a concept render of the keyboard

This semester at Olin, I'm designing and producing a mechanical keyboard as an exercise in manufacturing, computer aided design, electrical design, and embedded firmware programming.

The first step was to sketch model a prototype macro pad.

mid soldering progress

done for now! the next step is the controller

Once we had it constructed, Sam Daitzman and I cadded up a case for it to fit in!

picture of the case

Using platform-io, we programmed the necessary matrix functionality, and added keybindings so it could say some silly phrases whenever we pressed a key.

picture of the software

Our next step is to go full speed ahead on the full-size keyboard now that we better understand the inner workings of the typical hardware and firmware of a mechanical keyboard.

picture of the big case cad prototypes

In the past week or two I've now drafted a potential option for the keyboard case. Alternatively it could offer a mood or motivation for future iterations.

keyboard render without top case

keyboard render with top case