Decrease quantity for Lily58 Pro Keyboard Kit, Increase quantity for Lily58 Pro Keyboard Kit. Please, dont report problems with the design by Keyhive and or firmware to the official Sofle Keyboard repository. In the case of badly attached diode: Repeat all the steps above on the another half. Designed by kata0510, the Lily58 and Lily58 Pro is a split design with a 64 column staggered grid with a 4 key thumb cluster. 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. When Detecting USB port, reset your controller now is displayed, press the reset button on the keyboard to start writing. You may need to scrape off the solder mask on the via depending on which manufacturer you used. A much better deal than buying pre-made, plus I now have equipment to experiment with and take on other projects. Insert the controller into the Pins and solder it with its components faced down. Lily58 Pro was created by @kata0510. keyboard-only usage. When all diodes have been soldered, check for missing spots. Both halves assembled, a rotary encoder can be added on both, one or none. Once you verify that, you can set up bluetooth profiles for the keyboard. Keep in mind that this is a prototype of a DIY keyboard. If you purchased their modified version, you have to use the firmware provided by the vendor and the build guide provided by them as well. 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. In the case of badly attached socket: They are easy to break. That brings the total cost to ~$252 USD! You should be familiar with QMK and be able to make it work on your local environment. 20 are going to hold the boards together (via spacers). I've estimated it's battery life somewhere between 1-2 months. It is a modified version of the Lily58 Pro pcb from kata0510 and has the the following additional features. 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. Execute the following in the qmk_firmware directory to write the default Lily58 keymap. I normally flash the default Lily58 Pro layout. And if you find any problem there are incredible communities to look for information like Reddit (r/MechanicalKeyboards, r/ErgoMechKeyboards) and geekhack.org forums. Here's what I bought in order to completely put together the Lily58. Using the base pattern is the only consistent pattern between at least two different models with different pin 1 definitions and markings. Soldering Crash Course: Basic Techniques, Tips and Advice! Pro Micro boards dont come with firmware preinstalled, but there is a community-driven project to make it to work called QMK. 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. The QMK Toolbox can be used to write non-customized keymaps via a GUI, avoiding the need to configure a local QMK environment. To enable drop lighting, short pins 2-3 of J4(Light select), to enable only per key lighting short pins 1-2 of J4. Make sure you know which side you are working on, and dont make two left hand sides by mistake. , As an advice, to build your firmware use a virtualized environment because QMK depends on a bunch of system libraries with specific versions that may not match your system. Check everything before soldering. Lily58 KB Build Guide. Reviews. Test the PCB by checking if it registers keypresses. Are you sure you want to create this branch? You should see all the contacts in sockets. The surface mount LEDs are easier to solder, and there are only 1+6 of them on each side, so are a good place to start if you arent used to soldering them. Be careful: KailhBOX switches and Choc switches require some power for installation. 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. Desoldering is frustrating and its easy to mess up things. The image shows a soldered MX socket; please install Choc socket on the lower side. 2, This can be changed, look for setting handednesss in QMK documentation. Stop using OLED completely and turn it off as described above. The right half has the pro micro mounted up-side up so its mounted differently on each half. In the end, you are their client. One keyboard vendor - Keyhive - is selling their own fork of Sofle RGB. The default layout for the SofleRGB is in the qmk repo, and demonstrates some LED functions. Install the oled so it sits over the pro micro, Add rotary encoders last, they are big, and make soldering harder. The Lily58 is a perfect choice for people who want to be on a split keyboard but still want to have a fairly standard amount of keys. Dismiss, Lily58 Low Profile Case Acrylic/Aluminum/FR4, Choc PBT/PC Keycaps for Low Profile Choc Switch, Kailh Choc Low Profile 1U Blank Keycaps (ABS), Gateron Yellow Milky Top Switches 5 Pin (KS-3X47), Gateron Milky Yellow Pro Switches 5pin (KS-3X1), Gateron Milky Red Pro Switches 5pin (KS-3X1), Compile ZMK Firmware + Flash Nice!Nano Controller. Note: Choc switches do not work with acrylic case. But hey! Given the context Ive presented in the previous section, I chose some parts that fit the most Now you have completed the build process, congrats comrade! On this guide i started with the left half. One or more rows/columns of key switches do not respond, Q. This commit does not belong to any branch on this repository, and may belong to a fork outside of the repository. The labels for JP1 and JP2 were accidentally swapped. (The sockets can also be held in place by hand, but please take extra care not to burn yourself.) Out of the box, the controllers were already in DFU (Device Firmware Upgrade) mode for me. Button and TRRS sockets belong to the top. Available at: https://keyhive.xyz/shop/lily58. You can type 300 wpm with this keyboard Iris Rev 7 with Aluminium Case I Bought The Pewdiepie Keyboard. Insert switches into the plate. 