2 layers105.4 × 215.6 mm
MIDI Sax
hackclub/OnBoard
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75 parts915
2 layers116.3 × 141.3 mm
Physics keyboard
chubbiloo/physics-keyboard33-key mechanical keyboard for writing physics and math
- Size
- 116.3 × 141.3 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 75
- Nets
- 67
- Pads
- 288
- Tracks, vias
- 204, 0
- Pours
- 1
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 11 Aug 2026
- Updated
- 4 Nov 2026
Overview
Physics keyboard is an open-source printed circuit board by chubbiloo, from the chubbiloo/physics-keyboard repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 116.3 × 141.3 mm with 75 parts on 67 nets, routed with 204 tracks and 0 vias.
Its parts include 36 switches and 33 diodes. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the RP2040 boards of this library.
README
README.mdphysics-keyboard
A 33-key mechanical keyboard for writing physics and math.
Features
- Greek letter input
- Math symbol input
- Left and right shift keys allow for 53 unique characters
- Caps Lock-like key allows switching between LaTeX and plain unicode output
- Compact square shape; similar in size to a large numpad/macropad
Tools
- PCB design: KiCad, marbastlib
- CAD: OnShape
- Keycap lettering: Tinkercad
- Firmware: QMK
Firmware
WinCompose is required for unicode input on Windows. For Mac or Linux, change UNICODE_SELECTED_MODES in config.h. Copy this folder into your keyboards directory after setting up QMK, then build and flash the firmware. QMK docs
Motivation
In our last years of high school, we wrote several lab reports in IB Physics which required us to input mathematical equations. We built this keyboard to make that process easier, in our classes in university.
What we learned
Before this project, we wrote our formulae in the Google Docs equation editor. This project helped us learn LaTeX, a faster and more advanced tool than what we used previously. We also learned PCB design, including best practices for routing and design rule checking.
Parts
75| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 33 | 1N4148 | Diode_THT:D_DO-35_SOD27_P7.62mm_Horizontal | D1, D2, D10, D11, D12, D13, D14, D15, D16, D17, D18, D19, D20, D21, D22, D23 +17 |
| 33 | SW_Push | PCM_marbastlib-mx:SW_MX_1u | SW1, SW2, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW17, SW18, SW19, SW20, SW21, SW22, SW23 +17 |
| 5 | MountingHole | MountingHole:MountingHole_2.2mm_M2 | H1, H2, H3, H4, H5 |
| 3 | MX_stab | PCM_marbastlib-mx:STAB_MX_2u | S1, S2, S3 |
| 1 | RaspberryPi_Pico | Module:RaspberryPi_Pico_Common_THT | A1 |
Questions
How big is the Physics keyboard PCB?
It measures 116.3 × 141.3 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Physics keyboard use?
75 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 Physics keyboard KiCad files?
From the chubbiloo/physics-keyboard repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is pcb/physics-keyboard.kicad_pcb and its schematic pcb/physics-keyboard.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Physics keyboard design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask chubbiloo before reusing the design.
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