Left render

Liaison

Liaison is a wireless 36-key split keyboard that leverages custom keycaps, splay, and tenting for ergonomics.

Video showcase:
Fit and layout
Typing test

Components

Case and Tenting Legs

Here you can find models for the case and magsafe tenting legs.
Print 1 of each of the following:

• top left
• top right
• bottom left
• bottom right

Tenting legs (optional)
Dongle case (optional)

Required Parts

[!NOTE] Keycap dimensions must be ≤17.85mm wide and ≤18mm deep. All standard choc keycaps will fit.

Optional Parts for Tenting Legs and Magnetic USB

Firmware

Here you can find the liaison's ZMK module. The firmware is configured for dongle usage, however you may fork the repo if you prefer to not use a dongle.

Build Guide

1. Order the pcb and acquire the case

• Download the left and right pcb zip files.
• Upload the zip files to your pcb manufacturer of choice, then place an order. I used jlcpcb.
• Acquire the case:
  • If you own a 3d printer: print the case.
  • If you don't own a 3d printer: order the case prints using these files.

2. Order parts

3. Flash and test the microcontrollers

[!IMPORTANT] Flash your microcontrollers with firmware and test them before doing any soldering. Once the microcontrollers are soldered, they will be nearly impossible to remove without the right tools.

• Flash the firmware.
• Test to make sure that the microcontrollers are working and not defective (defective units are rare, but it happens).

4. Solder components to top face of pcb

• Set your soldering iron to 350C.
• Solder the microcontrollers, diodes, reset switch, power switch, and battery connector to the top face of the pcb.
• The battery connector can be tricky to solder. But once you get the hang of it, it's pretty easy. Here are some tips from Kim:

  Apply flux on both the pcb pads and battery connector pins
  Tin both corner pads with solder
  Solder connector to the first corner by applying heat to the corner metal pin from above
  Then do the same for the second corner
  Apply more flux to connector pins and PCB pads
  Apply solder to underside of soldering tip
  Drag iron from side to side over the contacts until they are soldered. The solder will just jump to where it needs to go
  Make sure to clean the flux thoroughly

• The power button needs to face downward. Trim the power switch legs to size before installing. Secure the power switch in place with kapton tape after soldering.

5. Check your work

• This step is optional, but I like to check my work before moving on to soldering the other side of the pcb.
• Make sure all diodes are oriented correctly. All lines or arrows should be pointing left.
• Set your multimeter to continuity mode.
• Check connections and look for bridging.
• Fix any solder joints as needed.

6. Solder components to bottom face of pcb

[!IMPORTANT] Hotswap socket orientation matters. The sockets must align with the silkscreen or the bottom case will not fit.

• Solder the hotswap sockets to the bottom face of the pcb.
• Optional: check your work with a multimeter.

7. Battery installation

• Plug the battery into the connector.
• Use kapton tape to secure the battery within the silkscreen outline.

8. Case assembly

• With your soldering iron set to 300C, push heatset inserts into the 4 holes on the top case.
• Insert the pcb.
• Attach the bottom case and secure it in place with the M2 screws.
  • If the bottom case doesn't sit flush in the area around the reset switch, then you may need to trim the reset switch legs.
• Cut silicone sheet to size and adhere to the corners of the bottom case.
• Insert the switches and keycaps.

9. (Optional) Tenting assembly

• Screw the magsafe pucks onto the tenting legs.
• Adhere magsafe plate to bottom case.
• Cut silicone sheet to size and adhere to bottom of tenting legs.

Photos

Thanks

These people and many more helped make this keyboard possible. Yall are legends.

MrZealot
Pseudoku
petejohanson
caksoylar(bravekarma)
jcmkk3
ceoloide
infused-kim
Flatfootfox
sadekbaroudi
zzeneg
joelspadin
wolfwood
claussen
Geist
rmwphd(atinyzubat)
fish
Araxia
honorless
elkepenin
reeves