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. LEAD TIME in FAQ Tab. If you want that on the Lily58, you need the Elite-C or something similar, which increases the total price to $78, about the same as the Iris. Mount with the wider side (labeled "" here) outwards. Cannot retrieve contributors at this time. Symptoms: only the first 4 underglow LEDs will work, this will occur on both halves of the board. Connect the left and right sides with a TRRS cable, connect the MicroUSB cable to ProMicro on the left side (in the case of the default key map), and check if the key responds. There may be a problem with the key switch's insertion, socket or diode soldering. If you dont use OLED only on one half you are need to do one of the following to fix the lag: If you fancy an inverted silkscreen theres a great guide available. The traditional LED header is available, and can be used alone, or theoretically fed back in to one of the other headers if so desired. But shows the same layout and net labels on the bottom. I think that where I can contribute the most is by sharing my failures, and that is covered in the next article. First, I spend long hours in front of my computer and The pin header enclosed in the bag of ProMicro is not used. Additional information. After each switch is placed in and the microcontroller is hooked up, it's a good idea to make sure all the keys are working as expected--. It's easy for the components to fly out when peeling back the tape, so open it slowly and carefully. The following two datasheet excerpts show two versions of the led with different numbering pattern. Lily58 Pro Documentation. Featuring Microcontroller Hotswap Sockets, USB-C Pro Micro, Kailh Switch Hotswap Sockets, Acrylic Plates, Gateron Yellow Milky Top Switches, DSA Royal Navy Keycaps, QMK Firmware, Custom USB and TRRS cables by KRISCABLES etc LILY58 SPLIT KEYBOARD KITS and PARTS:https://kriscables.com/shop/keyboard-kits-parts/ CUSTOM COILED USB CABLES and AUDIO CABLES HANDMADE in PORTUGAL:https://kriscables.com/ Socials:INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/kriscables/DISCORD: https://discordapp.com/invite/d5s8e8CREDDIT: https://www.reddit.com/r/Kriscables/TWITCH: https://www.twitch.tv/kriscablesETSY: https://www.etsy.com/shop/kriscables Tracks used in this video:Drone In Ibiza adventureGnarls Barkley ft Daniela Andrade - Crazy (Fanfar ft Sakso Remix)FAUVE - Nuits Fauves (TEEMID Edit)#mechanicalkeyboard #mechkb #customusbcables #customcables #splitkeyboard #sofle #keyboard #gmmk #tofu60keyboard #alpacaswitches Test if OLED screen is on and keypresses are registering. In this world, there are tons of options Oh, and my build doesn't have any OLED screens to install so I skipped that bit. 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. The end with the thin line is Cathode (-) and it should go in the direction of the arrow symbol on the PCB. If not, please follow the instructions in the documentation. (It's easier to work the diodes if you cautiously open the container onto a small plate.). A full build stream that was handy to skim through to see how specific components come together while I was following the written guide. kata0510 fix Lily58 Pro BuildGuide. Lily58L is 64+4keys column-staggered split keyboard. If everything works you did a great job and may proceed to the another PCB half.If not, find the issue and fix it. 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.. Ive built my very own custom lily58 keymap, forked from the main QMK GitHub repository. 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. I was not able to get 7mm, but 6mm worked well for me with MX switches. A build guide Lily58 Pro suggests 4mm for Choc and 7mm for MX. I wouldn't mind adding some LED backlighting to this The only point I deviated was to first flash the microcontroller with QMK before I got started with the build as it's a good idea to make sure the ones that get shipped boot up and connect! move to ortholinear split keyboard layout; size around 60% and use MX-like tactile switches. Get to know the jargon used in the community, and some hidden gotchas like how deep the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole really goes! Shay Kalyan, The Worst Hobby on the Internet - Mechanical Keyboards (Beginners Guide). Insert a switch into a hot swap socket and test that a keycode is pressed. Make sure halves are not connected together with TRRS cable. Lily58 Pro build feedback. Attach the connector for the OLED, much like the TRRS jack above. I was not able to get 7mm, but 6mm worked well for me with MX switches. This article is Part 3 in a 6-Part Series.. Part 1 -In search of the best custom keyboard layout Part 2 -Let me introduce you SofleKeyboard - a split keyboard based on Lily58 and Crkbd Part 3 -SofleKeyboard build log/guide; Part 4 -Sofle Keyboard evolution: slow and not really steady Part 5 -Another year of Sofle keyboard Part 6 -Sta AKA Sofle Unsplit - a monoblock split keyboard This was the primary guide I followed for putting together the keyboard. Lily58 KB Build Guide. create a sandwich with the PCB-Plate-Switches. This is how the right half should look from the top. Darkb0ws3r 1 yr. ago. The above picture is from the crkbd guide shows pin 4 on the table (the table is viewed from the top of the LED). After confirming that there are no bends in the switch pins, you can attach it firmly by starting from the middle row and working outward. Please refer to the official QMK documentation for the key codes and programming specifics. Keep in mind that this is a prototype of a DIY keyboard. Also this build guide no longer applies to their version. Lily58 Pro - 58 keys