In terms of Raspberry Pi Pico tasks, the RP2040 microcontroller isn’t any stranger to customized keyboards. However this one, created by maker and developer Thomas, also referred to as Thpoll, amps issues up by splitting the keyboard into two separate halves and utilizing keycaps with built-in OLED shows.
This keyboard options 36 particular person per PCB, which is meant to offer an ergonomic factor to its design. Along with the keys, Thomas opted to incorporate a rotary encoder on one aspect. This may be programmed for a wide range of capabilities like a media controller to regulate issues like quantity.
The thought behind this keyboard design is to make it straightforward for customers who use a number of layouts or converse a number of languages to alter the characters on every key as wanted. As a substitute of swapping out keycaps, customers can simply program the OLEDs to show no matter they need on the press of a button.
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As we acknowledged earlier, the keyboard is powered by an RP2040 which serves as its most important processor. The venture additionally required the event of a few customized PCBs which Thomas created from scratch. The Gerber information had been made out there for anybody who desires to take a better have a look at their design or probably modify them for their very own creation. These are designed to help the keys, encoder, in addition to the OLED shows which might be positioned contained in the keys.
Thomas has shared loads of particulars concerning the OLED keyboard venture progress up to now. When requested concerning the software program aspect of issues, he confirmed the keyboard was programmed utilizing C which is among the extra well-liked decisions together with MicroPython, so it’s no shock to see it used right here. He’s additionally utilizing QMK firmware which is designed to assist program customized keyboards.
If you wish to get a better have a look at this Raspberry Pi venture, check out the unique thread shared to Twitter to see a demo of it in motion. You may also comply with Thomas at Ko-fi to learn extra detailed updates about its creation progress. Make sure you comply with Thomas for extra updates and in addition to any future microelectronics tasks.