2 layers
Bias controller
loxodes/vna
Under development open hardware microwave vector network analyzer
203 parts205
2 layers447 × 124 mm
Keyboard
joshitha-c/keyboardNomadKeys is a compact mechanical keyboard that I designed for people who need a reliable keyboard while travelling.
- Size
- 447 × 124 mm
- Copper layers
- 2
- Thickness
- 1.6 mm
- Parts
- 203
- Nets
- 148
- Pads
- 774
- Tracks, vias
- 1,220, 264
- Routed
- Yes
- KiCad
- KiCad 10.0 (file 20260206)
- Created
- 15 Jul 2026
- Updated
- 3 Aug 2026
Overview
Keyboard is an open-source printed circuit board by joshitha-c, from the joshitha-c/keyboard repository on GitHub. It is a 2-layer board of 447 × 124 mm with 203 parts on 148 nets, routed with 1,220 tracks and 264 vias.
Its parts include 103 switches, 98 diodes and 1 IC. It belongs with the keyboards and input boards and the RP2040 boards of this library.
README
README.mdTravel keyboard
NomadKeys is a compact mechanical keyboard that I designed for people who need a reliable keyboard while travelling. The idea behind this project was to create something that is small enough to carry in a backpack without giving up the feel of a mechanical keyboard.
The keyboard is built around the Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040) and uses a standard keyboard matrix with 1N4148 diodes for reliable key scanning. An I²C GPIO expander is used to increase the number of available input pins, and a rotary encoder provides an extra control that can be programmed for different functions.
The hardware was designed in KiCad 8 and can be used with firmware such as QMK or KMK.
Project Goals
The main goals of this project were to:
- Build a compact keyboard that is easy to carry while travelling.
- Reduce the number of GPIO pins required by using a keyboard matrix.
- Prevent ghosting by adding a diode to every switch.
- Include a rotary encoder for additional controls.
- Keep the design simple enough to assemble and modify.
Features
- Raspberry Pi Pico (RP2040)
- Compact layout for travel
- Mechanical switches
- 6 × 20 keyboard matrix
- 1N4148 diode on every switch
- I²C GPIO expander
- Rotary encoder with push button
- USB connectivity
Components
| Component | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi Pico | 1 |
| I²C GPIO Expander | 1 |
| Rotary Encoder | 1 |
| Mechanical Switches | Depends on layout |
| 1N4148 Diodes | One per switch |
| Custom PCB | 1 |
Future Improvements
There are still a few things I would like to add in future revisions:
- Bluetooth support
- Rechargeable battery
- OLED display
- VIA/Vial compatibility
- RGB lighting
Software
- KiCad
- Fusion 360
About This Project
This keyboard was developed as a personal hardware project to explore keyboard design using the RP2040. It combines PCB design,cad project into a single project while focusing on creating a compact keyboard that is practical for travelling.
schematics:
pcb:
cad file:
[Image blocked: Uploading image.png…]
Parts
203| Qty | Value | Footprint | References |
|---|---|---|---|
| 98 | 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 +82 |
| 98 | SW_Push | PCM_marbastlib-mx:SW_MX_1u | SW1, SW2, SW10, SW11, SW12, SW13, SW14, SW15, SW16, SW18, SW19, SW20, SW21, SW22, SW23, SW24 +82 |
| 3 | MX_stab | PCM_marbastlib-mx:STAB_MX_2u | S1, S2, S3 |
| 1 | MCP23008-xML | Package_DFN_QFN:QFN-20-1EP_4x4mm_P0.5mm_EP2.7x2.7mm | U1 |
| 1 | MX_stab | PCM_marbastlib-mx:STAB_MX_6u | S4 |
| 1 | RaspberryPi_Pico | Module:RaspberryPi_Pico_Common_THT | A1 |
| 1 | RotaryEncoder | Rotary_Encoder:RotaryEncoder_Alps_EC11E_Vertical_H20mm | SW17 |
Questions
How big is the Keyboard PCB?
It measures 447 × 124 mm and has 2 copper layers, 1.6 mm thick.
What parts does the Keyboard use?
203 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 Keyboard KiCad files?
From the joshitha-c/keyboard repository on GitHub, at the commit this page was made from: the board is keyboard.kicad_pcb and its schematic keyboard.kicad_sch. PCBKit opens the board in the browser, with nothing to install.
Can I use the Keyboard design in my own project?
Its repository states no licence, so its author keeps all rights: ask joshitha-c before reusing the design.
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