split keyboard 64 columnar stagger and 4 thumb cluster, compatible with Kailh MX and Choc hotswap sockets. Make sure halves are not connected together with TRRS cable. If not, please follow the instructions in the documentation. Build as usual. Lily58 KB License. Use as low a temperature as you can manage, place the board flat on a table, and drop an led in. One of my favorite professional keebs builder: Daniel Ting has a series of posts about this keyboard and the problems he faced. Then use tweezers to solder one side of the diode, using the pre-soldering to secure the diode. Be careful so you dont bend their contacts. ** Indicator + drop lighting + per key lighting **. Soldering diodes is relatively straightforward. If you use QMK Configurator, you can create an original keymap on the browser without editing the keymap.c file. There are several ready-made consumer options out there like the ZSA Moonlander and Dygma Raise but both are relatively pricey for a keyboard, selling for over $350. Lily58 Build Service (required) Lily58 Kit (required) 2x Controllers (required) Lily58 Pro Build Guide; How to add Lily58 RGB underglow backlighting; How to add Rotary Encoders to Lily58 Pro Guide; Build photos are for demonstration purpose ONLY. In order to have the OLED Screens enabled, before compiling/flashing the controllers, dont forget to add the code line in the rules.mk file in your Lilys keymap folder: (If you dont plan to hotswap the microcontroller skip to 6th step.). Click here for the Corne Cherry v2 build guide. There are plenty of designs out there that have far fewer keys than 58, but for this one I still have a full number row that I read was a better way to be introduced to the layout and the need to leverage keymaps and layers. Please be careful when inserting the switches into the PCB. The ProMicro board may not be soldered and attached firmly. TRS should work 1 if you stick with Serial. FREE Shipping Worldwide on all custom cables. Make sure you know which way around your leds are, different brands have different pin 1 positions. Check again, and re-solder and reinstall if necessary. Dont proceed to another half until youll fix it on this PCB, this way youll avoid repeating same mistake on the second half. Refer to Soldering Kailh hot swap sockets if you need further guidance. I haven't ventured into wireless field yet and been thinking about making a corne or another lily58 witless with at least 500mah battery Reply LordDukeMaster Additional comment actions. Ive been using some keeb or another for more than 8 years, and I continuously Many Git commands accept both tag and branch names, so creating this branch may cause unexpected behavior. If you are interested in wireless keyboards, I'm designing more fully wireless keyboards besides just a pro micro replacement. Sold the OLED panel on top of each Arduino using long rigid copper cable soldering to the PCB headers. Dismiss, Compile ZMK Firmware + Flash Nice!Nano Controller. I have used rounded pin headers. This is how the backside (bottom) should look at this stage. Customize the information of the OLED panels. Lily58 Pro was created by @kata0510. Additionally, if there isn't enough solder, please re-solder. 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. Think twice, solder once. 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. Insert the OLED pin into the socket, attach the OLED module to it, and solder the four pins. This substrate (PCB) is reversible. This build guide is based on a copy of the main build guide. Third, out there there are prebuilt keyboards or parts to build your own. 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. Be cautious of bent pins when pushing the switch down. At this point it should function as a keyboard. Install the standoffs onto the switch plates. and has the the following additional features. Prepare the Pro Micro. PCB Color: Black, White. 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. Solder the 2x 12 Pin Headers provided with your controller on the top side of the PCB in the marked rectangle section. Many Git commands accept both tag and branch names, so creating this branch may cause unexpected behavior. Prebuild keyboards are quite good but the advantage of building your own is that you choose not only the layout of them, but the form factor, the tactile responsiveness, and the behavior as the chip that rules them is open source and easily hackable. 20 (+8) M2 screws. 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 In the case of bad key switch insertion: Keep in mind that this hobby is not cheap . This is done on the top side, all 4 solder bridges must be completed. If not, please refer to the QMK "Getting Started" guide (Windows: MSYS2; Mac, Linux: avrdude). Be gentle with micro USB ports on your microcontrollers. Same as the diodes, on the PCB tin one socket pad first. (For custom keymaps, it's recommended to build the full environment described above). The Worst Hobby on the Internet - Mechanical Keyboards (Beginners Guide) by KristoferYee. This is because the TRRS cable does carry power in addition to data, so as a precaution avoid messing around with them while live. If you're using DFU bootloader (in case of the elite c), replace the 'avrdude' with 'dfu'. But in a split keyboard, each half has its own chip that controls it. It is recommended to flash ProMicro's prior to soldering. If you plan to build one you can fall 1 contributor. The front sides marked by pieces of tape in order to remember which side is which. They are necessary for OLED support and if you dont socket you Pro Micro you will not be able to do it later. The per key lighting is painful and slow. Raw