2 layers100 × 100 mm
2 layers413.5 × 148.4 mm
VBoard
arivvid27/vBoardThe goal was to build a reliable, tactile, and comfortable typing tool tailored for high-volume daily classroom use.
- Size
- 413.5 × 148.4 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 215
- Nets
- 131
- Pads
- 1,152
- Tracks, vias
- 1,335, 253
- Pours
- 2
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 2 Sep 2026
- Updated
- 26 Oct 2026
Overview
VBoard is an open-source printed circuit board by arivvid27, from the arivvid27/vBoard repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 413.5 × 148.4 mm with 215 parts on 131 nets, routed with 1,335 tracks and 253 vias.
Its parts include 104 switches and 98 diodes. It belongs with the RP2040 boards of this library.
README
README.mdvBoard
Overview
This project is a custom-built mechanical keyboard created to replace a failing, non-ergonomic office keyboard used by my English teacher, which was causing him noticeable hand strain during long grading sessions.
The goal was to build a reliable, tactile, and comfortable typing tool tailored for high-volume daily classroom use.
Why I Built It
- Solving a Real Problem: Standard membrane office keyboards lack tactile feedback, force heavy bottom-outs, and offer no ergonomic support. Watching a favorite teacher struggle with physical discomfort on a broken board made this a high-impact problem to solve.
- Hands-on Curiosity: I had always wanted to build a custom mechanical keyboard from scratch to learn about hardware assembly, switch physics, and custom keymapping.
Features & Specs
- Ergonomic Layout: Compact footprint designed to reduce unnecessary reach and wrist movement.
- Tactile Switches: Selected for clear physical feedback without requiring excessive actuation force, helping reduce finger fatigue.
- Custom Keycaps: Clean, comfortable profile designed for long typing sessions.
What I Learned
- Hardware Assembly: Learned component compatibility across PCBs, plates, switches, and stabilizers, along with basic soldering and hardware assembly.
- Ergonomics & Physical Health: Explored how keycap profiles, switch actuation points, and board angles directly affect wrist strain and overall typing comfort.
- Firmware Configuration: Discovered how to program custom keymaps and function layers to streamline everyday typing and shortcut tasks.
Pinout:
Finished Schematic in KiCad
Finished PCB in KiCad
PCB in CAD:
Finished CAD Models:
Pricing:
PCB Fabrication:
Amazon Cart with Parts:
IRL Build (Will post later)
Parts
215| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 1N4148 | Diode_SMD:D_SOD-123 | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +82 |
| 97 | SW_Push | PCM_marbastlib-mx:SW_MX_HS_CPG151101S11_1u | SW1, SW2, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SW21, SW22, SW23 +81 |
| 12 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_3.2mm_M3 | H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H9, H10, H11, H12 |
| 5 | MX_stab | PCM_marbastlib-mx:STAB_MX_P_2u | S1, S2, S3, S4, S5 |
| 1 | MX_stab | PCM_marbastlib-mx:STAB_MX_P_6.25u | S11 |
| 1 | RaspberryPi_Pico | Module:RaspberryPi_Pico_Common_THT | A1 |
| 1 | RotaryEncoder_Switch | Rotary_Encoder:RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC11E-Switch_Vertical_H20mm | SW98 |
Questions
How big is the VBoard PCB?
It measures 413.5 × 148.4 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the VBoard use?
215 parts. The full list of its parts is on this page, with links to each part's symbol and footprint where PCBKit's library has them.
Where can I download the VBoard KiCad files?
From the arivvid27/vBoard repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is PCB FILES/vBoard/vBoard.kicad_pcb and its schematic PCB FILES/vBoard/vBoard.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the VBoard design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask arivvid27 before reusing the design.
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