Required
PCB socket
A socket for making the hot-swap structure. It is normally used with a dedicated PCB, but this design reuses it as a standalone part.
- Usage
- Switch removal and replacement
Keyboard Parts
Parts List
This configuration can be used to build the Internal Wire Split Keyboard. Prices and stock change, so check the latest details at each linked page.
required
Required parts
Required
28AWG high-temperature soft silicone twisted wire
Cable used for wiring inside the grooves of the plate.
- Usage
- Keyboard matrix wiring
- Note
- Check that the wire thickness fits inside the groove.
Required
Tinned copper wire (0.6mm, 10m)
Solid wire used for keyboard matrix and fixed wiring between parts.
- Usage
- Keyboard matrix and fixed wiring
- Note
- Check the bending and soldering positions while routing it.
Required
Diode
A component used to prevent reverse current in the key matrix.
- Usage
- Key matrix rectification and ghosting prevention
- Note
- Check the orientation before soldering; reversed diodes can prevent key input from being detected correctly.
Required
Seeed XIAO RP2040
The microcontroller used to control the keyboard.
- Usage
- Keyboard control
- Note
- For future wireless versions, this part may be replaced with another microcontroller.
Required
I2C I/O expander MCP23017
An I/O expander used to increase available GPIO.
- Usage
- Keyboard matrix input/output expansion
Required
uxcell universal PCB prototype board, FR-4, 2cm x 8cm
A small universal PCB used to organize the microcontroller and I/O expander area.
- Usage
- Control board assembly
- Note
- Check the placement and mounting method for the required size.
Required
3.5mm 4-pole mini jack for PCB mounting MJ-4PP-9
A jack for receiving the cable used to connect the left and right halves of the split keyboard.
- Usage
- Connection between keyboard halves
- Note
- Check the pin arrangement and cable specification before wiring.
Required
Audio cable
Used to connect the left and right halves of a split keyboard.
- Usage
- Connection between keyboard halves
- Note
- Check whether the cable matches the required TRRS specification.
Required
Mechanical keyboard switch
Low-profile switches used for key input.
- Usage
- Key input
- Note
- This design is for low-profile switches only. Standard MX switches cannot be used.
structure
Structure parts
Required
PLA filament
Used for 3D printed case, plate, and top cover parts.
- Usage
- 3D printed structure parts
Recommended
Heat-set insert nut
Used to add metal threads to 3D printed parts.
- Usage
- Case fastening and repeated assembly
- Note
- Check that the size matches the screw diameter.
tools
Tools and work aids
Required
Soldering iron
A temperature-controlled model is recommended.
- Usage
- Soldering wires, sockets, and microcontroller connections
Required
Solder
Use general solder for electronics work.
- Usage
- Electrical connections
Recommended
Tweezers
Used when placing wires into grooves. Without it, the work becomes harder.
- Usage
- Fine wiring work
Recommended
Flux
Used to stabilize solder flow.
- Usage
- Stabilizing soldering work
Useful
DIP IC puller ICP-20
A tool for removing or correcting IC and socket parts.
- Usage
- Part removal and correction work
Design Note
How this configuration works
In typical handwiring, the builder decides the wiring route and solders while holding wires in the air. In internal wire, the plate defines the route first, and the wire can be soldered after it is fixed in place. This configuration is not for making a perfect build; it is for completing the build.
Switch compatibility
This design is for low-profile switches only. Standard MX switches cannot be used.