Blame. And to finish with the soldering part you must solder the JACK sockets and the RESET buttons to the PCB. Theoretically I think these could be installed on the under side for a lower profile. This was the primary guide I followed for putting together the keyboard. It may short out. The side with chips and other electronics should be at the bottom facing the main PCB. Solder the OLED screen hotswap sockets on the top side of the PCB. The PCBs from BoardSource.xyz are reversible, as in you can solder components on either one side of the PCB, but do make sure to pick the left and the right halves before you start soldering! Solder in place on the bottom side of the pcb. It should get in smoothly with almost no resistance. Double combo . Now it is already possible to connect the ProMicro and OLED display to the board, flash the firmware and check if all keys work using a piece of wire or tweezers. Dont connect or disconnect the TRRS cable when the keyboard is powered. Sockets for switches belong again on the back side, the same side as diodes. With a bit more solder than usual on the tip solder down the other side to the pad on PCB. I recently finished a build of a Lily58 Pro kit purchased from boardsource. I thought I would share my background and feedback on the experience in the hope that others might find it helpful. This is the strong root of the passion Ive cultivated for mechanical keyboards, as writing on them is not comparable to anything else. If the part of the string stops working, resolder the last working one, and the first to fail, then if needed replace them. Please set Lily 58 as a US keyboard in the OS keyboard settings. follow the instructions in the documentation. Featuring Microcontroller Hotswap Sockets, USB-C Pro Micro, Kailh Switch Hotswap Sockets, Acrylic Plates,. This section assumes that you're familiar with keymaps and the use of the QMK tool. . Insert a few switches into the switch plate, then insert the PCB into the switch legs. 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. 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. Connect all your keyswitches on every hotswap sockets using one of the plates and standoffs. They belong to the backside of the PCB. Related to the above point, the pin holes for the microcontroller are outlined with a white square box, but there is also a set of holes that are offset for the reverse side. Lily58 or Kyria) you want to create a configuration for. Thank you for your hard work. Serial is the default behaviour. Customize my keymap, lily58 pro supports 4 different keymaps reachable through the LOWER and RAISE physical buttons. Lily58 Pro Build Guide by Keyhive. With a bit more solder than usual on the tip solder down another diode leg and pad. Button and TRRS sockets belong to the top. PCBs are reversible on kriscables.com This means you can choose any of them for left/right when starting the build, SMD only (through hole diodes are not supported), You can alternatively: Bridge 2x the GND + RST pins on pro micro or define in QMK keymap, Optional, but strongly recommended to have them to hotswap easily any time, Needed for controllers hotswap. A. Here's what it looks like about a week in: It's only been a week and I'm still slowly getting the hang of things. 4 lines (3 sloc) 152 Bytes. Be careful so you dont bend their contacts. Soldering Crash Course: Basic Techniques, Tips and Advice! For parts that require force, firmly solder both pads and check the final result for any looseness/wiggling. Always disconnect the USB cable first. Build yourself your own split mechanical keyboard and protect your wrists! Flash the controller (pro micro, Elite C, nice!nano, etc) with the firmware. A. Additional information. All the process could be separated into 3 sections: 1) soldering electronic parts 2) Lubing the switches 3) putting all together. Instead, the QMK Toolbox is a great way to get yourself up and running on a Windows machine, pull a compiled firmware package, and flash it onto the microcontroller. A tag already exists with the provided branch name. And down the way make my own changes to it for my use case. One of the revealing parts for me was lubing. 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. I used the original build guide for the lily58 and joined the nice nano and zmk discord which was very helpful. Especially makes sense to socket your OLED Screens if you socketed your controller as before hot swapping the controller you need to hotswap the OLED Screen.If you dont plan to hotswap the OLED screen, nor the controller, then solder it directly to the PCB. I have built or modified around 50 mechanical keyboards over the past few years or so including MX, Alps, and Topre. Carefully snap the first switches to the sockets. 2 top plates, 2 bottom plates for a sandwich-case build. Lily58 Pro Build Guide by kriscables.Start with the one half of the Lily58 Pro PCB and only after completing all the steps below proceed to the another half. It is a modified version of the Lily58 Pro pcb from kata0510 They are easy to break. Dependent what you use on the master half. Soldering & Build difficulty: . For kits purchased at YushaKobo, a spring pin header is included, so use that. A couple of good tips showcased here around the soldering iron temperatures to use as a beginner and the technique for soldering diodes where you first place solder on one of the pads before pushing the diode into space with a bit of heat. I'll no doubt continue to iterate on the keymap I've shared above, but I think the itch is still there to meddle a bit more in this space and see what else I can do with the new set of tools and skills I've picked up.