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Wings60

Wings60 is an open source split keyboard designed after trying many existing split layouts.

Why this layout

This keyboard is different in:

• Improved key access for the thumb cluster, two 1.5u key with good access.
• Uses a natural thumb cluster orientation selected after testing many existing layouts.
• Uses the most popular column stagger.
• Keeps the same PCB usable for wired or wireless builds, including a power slide switch, JST PH2.0 battery plug, and between-halves interconnects on the PCB.
• Uses USB-C for wired interconnect between halves, it can be hot-plugged without damaging microcontrollers.
• Supports pro-micro pinout controllers such as Nice!Nano, Pro Micro ATmega32u4, and Pro Micro RP2040.
• Uses low-power RGB LEDs (SK6803 mini-e), which draw less power than common WS2812B and SK6812 variants.
• Includes a slide switch to cut LED power for zero LED idle current in power-conscious assemblies.
• Stays compact while keeping a top number row.

How to assemble

[!WARNING] If you use a 3V microcontroller (for example Nice!Nano or RP2040), do not plug a powered USB cable into the between-halves interconnect USB-C port. With a standard usb c cable and device, this would not be an issue bacause the CC pin on the interconnect is not connected. With a floating CC pin the device would not power the USB-C port. However, some USB-A to USB-C cables or devices do not comply with this standard and present 5v to the USB-C VBUS anyway, and this can damage the microcontroller. To make it mistake proof:

• For nice! nano compatible and wireless builds print the case with interconect port covered
• For wired builds with 3V microcontrollers do not connect he VCC pin on microcontroller to the pcb (don't pin if using mill max or similar pins, clip the pin if using ez solder, etc.) and bridge the VCC pin of the PCB to RAW using a short wire on back of the PCB

[!WARNING] Before soldering switches, make sure the microcontroller USB connector is clearly accessible in your chosen case. After switches are soldered, the case top is sandwiched between switches and PCB, and changing the top case becomes difficult. If you want to be able to remove the PCB more easily, check the PCB-mount-switches case variant in case.

Bill of materials

• See designs in case, pick one and print it. You can also design your own case around the Case design outline, both dxf and svg are included.
• Sockets for MCU: one of EZ-Solder Machine Sockets or a 40-pin machined IC breakable female header strip with Mill-Max pins is recommended for a total socket height of 4.5-5mm. This works best with the 3D printable case designs in case. Check USB connector height after assembly against the case USB opening. If your USB sits higher/lower, use the adjustable USB case variant described in case/readme.md. A good guide to socketing microcontrollers is available here: Machine pin socket guide
• Two pro micros: use any board with firmware already available in firmware, or any pro-micro-pinout compatible board and adjust firmware as needed. For wireless, use Nice!Nano or compatible SuperMini nRF52840.
• Either 4x 9-10mm standoffs with 4x M2x8 and 4x M2x4 screws for each half, or 4x M2x4 heat inserts with the heat-insert-compatible case bottom. See case/readme.md.
• Non-slip rubber feet, 4x per half. 6mm diameter x 2mm height works well.
• [Wired only] A USB-C to USB-C cable for connecting the right and left halves.
• [Wireless only] A JST PH2.0 battery up to 5mm height. Check dimensions against the case if using the designs in case.
• Switches and keycaps.

Wired build

1. Flash firmware using instructions here firmware/readme.md
2. Solder and socket the microcontrollers to PCBs, face down. USB side must face the PCB. A good socketing guide: Splitkb microcontroller guide
3. Check USB height to make sure it fits the case designs in case. If it fits fixed-USB, use that variant; otherwise adjust USB height in the movable/adjustable variant in your slicer.
4. Fit switches to the case, minding pin orientation.

5. Fit the PCB to the case with flat side toward switches and components facing away from switches, so switch pins come out through the PCB. PCB should rest on the bottom of the switches. You may need gentle pressure for switch mounting pins to pop in.
6. Check no switch has popped out, and all switches are firmly seated on top of the case top side. Then solder all switch legs to the PCB.
7. If using standoff bottoms, screw each standoff to the case with M2x8 screws. V-shaped heads sit flush in the top-side recesses.
8. Screw case bottoms to standoffs using M2x4 screws, then apply non-slip feet.
9. If using heat-insert bottoms, install heat inserts and fit the bottom to the top using M4x8 screws.

The halves can now be connected using the USB-C cable. Connect one microcontroller to your PC (either half, but not both).

Use Vial to configure the keyboard. Configuration is saved to the half connected to the PC.

Wireless build

TBD